Oikocredit invests US$ 5 million in Yellow to support growth of solar energy in Africa

Social impact investor Oikocredit is providing a loan of US$ 5 million to Yellow, a supplier of pay-as-you-go off-grid solar solutions and appliances. With this loan, Yellow plans to bring access to electricity to an estimated 89,000 underserved households in sub-Saharan Africa.

With Oikocredit's support, Yellow will be able to give low-income people in Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda and Zambia both access to clean energy and a path to ownership of off-grid solar products that can be extended to fit users' growing energy needs. Access to renewable electricity will support households in improving their living standards, increasing their earning potential and achieving lives of greater dignity.

Since its inception in 2018, Yellow has pioneered and provided solar energy solutions for low-income communities. It has sold more than 300,000 energy devices to date, helping improve the lives of more than 1,500,000 people with clean energy access. Furthermore, Yellow has been providing meaningful economic opportunities for more than 1,200 people by employing them as agents.

To date, renewable energy generated by Yellow's solar home systems has avoided approximately 442,671 metric tonnes of CO₂ equivalent by replacing kerosene lanterns and diesel generators.

Michael Heyink, Founder and CEO at Yellow, said: "We are delighted to be partnering with Oikocredit on this transformational facility. This loan will enable us to access local currency funding in multiple jurisdictions, providing our business with greater scope to serve more customers and better."

Siebren Wilschut, Investment Officer at Oikocredit, said: "We're very pleased to support Yellow, one of the fastest growing companies in the industry, in its expansion to provide greater access to energy across Africa. With this investment, we continue our commitment to achieving higher social impact in sub-Saharan Africa through investments in renewable energy. Our partnership with Yellow will enable the company to increase its social impact by helping low-income people become healthier, improve their livelihoods and be better connected."

About Yellow

Yellow provides smart finance and solar and digital technology solutions for everyday African households. It uses technology and digital systems to meet basic needs on an affordable and scalable basis.

For more information: www.yellow.africa

About Oikocredit

Social impact investor and worldwide cooperative Oikocredit has over 45 years of experience funding organisations active in financial inclusion, agriculture and renewable energy.

Oikocredit's loans, equity investments and capacity building aim to enable people on low incomes in Africa, Asia and Latin America to improve their living standards sustainably.

Oikocredit finances over 500 partners, with total outstanding capital of € 1,049.3 million (at September 2022).

For more information: www.oikocredit.coop.

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Note for editors

For more information or to request an interview, please contact:

Viviana Cordero, Communications Business Partner, Oikocredit International, telephone: +31 33 422 4040, email: vcordero@oikocredit.org

Michael Heyink, CEO, Yellow, telephone: +27 76 212 2765, email: mike@yellow.africa