Sustainable energy tech firm launches in largest city of key growth market

MOPO, a Sheffield-based technology company specialising in sustainable energy provision through pay-per-use battery rentals, has officially launched operations in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

This expansion follows the signing of a $7m/£5.5m finance facility with British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor.

Since entering the DRC in quarter two 2024 – one of the world’s least electrified nations, where over 80% of its 100m million people still lack access to electricity – MOPO has expanded its operations to six cities.

This now includes Kinshasa, the country’s capital and home to 17 million people, which is a key market for the company’s MOPO50, a compact, solar-powered battery designed to provide energy for lighting, mobile phones, and small appliances.

Customers can rent, return, and replace MOPO50 batteries at local solar-powered hubs, managed by community agents.

This approach is designed to deliver affordable electricity to individuals and small businesses without the burden of high upfront costs or consumer debt, while also offering a cleaner, more cost-effective alternative to traditional carbon-based fuels.

Chris Longbottom, CEO of MOPO, said: “The DRC is a key growth market for MOPO, so launching operations in its largest city, Kinshasa, is a major milestone.

“With a population of 17 million – equivalent to London and New York combined – our mission goes beyond closing the energy gap; we aim to power the city’s future, drive economic growth, and create a lasting impact.

“This funding from BII marks the beginning of a long-term partnership, accelerating our expansion and enabling us to provide affordable, reliable energy to millions across the country.”

He added that MOPO has recently achieved another milestone – surpassing 23 million rentals across Sub-Saharan Africa.