African energy access gets $1.6m boost

The money will be used to supply home lighting products to more than 7,000 off-grid customers in rural Zambia

A solar firm helping improve energy access in Africa has been awarded $1.6 million (£1.26m) from the Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF).

The investment will help Kazang Solar deliver affordable Azuri Quad solar home lighting products to more than 7,000 off-grid customers in rural parts of Zambia.

The Azuri Quad solar home lighting system uses artificial intelligence to monitor weather conditions and learns customer usage patterns to adjust output to ensure a full night’s power.

It includes a 10W solar panel, four bright LED lights, a USB port and connectors for mobile phone charging, a radio and a rechargeable torch.

The move follows the UK and Zambian governments recent partnership to support the growth of the sustainable energy sector.

Simon Bransfield-Garth, CEO of Azuri, said: “This is an exciting new development for Kazang and Azuri as both companies ramp up efforts to bring reliable solar home solutions to homes in Zambia.”

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