{
  "id": 4851820,
  "title": "Epson targets Africa’s power-constrained SMEs with low-energy technology",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/epson-targets-africas-power-constrained-smes-with-low-energy",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-01T11:17:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Capital Business",
    "slug": "capital-business",
    "url": "https://capitalfm.africa/epson-targets-africas-power-constrained-smes-with-low-energy-technology/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "NAIROBI, Kenya – Epson is intensifying its expansion into Africa's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), targeting businesses and consumers who seek to reduce operating expenses due to unreliable electricity and high energy costs. The Japanese technology giant argues that the rapid digitization across Africa is driving demand for printing and projection devices that can function efficiently in regions with inconsistent power supply. Neil Colquhoun, Epson's President for Africa, Middle East, and West and Central Asia, highlights the company's focus on affordability, energy efficiency, and user-friendliness as key factors in driving technology adoption in Africa's predominantly SME-driven economy. Colquhoun emphasizes that Epson's technology can operate effectively even in remote, rural locations where alternative power sources like inverters or solar panels are necessary. The company is championing its Heat-Free PrecisionCore printing technology, which significantly reduces energy consumption compared to traditional laser systems, alongside ink-tank printers that minimize the need for frequent cartridge replacements. Colquhoun stresses that these products are designed to offer high-quality performance while minimizing power usage and maintenance, allowing customers to focus on their operations without worrying about the equipment. Epson's regional sales have grown by approximately 20 percent year-on-year, driven by demand for consumer and business printing, scanning, projection, and professional printing services. To bolster its presence, Epson is forging local partnerships and enhancing its brand visibility across Africa, South America, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Turkey. The company has established a 250-square-meter office in Nairobi, serving as its East African headquarters and featuring a demonstration space where customers can evaluate its products. Colquhoun anticipates that this local base will enable Epson to gain deeper insights into regional customer requirements and potentially develop market-specific solutions for East and West African customers. This strategic move underscores the expanding opportunities for technology companies in emerging markets, where the provision of affordable, energy-efficient equipment often holds as much importance as advanced functionalities in attracting customers.",
  "summary": "NAIROBI, Kenya, Sept 1 – Epson is stepping up its push into Africa’s small business and emerging markets, targeting enterprises and consumers seeking to cut operating costs as unreliable electricity…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}