Azuri Technologies launches solar satellite TV and home lighting system in Zambia
Azuri Technologies has launched its solar satellite television and home lighting system for off-grid households in Zambia.
The launch follows a $26million equity investment in Milton-based company, designed to accelerate plans to roll-out its pay-as-you-go solar solutions across sub-Saharan Africa.
Azuri CEO Simon Bransfield-Garth said: “Azuri believes African consumers, regardless of wherever they may live, should be able to access affordable modern digital services and devices that have a positive impact on daily life and on livelihoods.”
“Pay-as-you-go solar power is connecting off-grid households to the modern digital world through reliable, clean energy and highly efficient products such as AzuriTV, which delivers social and economic benefits that many urban users have experienced for years.”
The Zambia launch of its 24-inch TV and home lighting system took place at the British High Commission in Lusaka.
British High Commissioner Fergus Cochrane-Dyet said: “Solar power has the potential to transform the lives of millions of people who are still living off the grid.
“Azuri embodies the pioneering spirit of innovation for which the UK is globally renowned. The launch today showcases the cutting-edge technology and expert services that British firms can offer to rapidly expanding markets across Africa.”
Azuri was the first to offer a complete solar TV and satellite package for off-grid consumers in Africa.
Its customers pay for their solar and satellite TV service through weekly instalments. Once paid for, all future energy generated is free of charge.
The minister for energy, Matthew Nkhuwa, said: “Renewable energy such as that offered by Azuri can is a catalyst for rural development through improved access to information, improved productivity and new employment opportunities, as well as supporting Zambia’s commitment to mitigating climate change.”
Azuri has been providing solar home solutions in sub-Saharan Africa since 2012 and has been delivering clean energy to Zambians in partnership with locally-based distributor Kazang Solar since 2016.
Televisions were the second most desired off-grid appliance after solar lighting in a recent study.
The AzuriTV package includes a 24-inch TV with 49 popular Zuku satellite TV channels and over 50 radio channels. It comes complete with solar home lighting, rechargeable radio, torch and mobile phone charging and costs from 98 Zambian kwacha (£5.98) per week.
One of the programmes available, Shamba Shape Up, a popular rural programme in East Africa offering farming tips and advice, reports that 80 per cent of viewers on average increase income, produce and/or food for their households by making simple changes recommended by the show.
Read more
$26m investment for Azuri Technologies will help it extend solar home solutions in Africa
Azuri Technologies praised by Prime Minister during Africa trade trip
Azuri Technologies wins international Edison Award for bringing solar-powered TV to rural Africa