Chargebyte deploys mobile charging stations to address African power challenges

Kenyan tech startup Chargebyte is addressing the widespread challenge of unreliable electricity and internet access across Africa with its hybrid mobile charging and connectivity stations. These stations are designed, assembled, and deployed in high-traffic public areas, providing a much-needed service in locations prone to frequent power outages.

The company was founded in 2023 to meet a significant demand for dependable public power and connectivity, particularly in off-grid and underserved urban settings. "While mobile connectivity is widely available across Africa, reliable electricity is not. Power outages frequently disrupt digital payments, communication, and small businesses," said Quinter Ochieng, Chargebyte's founder and CEO. Existing solutions, he noted, focused on home power or private generators, leaving a gap for shared infrastructure.

Chargebyte's stations offer both power charging and Wi-Fi access, capable of serving up to 200 users per hour. This enables individuals to keep their phones and digital services operational during power disruptions. The company has deployed 32 stations to date, attracting over 7,000 repeat monthly users, primarily traders, transport users, and students who rely heavily on mobile devices for their livelihoods. "Repeat usage has been a key indicator of product–market fit," Ochieng stated.

The company recently signed an agreement with UNICEF-GIGA to deploy an additional 30 units, a move expected to add over 10,000 new users monthly by Q1 2026. Chargebyte also confirmed expansion into Rwanda in 2026 through a UNICEF partnership, with further plans for South Africa and Senegal. The startup, which monetizes through pay-per-use services, institutional agreements, advertising, and data insights, is currently seeking funding for its next phase of growth and regional expansion.