Q&A: Why Solar Panda expanded to Zambia

From the newsletter

Zambia is facing one of its worst power shortages in years, creating a clear opening for off-grid players. Solar Panda has responded by acquiring Vitalite Zambia to speed up its expansion. We spoke with Managing Director Oli Machado-Bowler about why this moment matters, what the market signals show and how PAYGo fits into the company’s plans.

• It’s been an exciting year for Solar Panda. Having spent close to ten years in Kenya, the company expanded into Senegal, Zambia and Benin in less than half a year.

• Mr Machado-Bowler sees strong upside in Zambia’s off-grid market. “We’re seeing demand from people who weren’t the intended market, which says a lot about the size of the opportunity.”