The mobile solar revolution is coming and the company behind one of the fastest expanding off-grid solar companies in Africa believe that it will transform things for the small-business economy of Nigeria. Nigeria’s SME’s have major struggles when it comes to access to power and currently thousands are turning to Lumos’ Mobile Electricity service. This provides them with a source of solar electricity that it reliable, clean and above all affordable.
The CEO of Lumos Nigeria, Yuri Tsitrinbaum, believes the nation’s electricity supply gap can be bridged thanks to the availability of solar solutions. The wave of clean energy sweeping across Africa has the potential to transform the fortunes of businesses who are currently without access to the grid.
NOIPolls recently conducted a survey which revealed that 61% of Nigeria’s SME’s currently pay out between ₦500 – ₦1000 on fuel each day. A survey carried out by ODI found that up to 85% of Nigeria’s small and micro businesses completely rely on their electricity supply being provided by generators. If these SME’s want to reduce these costs to as little as ₦150 per day mobile electricity services can help them achieve this.
In partnership with MTN, Lumos’ Mobile Electricity service is a viable alternative to noisy and polluting generators. The Y’ello, which is available from MTN stores nationwide, is offering a solution to the millions of Nigerians who currently don’t have a source of dependable electricity.
There has been a rapid increase in the number of SME’s that are thriving, courtesy of the Y’ello box which supplies a reliable and affordable power source, this Mobile Electricity service is attractive to SME’s; the affordability and reliability allowing them to do away with the costs of fuel and maintenance; allowing them to increase their trading hours and therefore profits.
Earlier this year US Ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symington, praised Y’ello box for the service they are providing to SME’s and health clinics; a service that should help Nigeria “fulfil its full economic potential”.
Nigeria is currently in the throes of a power revolution; everyday life demands greater access to electricity, and in order for businesses to grow these demands need to be met. Access to power is vital to unleash the true potential of any thriving business community and this must follow in the aftermath of a power revolution.
Lumos currently provide a source of solar power to over 200,000 people which is clean and affordable, these include business owners and households. Their aim is to provide 1 million Nigerians with clean and affordable electricity by the end of the year.
