British International Investment (BII) has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing energy access across Africa, leveraging its distinctive position and track record to drive early-stage solutions.
Speaking at the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, Leslie Maasdorp, CEO of BII, emphasized the institution’s dedication to expanding clean energy solutions in partnership with African governments and institutions like the African Development Bank.
“As a long-term partner to Africa, BII has a strong history of investing in energy solutions that improve access for millions,” Maasdorp stated. “We welcome the partnership of African governments and institutions to make this ambition a reality.”
Since 2017, BII has invested over $1 billion in sub-Saharan African energy projects, spanning renewable power generation, transmission, storage, and distributed renewable energy (DRE) solutions, including mini grids. Currently, the institution backs 50 projects that provide clean energy to over 26 million people across the continent. Notably, its investments include Africa’s largest solar and battery energy storage project, as well as an initiative in Burundi aimed at connecting nine million people to the grid.
With the UK Government’s backing, BII can take on elevated risks, supplying patient and risk-bearing capital crucial for the uncertain and lengthy process of energy project development. This, Maasdorp noted, aligns with the objectives of Mission 300, which aims to accelerate access to sustainable energy across Africa.
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BII’s impact is evident through its collaboration with Globeleq, supporting project development in markets typically overlooked by commercial developers. Additionally, the institution launched Gridworks, a new platform dedicated to electricity transmission and distribution investments, addressing one of Africa’s most critical energy access challenges.
During the summit, BII announced a $7 million investment in MOPO, a UK-based technology company focused on sustainable battery rental solutions for individuals and businesses. The investment is expected to reach over a million people in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where energy access remains limited.
Looking ahead, BII expressed its ambition to expand its efforts by collaborating with African governments and Mission 300 partners to introduce innovative solutions, new business models, and modernized regulations. The institution also highlighted the role of private sector investments in alleviating bottlenecks in energy transmission and distribution.
BII’s delegation at the summit included CEO Leslie Maasdorp, Chris Chijiutomi, Managing Director and Head of Africa, and Geoffrey Manley, Director and Head of Energy Access and Efficiency.