A next generation utility tackling the global energy poverty crisis, Bbbox has officially launched in Nigeria.
Bboxx will provide a much-needed solution to Nigeria’s electrification challenges by expanding access to clean, affordable and reliable Solar Home Systems (SHS).
By launching in Nigeria, Bboxx aims to provide clean energy to 20 million people over 10 years, avoiding more than four million CO2e emissions as a result. Ten thousand jobs will be created, spurring quality local green employment opportunities.
Operations have already successfully commenced in southwest Nigeria, with the first shop opening in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State. Over the course of the year, Bboxx will serve rural communities in other states including rural Lagos, Oyo, Ondo, Osun and Ekiti.
With 45% of Nigerians living without access to electricity, rising to 74% for the rural population, there is a significant opportunity to positively impact the lives of millions through clean energy provision.
Supporting rural electrification will be a key focus, and Bboxx is targeting small business owners and market traders in particular. SMEs are said to contribute 48% of national GDP, accounting for 96% of businesses and 84% of employment in Nigeria.
CEO and Co-Founder of Bboxx, Mansoor Hamayun noted that as the largest economy in Africa, it is hugely important that clean energy access is accelerated in Nigeria as the effort will positively transform people’s lives, powering inclusive and sustainable economic development.
“The off-grid clean energy market in Nigeria has significant untapped potential. As we expand our operations in the country, we’re empowering thriving SMEs and communities to unlock economic potential through affordable energy access. With COP26 just around the corner, we would love to open further dialogue with those who share our mission, as we firmly believe in the importance of partnerships to deliver meaningful change,” he stated
Florian Kemmerich, Managing Partner at Bamboo Capital Partners added: “Scaling access to capital is absolutely fundamental to the success of the off-grid energy sector in Nigeria. By deploying and unlocking greater levels of capital, there’s a huge market opportunity to bring clean energy to the millions of people living without it. We’re looking forward to Bboxx ramping up operations to make an even greater impact on the sustainable development of SMEs.”
Bboxx’s Pay-As-You-Go SHS makes energy access much more affordable as people only pay for what they use. In the future, Bboxx will also launch their wider range of products and services in the country, like LPG clean cooking solutions, solar-powered water pumps for farmers, smartphones and more. Prior to this launch, Bboxx’s SHS products were already available in some parts of Nigeria through its successful collaboration with distribution partner Pan African Solar (PAS).