Izili Group Acquires Qotto, Boosts African Energy Access

Izili Group has significantly broadened its operational footprint across Africa by completing the acquisition of Qotto, a solar solutions provider with a strong presence in Benin and Burkina Faso. This strategic move, finalized in January 2026, extends Izili's reach to a total of six nations, solidifying its position as a key player in the continent's off-grid energy sector. The integration of Qotto's expertise and market penetration in Francophone West Africa is expected to accelerate Izili's mission to provide reliable and affordable energy solutions to underserved populations.

The acquisition marks a pivotal moment for Izili, which rebranded from Baobab+ in September 2025 following a majority investment from BioLite in April 2025. This expansion into Benin and Burkina Faso adds to Izili's existing operations in Senegal, Madagascar, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria. The company's strategy focuses on delivering Pay-As-You-Go energy systems, a model that has proven effective in making solar power accessible to households and small businesses that lack connection to traditional electricity grids. The off-grid solar market in Africa is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing demand for clean energy and the limitations of existing infrastructure, with projections indicating continued expansion in the coming years.

Complementing this strategic acquisition, Izili Group also secured a substantial financial commitment of $5 million through a convertible bond arrangement with the Off-Grid Energy Access Fund (OGEF). This infusion of capital is earmarked to fuel Izili's ambitious growth plans. The company aims to distribute over 170,000 solar solutions and more than 120,000 digital products by 2028, underscoring a commitment to scaling its impact and reaching a wider customer base.

Qotto has established a commendable reputation for its innovative approach to delivering solar power to remote communities and entrepreneurs. Their success in Benin and Burkina Faso highlights the significant unmet demand for energy services in these regions. By joining forces with Izili, Qotto's co-founder, Jean Baptiste Lenoir, expressed optimism about creating a formidable entity in rural electrification, emphasizing the synergy with BioLite in this endeavor.

Kolawole Osinowski, CEO of Izili Group, articulated the significance of this integration, stating, "This acquisition represents a significant moment in Izili's evolution. We are genuinely proud and enthusiastic about welcoming Qotto's teams." This sentiment reflects the strategic importance of integrating Qotto's operational capabilities and local market knowledge into Izili's broader pan-African strategy. The combined entity is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing opportunities within the African energy access market, which is estimated to be worth billions of dollars.

The consolidation of Izili and Qotto, backed by OGEF's funding, signals a strong confidence in the off-grid energy sector's potential. This development is indicative of a broader trend where companies are consolidating to achieve economies of scale and enhance their ability to serve vast, often challenging, markets. The focus on digital products alongside solar solutions also points towards a more integrated approach to empowering rural economies, offering not just light but also connectivity and productivity tools.