Ethiopian Startup Launches Power Bank Rental Service
An Ethiopian technology startup, MyCharge Technology PLC, has unveiled a new power bank rental and sharing service aimed at creating an on-demand mobile charging infrastructure in Addis Ababa.
Users can rent power banks from more than 60 stations across the city after registering on the app. The power banks can be returned at any station within 72 hours. Access requires an initial deposit of 2,000 Birr into the MyCharge wallet, which is refunded when the device is returned.
Nahom Solomon, General Manager of MyCharge, explained the rationale behind the launch: “The rapid adoption of technology across Ethiopia complements the introduction of the service into the market.” He added that stations holding up to 40 power banks each have been placed in strategic, high-demand locations.
“For the time being, we are not requiring fees for the rentals,” Solomon said. However, he indicated that once the service becomes widely used, a fee structure of 20 Birr per hour, capped at 200 Birr per day, will be introduced. Customers will receive notifications to return the power banks after 48 hours.
The startup, just four months old, plans to expand to 150 stations by the end of the year. Solomon noted, “We will have 150 stations by the end of the year.” He also revealed plans to remove the initial deposit by integrating with national ID systems and financial institutions in the future.
The power banks, capable of fully charging two smartphones, are accessed by scanning QR codes at the stations, with payments accepted via Telebirr and the Chapa payment gateway. Each station features up to 25-inch digital screens, offering new advertising opportunities.
Power bank rental is a growing industry in Asia, particularly in countries like Japan and China, where the market is expected to reach $15.9 billion by 2030. MyCharge aims to extend its network to approximately 250 stations across Ethiopia by the end of 2026, positioning itself at the forefront of East Africa’s tech innovation.
The service is accessible through a mobile app available in Amharic, Oromiffa, and English.