MOPO, a UK-based technology company dedicated to sustainable energy access, has secured a £5 million investment from Norfund, the Norwegian development finance institution. This strategic funding marks another major endorsement of MOPO’s innovative solar-powered battery rental model, which has already attracted support from Octopus Energy and British International Investment (BII).
MOPO operates a pay-per-use battery rental system that delivers clean and dependable energy to households and businesses through solar charging hubs managed by local agents. With active operations in Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Chad, and Uganda, MOPO has completed over 28 million rentals, demonstrating both scale and impact.
The company’s two flagship products include:
- MOPO50: Designed for basic energy needs such as lighting, phone charging, and powering small appliances.
- MOPOMax: Built for higher-load applications including generators, small businesses, and e-mobility solutions, offering a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels.
Chris Longbottom, CEO of MOPO, said:
We’re delighted to welcome Norfund as the latest major investor to join the MOPO journey. This is a strong signal that our model—combining impact, innovation, and commercial return—is working. With Octopus and BII already behind us, Norfund’s support reinforces the belief that MOPO is a standout solution to the clean energy challenge. Demand is growing fast across sub-Saharan Africa, and this investment will help us scale even faster to meet it.
Norfund’s investment reflects its commitment to supporting climate-friendly solutions in underserved markets. The institution sees MOPO’s model as a powerful tool for expanding energy access in regions where infrastructure is limited and fossil fuel dependence remains high.
Pål Helgesen, Investment Director at Norfund, said:
MOPO has demonstrated innovation in its offerings, providing climate-friendly solutions that improve energy access in particularly challenging markets. We are proud to support MOPO’s ongoing expansion and its efforts to bring sustainable energy to those who need it most.
With this new capital injection, MOPO plans to accelerate its growth across Africa, deepen its local partnerships, and continue developing scalable, tech-driven solutions that address energy poverty. The investment will also support the company’s mission to replace polluting energy sources with clean, affordable alternatives, empowering communities and driving inclusive development.
