MOPO, a UK-based company specialising in pay-per-use battery technology, has reached a major milestone by completing its 20 millionth battery rental in sub-Saharan Africa.
This marks a huge achievement in the company’s mission to provide clean, affordable energy to millions of low-income families and businesses across both urban and rural communities.
“We’re revolutionising power access,” says Chris Longbottom, CEO of MOPO. “Our proprietary batteries and pay per use rental model are transforming energy for millions.”
With its two types of batteries – the compact MOPO50, designed for lighting, phone charging, and DC appliances, and the more powerful MOPOMax, used to replace fossil fuel generators or as a battery swap for e-motorbike taxis – users can simply rent, return and replace a battery from local solar-powered hubs/power stations across Africa.
Its pay-per-use model makes it possible for even low-income families and small businesses to access electricity without needing to buy expensive equipment upfront.
“We’re not just about providing energy; we’re about making it affordable, clean, and secure,” Longbottom explains.
“Whether for lighting homes, charging devices, or powering e-mobility, MOPO’s batteries provide a lifeline for millions and contribute to socio-economic development while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. This is all done at a significantly reduced cost to existing power sources and at a huge environmental benefit.”
Each MOPO battery is equipped with proprietary technology that ensures energy is only released after agent payment via the MOPO App, even in offline settings. Additionally, the batteries are continuously tracked through the MOPO Platform, allowing the Company to monitor usage, location, and recycling readiness.
In areas where reliable energy is hard to come by, MOPO’s clean and affordable power solution has dramatically improved daily life and productivity. With over 650 million people in Africa lacking access to grid electricity, the impact is profound. “Before MOPO, I had to hold a torch in my mouth to work at night,” said one user. “Now, with a MOPO light, it’s much easier to work, and it’s also safer to walk at night.”
Working with a team of world-leading partners including the University of Sheffield, MOPO is already operating in countries including Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Chad, Sierra Leone, and Uganda, and plans to expand across the continent.
“We’re just getting started,” says Longbottom. “Our 20 million battery rentals are just the beginning of our mission to bring clean energy to all, and we’re ready to take this even further.”
