Despite significant efforts to date, nearly 40% of the rural population in Kenya don’t have access to electricity currently, demonstrating the urgent need for energy solutions in the country[1]. Access to clean energy (SDG7) is a core sustainable development goal, proven to have strong social and economic benefits. Bboxx and Sunlight will be deploying their strengths and resources to tackle this issue head on.
This partnership complements Bboxx’s existing services and footprint in Kenya, with Sunlight’s heritage and distribution capacity set to create new channels to reach consumers in Kenya. Through joining forces, Bboxx and Sunlight will connect an additional 1 million people in Kenya, providing access to essential clean energy products and services over the next three years.
Mansoor Hamayun, CEO and Co-Founder of Bboxx, said: “At Bboxx, we understand the importance of partnering with industry leaders to achieve the best positive outcomes for our customers. We are therefore delighted to be partnering with one of the leading FMCG players, enabling us to deliver clean energy access to millions of households across Kenya.
"Not only is this a step towards the UN’s SDG 7, clean energy for all, but it is also a marker of our expansion into other sectors, allowing us to have a more positive and widespread impact on the lives of the local communities we are present in. Like Unilever, we pride ourselves on being a trusted service provider in our respective fields, and we look forward to building on this partnership as we launch into additional markets in the future.”
On his part, Unilever Home Care Director, Henry Muchauraya echoed that he was extremely proud of this timely and impactful initiative adding that it would go a long way in transforming the lives of many Kenyans.
“In line with Unilever’s purpose, to make sustainable living common place, our Sunlight brand is on a proud mission in partnership with Bboxx to not only help the community access clean power through our vast distribution networks but also ensure that they experience the value of its many products under the Sunlight Masterbrand. In line with Sunlight’s Women of More program, we are also looking to uplift thousands of female entrepreneurs across the country, through training and access to extra sources of income,” said Henry.
The partnership will drive combined marketing campaigns and mobilise agents with resources and training to promote clean energy solutions. It will also serve as a new source of income for Unilever’s retailer network, comprising of more than 60% female entrepreneurs.
In addition, a cross promotional agreement between Bboxx and the Sunlight mega brand will reward customers with free Sunlight products when they make payments towards their solar home systems.
The partnership marks the first of many between Bboxx and Sunlight, spanning Bboxx’s wide range of products and services, starting in Kenya before geographically expanding throughout the continent with the aim of positively transforming the lives of 5 million people over the next 10 years across a multitude of markets.
