Solar powered charging stations to the rescue

In today’s digital age, a dead phone might as well be a matter of life and death because a moment of disconnection can have a major impact on your personal or professional life.

Quinter Ochieng’s journey into tech innovation began during one of those very moments. With a powerless phone and no immediate solution, the frustrating experience sparked a simple yet revolutionary idea:

“Why not create a network of smart, solar-powered charging stations that keep people connected wherever they are?” she wondered to herself.

Drawing on backgrounds in a Micro MBA in Commerce from Strathmore University, as well as Media Production from the University of Nairobi and Cinematography from Canada’s Cinema Feast, it was seamless setting out to turn ideas into reality.

Charge24 Africa was born out of this spark in 2023, which she terms “a movement designed to tackle Africa’s connectivity challenges head-on.”

Imagine an “Uber for phone charging”. The process of hiring begins with scanning a QR code, then the client proceeds to rent a portable power bank from one of the strategically placed stations, and then charges their device on the go after which it is returned to the company’s nearest station.

“Whether you’re in a busy mall, at an airport, or even in a remote off-grid community, were are there to bridge the gap,” says Quinter.

She works with a team consisting of experts in various fields to ensure the success and smooth running of the business. They include individuals from IT, developers, and sales executives.

“The smart charging stations are strategically placed in high-traffic areas such as malls, airports, bus and railway stations, hospitals, shopping centers, and even concert venues,” she explains.

The latest locations that the company has installed the stations in Nairobi are MP Shah Hospital, Ad Life Plaza, My Town Square, Mawimbi Restaurant, and Strathmore University, as they eye the outskirts of the city.

Quinter points out that these locations were carefully chosen to ensure that users could always find a place to charge their devices while on the go.

Additionally, one of the key factors driving the growing demand for the service is the increasing number of individuals spending more time away from home and relying heavily on their smartphones for communication, navigation, and entertainment. As people’s dependence on mobile devices continues to rise, the need for accessible charging solutions has been growing rapidly.

“With the population of people owning more than one gadget increasing every day, the convenience of these stations has quickly become indispensable,” she adds.

Charge24 ensures that users are never disconnected from important communication, even when they are on the move. This is especially vital on busy days when finding time to charge a phone might not be easy or feasible.

The idea comes with real needs in mind, especially for developing countries. Whether it’s a commuter in need of a quick charge during a brief stop between train rides, a parent anxiously waiting for an urgent call from a doctor, or a traveler looking for a power boost before boarding a flight, the charging stations provide a vital link to the modern, mobile-connected world.

Fast-paced

“The service has quickly become a trusted resource for anyone in need of staying powered up while juggling the demands of a fast-paced, on-the-go lifestyle, ensuring that users remain connected no matter where they are,” she says.

The power bank rentals are priced at Sh100 per hour, with a security deposit, ensuring that the service is affordable and accessible to a wide range of users.

“We strategically place our machines in high-footfall areas, ensuring both convenience and accessibility,” she adds.

By choosing prime locations, the venture maximises its reach and ensures that users can easily find a charging station when they need it the most.

What sets this business apart from other similar services is its commitment to sustainability. The machines are eco-friendly, with solar-powered options available, positioning Charge24 as a leader in sustainable connectivity solutions.

“Beyond simply providing power, we seamlessly integrate digital advertising into our smart charging stations, offering businesses a robust, data-driven platform to engage consumers in real-time while ensuring that people stay connected,” she adds.

Solar energy

This innovative combination of technology and advertising is transforming the way businesses can connect with mobile, on-the-go clients in high-traffic locations.

By harnessing solar energy and cutting-edge technology, the business is not only keeping people powered up but also reimagining the way communities interact with technology, creating a sustainable future where connectivity and green energy go hand in hand.

“We are far more than just a power bank rental service, we are an AI-powered advertising platform. This enables businesses to display ads on our digital screens, reaching (a significant number of consumers) daily with highly targeted, real-time messaging,” she adds.

The advertising element introduces a unique opportunity for businesses to engage with a wide and diverse audience in previously unavailable ways, positioning Charge24 as a powerful tool in modern marketing.

Since its inception, the business has witnessed impressive growth. The service now has over 5,000 monthly users in major cities in Kenya, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, and Nakuru.

Quinter and her team are continuously working with a vision to ensure that the company is more than just a service, but a commitment to creating a smarter, greener, and more connected Africa, where technology and sustainability coexist to elevate the everyday experience.

“While Kenya is our starting point, our vision extends across Africa, empowering communities with sustainable and innovative energy solutions,” she notes.

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