M-kopa
M-KOPA, headquartered in Kenya, is a leading pay-as-you-go (PAYG) solar energy company. Founded in 2011 by Jesse Moore, Nick Hughes, and Chad Larson, the company aims to bring affordable solar solutions to off-grid communities across Africa. It combines technology and microfinance to provide households with solar kits on a flexible payment plan.
M-KOPA’s offering includes solar panels, batteries, lights, and appliances such as TVs and radios. Customers make small daily payments through mobile money services, enabling access to clean energy without upfront costs. The company has expanded its product range to include smartphones, fridges, and other essential items, maintaining its PAYG model.
By 2023, M-KOPA had reached over 3 million customers in countries like Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, and Ghana. The company has raised over $200 million in funding from investors like Generation Investment Management and CDC Group, making it a pioneer in combining clean tech and financial inclusion.