Lessons from HelloSolar’s integrated distribution/mobile money model in Ethiopia

In August 2019 we promoted early pilot findings on the launch of HelloSolar, a new enterprise established with co-funding with the UK government and USAID that sought to integrate a new Pay-As-You-Go solar business with an existing mobile money operator in Ethiopia.

Early positive business results and high satisfaction levels among new customers saw us extend our support to help HelloSolar expand into new regions and grow their sales.

As of January 2020, HelloSolar has gone from a total of 500 customers to more than 5,000 within 12 months. They now operate from 37 sales points in five regions: Somali, Amhara, Gambella, Oromia and Southern Nations, Nationalities and People’s Region (SNNPR). Two more regions will also be entering the HelloSolar portfolio as well as new products focusing on SMEs and farming needs.

In this latest report, they highlight the learnings they have seen whilst experiencing such rapid growth in a market with substantial challenges in areas telecommunications and regulations. Their lessons include:

Market Learnings	Enterprise Learnings	Product and Customer Learnings
ForEx risks	Funding Gaps	Customer Outreach
Regulatory environments	IT Systems	Default Risks
Customs and market delays	Distributions	Reaching the Last Mile
	After-Sales	Product/Market Fit
		Partnerships

 

Download the full report [2MB]