Wassha

About Wassha

Wassha is a Japanese company that provides energy-as-a-service (EaaS) and mobility financing to off-grid communities in Africa. Founded in 2013 by Satoshi Akita, a former business consultant at IBM Japan, and Dr. Rikiya Abe, a professor at the University of Tokyo, the company was initially named Digital Grid Solutions. It was rebranded as WASSHA, which means “to ignite” in Swahili, in December 2017. Akita was inspired to start the business after recognizing the significant market potential and social impact of rural electrification in Africa.

Wassha’s core business model revolves around providing affordable rental access to solar-powered devices for individuals and micro-entrepreneurs in areas without reliable electricity. The company partners with local kiosks and small retail shops, providing them with solar charging stations at no upfront cost. These kiosks then rent out devices like LED lanterns to the local community on a daily, pay-per-use basis, facilitated by mobile money technology. This model eliminates the high initial cost barrier for end-users, who often have insecure incomes. The system allows Wassha to remotely monitor transactions, customer data, and power generation. This strategy has enabled the company to build a vast distribution network, with thousands of agents across countries including Tanzania, Uganda, Mozambique, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The service offers a safer and brighter alternative to traditional kerosene lamps, which carry risks of fire and respiratory illnesses. By extending business hours for shop owners and enabling activities after dark, the service helps to improve income levels and living standards. Beyond lighting, Wassha has expanded its offerings into a broader platform, leveraging its kiosk network. In a significant strategic expansion, the company entered the mobility sector by acquiring Zaribee, a Kenyan fintech startup specializing in rent-to-own financing for motorcycle taxis (boda bodas), in January 2026. This allows Wassha to offer financing for income-generating assets to the same customer base it serves with its energy solutions.

Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Wassha has raised significant funding from a diverse group of investors. The company has secured over $11.4 million through multiple funding rounds, including a Series C round in June 2022. Its investors include UTEC, Dai-Ichi Life, Daikin, Mistletoe, Yamaha Motor, and Marubeni Corporation. This financial backing supports the company's expansion, product development, and market penetration initiatives.