WEST AFRICA – Bboxx, the UK-based power company, has expanded its footprint in Africa by acquiring pay-as-you-go solar company, PEG Africa.
The acquisition will transform the continent’s utility sector by making Bboxx and its group of companies the largest network in Africa for utility services and a driving force behind access to goods and services for underserved communities.
PEG is a solar energy pioneer in West Africa and has one of the broadest footprints in the region with operations in four countries, close to 100 service centres and more than 500 employees.
PEG has expanded rapidly across West Africa, reaching one million people with its solar home systems (SHS) in Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Mali.
“We founded Bboxx 12 years ago to transform lives and unlock the potential of billions of underserved customers through access to essential products and services, including clean energy, clean cooking and financial services,” Mansoor Hamayun, CEO and co-founder of Bboxx, said.
“While we have made great strides in this mission, there is still plenty more to do. In West Africa alone, there are over 150 million people with no access to electricity. By gaining access to new markets and utilising PEG’s impressive operational experience, we will strive to change that.”
Through the acquisition of PEG, Bboxx consolidates its position as a leading source of clean energy solutions in Africa, with over 35MW of installed solar capacity.
PEG customers will now benefit from Bboxx’s super platform, offering an extensive range of products and services including additional solar home systems (SHS), clean cooking solutions, accessible finance products, and mobile phone technology.
In turn, Bboxx will gain access to new customers and markets, as well as PEG’s extensive operational experience and credit capabilities, which generates the best portfolio quality in the industry.
All customers will be managed through Bboxx’s proprietary, fully integrated operating system, Bboxx Pulse. The deal represents the first time that Bboxx Pulse has been used to integrate a new company, as well as its services and customers, into the Bboxx fold.
It marks a major step forward as Bboxx progresses with its transition from being mostly a provider of clean energy solutions, to becoming a super platform, providing access to goods, services and utilities to underserved rural communities and aspiring urban ones across Africa.
“We have built a pioneering energy provider in West Africa and have been extraordinarily lucky to do it with a group of remarkable people who are passionate about making a positive impact in the world,” Hugh Whalan, CEO and co-founder of PEG Africa, commented.
“We look forward to having an even greater impact with the bigger scale that is achieved through joining forces with Bboxx.”
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