Sheffield-based technology firm MOPO, specialising in sustainable energy solutions via pay-per-use battery rentals, has secured funding from British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor.

This investment will accelerate MOPO’s battery rental expansion in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a crucial market in the company’s roll-out strategy. The move aims to transform access to affordable and sustainable energy for millions of households and businesses in Africa’s urban and rural communities that currently lack stable or sufficient grid infrastructure.

MOPO provides two battery rental options: the compact MOPO50, suitable for lighting, phone charging, and powering DC appliances, and the larger MOPOMax, designed to replace petrol generators or serve as battery swaps for e-motorbike taxis, powering 230V appliances. The pay-per-use model allows customers to rent, return, and replace these batteries at MOPO’s solar-powered hubs, managed by local agents. This innovative approach eliminates the need for costly upfront investments, reduces consumer debt, and offers a cleaner, more affordable alternative to traditional carbon-based fuel generation.

Chris Longbottom, CEO of MOPO, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership:

“We are delighted to collaborate with BII, which has acknowledged the significance of our innovative pay-per-use battery rental model. At MOPO, our mission is to create a high-impact, sustainable solution that empowers households and small businesses by providing access to electricity without the burden of costly upfront equipment purchases. This partnership aligns perfectly with BII’s mandate to finance initiatives that drive social and economic development. Together, we aim to make clean, affordable energy accessible to those who need it most, fostering growth within the communities we serve.”

Since launching operations in the DRC in Q2 2024, MOPO has established a presence in six cities. The new financing from BII’s Climate Innovation Facility will enable the company to triple its service capacity in the region within the next 12 months, aiming to reach over a million people.

With less than 17% of the DRC’s population currently having access to electricity, MOPO’s expansion is particularly significant. The World Bank ranks the DRC among the world’s 10 least electrified countries, highlighting the urgent need for MOPO’s innovative solutions.

Longbottom continued:

“We recently achieved a significant milestone, surpassing 23 million rentals across Sub-Saharan Africa, with the DRC emerging as one of our key growth markets. With a population exceeding 100 million and over 80% lacking access to electricity, the need in this country for our service is both compelling and substantial. This financing from BII marks the beginning of what we envision as a long-term partnership, enabling us to accelerate our ambitious growth strategy in the DRC and make a transformative impact on the lives of millions by delivering reliable and affordable energy solutions.”

Chris Chijiutomi, Managing Director and Head of Africa at BII, described MOPO’s transformative potential:

“Imagine a battery that can power everything from phones to fridges, lights, and larger appliances, enabling businesses even in the most remote locations to thrive when the supply of electricity is non-existent or unreliable. Backing energy access is a key priority for BII to drive sustainable economic growth, particularly in Africa’s frontier markets, including the DRC. By supporting innovative businesses like MOPO, we aim to create more early-stage solutions to address significant energy deficits across the continent. We look forward to supporting MOPO as it delivers on its expansion plans and makes access to energy possible for more Africans.”

Lord Collins of Highbury, UK Minister for Africa, commended the partnership, saying:

“This innovative partnership between British International Investment and MOPO demonstrates how UK expertise and investment can help unlock sustainable economic growth in Africa. By bringing reliable, clean energy solutions to households and businesses, we’re driving green development while creating opportunities for UK and African businesses alike. This is part of the UK’s approach to working with African partners to tackle climate change and boost economic prosperity through smart, sustainable technologies.”

With MOPO’s innovative battery rental model and BII’s commitment to impact-driven investment, this partnership has the potential to redefine energy accessibility in one of the world’s most underserved markets.

Pictured: MOPO Max Seamstress.