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BRITISH start-up Azuri Technologies has entered into partnership with a Zimbabwean telecommunications company TeleAccess to bring off-grid solar energy to low income households.

Azuri is a commercial provider of pay-as-you-go solar systems and TeleAccess will be the distributor.

The partners have targeted to cover 250,000 households in the next 12 months for the system, which is used for lighting and charging mobile phones. “I’m developing a significant investment portfolio in renewable energy solutions for Zimbabwe, and I see Azuri’s technology and pay as you go business model as a perfect fit for Zimbabwe and the sub-region market,” said TeleAccess chairman Daniel Shumba at the signing ceremony.

About 11 countries in Southern Africa already use the Azuri solar system.

TeleAcess was granted a licence to set up Zimbabwe’s second fixed line network after the state-owned TelOne, but failed to raise funds and its licence was cancelled in 2006. It appealed the decision and its case is currently before the Administrative Court.

Azuri’s entry-level PayGo solar home system provides 8 hours of clean lighting each day. Users pay a one-off installation fee and a $1, 50 weekly top-up. – The Source.