Solar-powered TVs and smartphones that are optimized for the company’s off-grid solar systems will be assembled at the new plant. With the ability to expand as demand increases, it will be able to produce up to 700,000 units a year.
“This facility enables us to harness Africa’s talent and inventiveness while delivering affordable, high-quality products,” stated T. Patrick Walsh, CEO and co-founder of Sun King.
Sun King’s new factory in Nairobi is a sign of increased interest in renewable energy companies and a drive to expand closer to their African clientele. Businesses like Sun King and Spiro, which recently secured $100 million to expand their e-motorcycle network, are wagering that the continent’s next major growth wave will come from producing climate-friendly technologies domestically as demand for inexpensive solar power and electric mobility rises.
To grow its business in Kenya, Sun King obtained a KES 20 billion ($156 million) loan in July from a consortium of banks and development financing organizations. With its pay-as-you-go solar solutions, the company will be able to reach about 1.4 million low-income families and small enterprises thanks to the funding, which is organized through future consumer repayments.
The Nairobi plant will help shorten supply chains, save shipping costs, and increase product accessibility, according to the company, which serves millions of clients throughout Asia and Africa. In order to improve regional supply and manufacturing networks, it intends to establish a second factory in Nigeria in the future.
Sun King hopes to reduce its environmental effect and increase value inside local economies by moving production to Africa.
“Our new Kenyan facility reflects Sun King’s long-term partnership with governments and communities to advance Africa’s manufacturing capacity,” stated Wale Aboyade, senior vice-president for government relations and public policy at the firm.
Sun King’s investment comes with rising investor interest in cleantech and climate-focused sectors, as well as an acceleration of the continent’s need for inexpensive, clean energy.
