Kenya’s Chargebyte is tackling the continent’s power shortfalls by rolling out mobile charging and connectivity stations in busy public spots across Africa.
Mobile stations bring power and Wi‑Fi to underserved areas
Founded in 2023, the Nairobi‑based startup built its first units after noticing a gap between widespread mobile coverage and unreliable electricity. “While mobile connectivity is widely available across Africa, reliable electricity is not,” said founder and CEO Quinter Ochieng in an interview.
Each station can accommodate roughly 200 users per hour, according to the company’s specifications. They are placed in markets, transport hubs, university campuses and community centers where grid power is erratic. The goal is to keep phones, digital wallets and online services functional during frequent outages.
To date, 32 stations have been installed, and the operator reports more than 7,000 repeat monthly users. “Stations in high‑traffic locations reach near‑capacity during peak hours, with repeat usage driven by traders, transport users, students, and small businesses that rely on mobile phones for payments and communication,” Ochieng said.
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Partnerships and expansion plans
Chargebyte has secured a key agreement with UNICEF‑GIGA to deploy an additional 30 units. The partnership is expected to add over 10,000 new users per month by the first quarter of 2026. The company also plans to enter Rwanda in 2026, again in collaboration with UNICEF, and is eyeing further rollouts in South Africa and Senegal.
Revenue comes from pay‑per‑use charging, Wi‑Fi fees, institutional contracts, advertising and data insights. Early earnings are already being generated from the deployed stations. Ochieng noted the firm is preparing for its next fundraising round to fund regional scaling.
From a practical standpoint, the stations could become a lifeline for street vendors who need to process mobile money transactions, or for students who rely on online learning platforms. By offering a reliable power source in places where the grid fails, the service reduces transaction delays and helps small enterprises stay afloat during blackouts.
Challenges and outlook
Operating in off‑grid environments presents logistical hurdles, such as transporting equipment to remote sites and maintaining battery health. Nevertheless, the repeat‑usage metric suggests the model resonates with users who have few alternatives. The company’s reliance on non‑dilutive grant funding initially helped it avoid early equity dilution, but scaling will likely require additional capital.
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Chargebyte’s approach differs from traditional private generators that serve individual households. By focusing on shared, public‑access power and connectivity, the startup aims to fill a niche that has been largely ignored by larger utilities.
Success will hinge on replicating uptake in new markets.
If the expansion proceeds as outlined, the network could reach several hundred stations across multiple countries within the next few years.
