Reliable electricity and internet access remain major challenges for millions of people across Africa, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Kenyan technology start-up ChargeByte is working to change that through solar-powered charging and connectivity stations that provide clean energy, internet access and digital services where they are needed most.
The company’s innovative solution has now received global recognition after winning the SME & Startup Category at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 Awards, beating competitors from 62 countries. The award not only highlights ChargeByte’s technology but also demonstrates the growing ability of African start-ups to develop practical solutions to local challenges with global relevance.
ChargeByte’s platform combines solar energy with Internet of Things (IoT) technology to create intelligent charging and connectivity stations that can operate in areas with little or no access to electricity. The stations allow people to charge mobile phones, tablets, laptops and other electronic devices while also providing internet connectivity and access to digital services.
The impact of this technology extends far beyond powering devices. In education, schools can use the stations to support digital learning by ensuring that students and teachers have access to powered devices and online learning resources. Many schools in remote areas have struggled to fully adopt digital education because of unreliable electricity, despite increased investment in educational technology.
Healthcare facilities also stand to benefit. Clinics in off-grid communities can use the infrastructure to power communication devices, maintain digital medical records and support other essential equipment, helping improve healthcare services and patient care.
For small businesses, reliable electricity and internet access have become essential tools for daily operations. Entrepreneurs depend on smartphones, digital payment platforms and online communication to serve customers and grow their businesses. ChargeByte’s infrastructure allows traders and service providers to stay connected, process mobile payments and continue operating without frequent interruptions caused by power outages.
The company has also placed sustainability at the centre of its business model. By using clean solar energy instead of fossil fuels, ChargeByte helps reduce carbon emissions while lowering operating costs. The approach supports global efforts to expand renewable energy while improving electricity access for underserved communities.
In addition, the company aims to build a network of reliable energy and connectivity hubs that support economic activity and improve access to essential public services. These hubs are designed to help communities participate more actively in the digital economy while improving everyday quality of life.
A Kenyan Innovation Making a Global Impact
Winning at the Mobile World Congress, one of the world’s largest technology events, places ChargeByte among the world’s most promising emerging technology companies. The achievement also strengthens Kenya’s reputation as one of Africa’s leading technology and innovation hubs.
Rather than adapting solutions developed elsewhere, ChargeByte designed its platform specifically to address the energy and connectivity challenges faced by many African communities. Its success reflects a growing trend of African technology companies building locally relevant innovations with the potential to scale across the continent.
The company was founded by Chief Executive Officer Quinter Ochieng, who grew up in a rural Kenyan community where unreliable electricity and poor internet access were part of daily life. Motivated by those experiences, she established ChargeByte to bridge Africa’s energy and digital divide through clean, locally manufactured technology.
Under her leadership, the company has expanded from a local start-up into an internationally recognised clean technology business. ChargeByte has partnered with organisations including UNICEF, Giga and 500 Global while deploying its solar-powered charging and connectivity stations across Kenya and Rwanda. Ochieng has also earned recognition as one of Africa’s emerging technology leaders for promoting sustainable innovation and digital inclusion.
International Partnerships Paved the Way
Although the award was presented in Barcelona, ChargeByte’s international journey began several years earlier.
In 2024, UNICEF and Giga awarded the company a grant to deploy its solar-powered stations in off-grid schools across Rwanda, helping improve digital connectivity for underserved communities.
A year later, UNICEF, Giga and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) invited Ochieng to speak at Tech Spirit Barcelona, giving ChargeByte its first major international platform. That appearance eventually led to the company’s nomination for the MWCapital Awards and ultimately its victory at the 2026 Mobile World Congress Awards.
Following the international recognition, ChargeByte is expected to accelerate its expansion across Africa, where many countries continue to face significant electricity and connectivity challenges, particularly in rural areas. The award is also expected to increase the company’s visibility among investors, governments, development organisations and telecommunications companies looking to strengthen digital infrastructure in emerging markets.
