Sheffield Startup MOPO Secures £5M to Power Africa’s Green Energy Revolution

A wave of optimism is sweeping through Sheffield’s tech sector as green energy startup MOPO announces it has secured £5 million in funding from Norfund, the Norwegian government’s climate investment fund. The company, which has been steadily building its presence in Africa, is now poised to take a major step forward in its mission to deliver clean, affordable energy to communities where reliable power has long been out of reach.

At the heart of MOPO’s work is a rent-as-you-go battery system designed specifically for emerging markets. Instead of relying on costly and polluting petrol generators or struggling with fragile national grids, families and businesses can rent portable batteries from solar-powered charging hubs. Once charged, these batteries can power essentials like lighting and phone charging, while also supporting more energy-intensive uses such as refrigeration or small-scale machinery.

The model has already proven its worth. With support from major players including Octopus Energy and British International Investment, MOPO has expanded rapidly across countries such as Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Liberia, Chad, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. To date, the company has recorded more than 28 million rentals, an achievement that underlines both the demand for and the impact of its technology.

The University of Sheffield has also played a key role in MOPO’s journey, partnering with the company to refine its technology and bring down costs. This collaboration has allowed MOPO to scale while maintaining a focus on affordability, a crucial factor for communities where energy costs can eat into already tight household budgets. For users, the results have been transformative. In Sierra Leone, for example, one customer, Ibrahim Bangura, explained that MOPO batteries have not only provided stable power for his home but also enabled his children to study after dark and helped his small business stay competitive without the crippling expense of fuel.

For CEO Chris Longbottom, the Norfund investment is more than just financial backing; it is recognition that MOPO’s model is both commercially viable and socially impactful. He has described the deal as a strong signal that affordable, renewable energy delivery can compete with, and ultimately replace, outdated and polluting power sources. The funds will now be used to recruit new talent, expand infrastructure, and meet the growing demand in African markets.

MOPO’s story is as much about human progress as it is about technological innovation. What began as an idea in Sheffield has become a lifeline for thousands of families and entrepreneurs across Africa. With this new wave of investment, the company is set to accelerate its mission, offering a future where clean energy is no longer a privilege but a standard for all.