WiSolar pushes for affordability, wider continental penetration

South Africa-based pay-as-you-go solar company, which eliminates the need for costly upfront investments in solar infrastructure, WiSolar, is seeking to expand its footprint across Africa and increase the number of end-users with affordable energy access across the continent.

Managing Director of the organisation, Tonye Irims, in a release made available to The Guardian, insisted the continent needs to ensure that energy does not remain a luxury for millions of people.

With a rapidly growing population projected to almost double in the coming decade, countries like Nigeria are expected to lead the country to 2.5 billion people by 2050. This is up from 1.36 billion inhabitants in 2023.

The International Energy Agency puts the number of people without electricity on the continent in 2023 at around 600 million.

Irims said there is a need to reshape Africa’s energy narrative with WiSolar’s approach of making renewable energy an achievable reality for households and businesses with a flexible payment system.

He noted that the company is spearheading a movement to make clean, affordable solar power accessible to all with one prepaid credit at a time.

Inspired by platforms like Uber, which empowers users to purchase solar energy credits via a mobile app, Irims said in regions plagued by unreliable power grids, WiSolar’s solution is a lifeline, offering energy independence and reliability.

“Our mission is to democratise access to clean energy,” says Irims, who envisioned an Africa powered by sustainable solutions.

He said by offering transparent pricing, seamless installation, and user-friendly technology, WiSolar removes traditional barriers to solar adoption, creating opportunities for underserved communities across the continent.

Irims noted that the company is determined to foster sustainability and economic empowerment, adding that the move is backed by the belief that Africa doesn’t need to play catch-up in the clean energy revolution when it can lead it.

He said as WiSolar expands its footprint across Africa, the approach to energy access is proving that innovation and determination can overcome even the most entrenched challenges.