BII BACKS OKRA WITH $7M TO ACCELERATE CLEAN ENERGY

British International Investment (BII), the United Kingdom’s development finance institution, has committed $7 million in funding to Okra, a clean energy technology company, to support the expansion of reliable and affordable electricity solutions.

The investment is aimed at accelerating the deployment of Okra’s technology, which helps connect renewable energy systems and improve electricity access in underserved communities.

Okra develops software and hardware solutions that enable distributed energy providers to manage mini-grids and other decentralised power systems. Its technology allows multiple energy sources and networks to work together, helping operators deliver electricity more efficiently.

The funding is expected to support the company’s growth, strengthen its technology infrastructure and expand access to clean power in markets where unreliable electricity supply remains a major challenge.

Across Africa, millions of people and businesses continue to face limited access to dependable electricity. Decentralised renewable energy systems, including solar mini-grids, have increasingly become important alternatives to extending conventional power infrastructure to remote and underserved locations.

BII's investment reflects its broader strategy of supporting businesses that promote sustainable economic development, improve essential services and contribute to the transition towards cleaner energy.

For Okra, the backing represents an opportunity to scale its operations and strengthen its role in the growing distributed energy market.

The partnership also highlights the increasing interest of international development investors in technology-driven solutions capable of addressing Africa's electricity challenges while supporting environmental sustainability.