Off-grid electricity services company Bboxx of Britain is to launch a joint venture (JV) with French cotton producer Geocoton Advens Group to bring clean, reliable and affordable solar energy to 2 million people in Burkina Faso, the duo announced. This would mark the foray of Bboxx into Burkina Faso.
A pay-as-you-go (PAYG) solar home systems (SHS) company, Bboxx will implement this off-grid solution in Burkina Faso where Geocoton Advens Group employs local village farmers to grow cotton and supply internationally. Through the JV, this off-grid solar energy will be accessible to the country's cotton farming market and the wider value chain and distribution networks within these communities.
Bboxx said its solar solutions will provide energy access in the areas where Geocoton Advens operates, especially in the East and Northeast of the African country that suffers from not only energy but also economic insecurity.
"Forging strategic partnerships is core to how we bring together the financing and momentum required to provide millions of people with much-needed clean energy," said Bboxx CEO and Co-Founder Mansoor Hamayun. "This market entry is the first of many, and we've got an exciting pipeline of activity ahead of us on our mission to transform lives through access to energy."
The joint venture will employ more than 500 locals too, before expanding to other countries. Geocoton Advens has operations in several other countries of West and Central Africa. Bboxx said it will consider introducing additional services in the future as PAYG LPG clean cooking services and solar-powered water pumps for farmers.
In June 2021, the World Bank said it will support the African country procure 325 MW solar and 335 MWh battery storage in phases (see World Bank Approves $168 Million For Burkina Faso).