Energy Minister Mathew Nkhuwa says renewable energy is a catalyst for rural development through
improved access to information, improved productivity and new employment opportunities.
The minster was speaking during the launch of the Azuri Technologies 24-inch solar satellite television and home lighting system in Zambia at the British High Commission in Lusaka.
“Renewable energy such as that offered by Azuri 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,” said Nkhuwa.
And British High Commissioner to Zambia Fergus Cochrane-Dyet said solar power had the potential to transform the lives of millions of people who were still living off the grid in Zambia.
“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,” said High Commissioner Cochrane-Dyet.
Speaking at the same event, Azuri Chief Executive officer Bransfield Garth said that the company
believed in African consumers, regardless of wherever they may live and they should be able to access affordable modern digital services and devices that have a positive impact on daily life and on livelihoods.
“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,” said Garth.
“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 Azuri TV which delivers social and economic benefits that many urban users have experienced for years.”
The TV launch in Zambia comes on the heels of Azuri’s announced strategic $26 million equity
investment, accelerating the company’s expansion plans across sub-Saharan Africa.
The investment will help more off-grid customers across Zambia benefit from affordable, clean and reliable energy, as well as having access to modern energy-efficient appliances.
AzuriTV was the first complete solar TV and satellite package designed and developed for off-grid consumers in Africa.
Azuri customers pay for their solar and satellite TV service through regular weekly instalments, and once the system is paid for, all energy generated going forward is free of charge.
The company has been the leading commercial provider of pay-as-you-go solar home systems to off-grid consumers across sub-Saharan Africa since 2012. Working in partnership with locally-based distributor Kazang Solar, Azuri and has been delivering affordable, clean energy to Zambians since 2016.
