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M-Kopa Solar: Lighting up the Dark Continent

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  • Charu Rastogi

Abstract

M-Kopa Solar is a pay-as-you-go provider of solar home systems, catering to low-income, off-grid customers in East Africa. The company goes by the tagline, ‘Power for Everyone’. Using mobile payments system and an innovative approach to energy delivery, M-Kopa succeeded in building a business which solved a grave problem for the poorest of the poor and has the potential to become a billion dollar enterprise. The case begins with a description of the background in which M-Kopa is operating. It goes on to explain how M-Kopa used the infrastructure gap in sub-Saharan Africa as an opportunity and propagated solar power as an alternative to traditional energy. Finally, it lays out the challenges M-Kopa may face on its expansion spree.

Suggested Citation

  • Charu Rastogi, 2018. "M-Kopa Solar: Lighting up the Dark Continent," South Asian Journal of Business and Management Cases, , vol. 7(2), pages 93-103, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:sajbmc:v:7:y:2018:i:2:p:93-103
    DOI: 10.1177/2277977918774648
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kathleen Beegle & Luc Christiaensen & Andrew Dabalen & Isis Gaddis, 2016. "Poverty in a Rising Africa," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 22575.
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    1. Ranganai Chidembo & Joseph Francis & Simbarashe Kativhu, 2022. "Rural Households’ Perceptions of the Adoption of Rooftop Solar Photovoltaics in Vhembe District, South Africa," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-11, August.

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