First Bank of Nigeria Limited has announced a partnership with pay-as-you-go solar technology company, Azuri Technologies.
The partnership is expected to deepen financial inclusion in the country as well as bring affordable, reliable and clean power to millions of Nigerians.
Under the partnership, Azuri’s solar home TV product will be co-branded and co-marketed by FirstBank and Azuri.
Pay-as-you-go customers will be able to pay for their solar via FirstBank’s Firstmonie agent network and mobile payment solution. Firstmonie agents are positioned within rural and semi-urban locations across the country and provide basic financial services such as account opening, cash deposit, cash withdrawals and bill payments.
Speaking on the partnership, Azuri CEO, Simon Bransfield-Garth, and FirstBank CEO, Adesola Adeduntan, said the partnership was a positive step in providing much needed energy and enabling access to financial services in rural, low-income areas.
“This partnership combines the reach of FirstBank with Azuri’s technology and pay-as-you-go solar expertise to bring next generation power to off-grid consumers in Nigeria” said Mr Bransfield-Garth.
Mr Adeduntan said, “Financial inclusion is a priority with FirstBank and we are excited that with this partnership, our customers are able to access a wide range of services that address real problems such as access to power. With our over 16,000 Firstmonie Agents spread across the length and breadth of Nigeria, our customers are at an advantage in enjoying seamless financial services from the Bank that puts them first.”
Customers can make small weekly or monthly payments to unlock their system and power.
