Top 24 Energy Startups Pioneering Innovative Solutions in Africa 2025

In Summary

• Despite Africa's significant potential in renewable energy sources like wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal power, nearly one billion people lack access to clean cooking fuels.
• Over the years, a large part of Africa has been left out of the energy transition. Only 2% of global investments in renewable energy in the last two decades were made in Africa.
• Central and Southern Africa have abundant mineral resources essential to producing electric batteries, wind turbines, and other low-carbon technologies.
• Average annual investments in renewable energy grew ten-fold from less than USD 0.5 billion in the 2000-2009 period to USD 5 billion in 2010-2020.

Deep Dive!!

Africa has experienced a surge in the growth of renewable energy deployment in the last decade, but a lot still needs to be done to bridge the deficit. Within the period, more than 26 GW of renewables-based generation capacity was added – the largest additions were in solar energy.

Distributed renewable energy solutions, including stand-alone systems and mini-grids, are playing a steadily growing role in expanding electricity access in off-grid areas and strengthening supply in already connected areas.

Despite the difficult shift away from carbon-intensive energy sources, the energy transition – when accompanied by an appropriate policy basket – holds huge promise for Africa, experts say. The energy transition under IRENA’s 1.5°C Scenario pathway predicts 6.4% higher GDP, 3.5% higher economy-wide jobs and a 25.4% higher welfare index than that realized under current plans, on average up to 2050.

The surge in the growth of renewable energy experienced in Africa can be attributed to the activities of local innovative startups dedicated to addressing the continent's energy challenges through sustainable solutions. There are strong ambitions to increase access to green electricity through "Mission 300" initiatives, aiming to connect 300 million people by 2030, backed by significant investment from international organizations like the African Development Bank and World Bank; this includes a projected surge in solar, wind, and mini-grid solutions, particularly in regions with limited grid access.

Below, we have curated a list of the top 25 energy startups in Africa, detailing the year they were founded, country of origin, and seed capital raised to date. Check them out!

Top 24 Energy Startups Pioneering Innovative Solutions in Africa 2025

Note: This list is in no particular order

1. PEG Africa – Founded in 2013 [Ghana]: PEG Africa provides solar home systems on a financing basis to underserved communities in West Africa. By offering flexible repayment options via mobile money, the company makes solar energy accessible to low-income households and small businesses, improving electricity access, healthcare, and overall economic productivity. The startup has received $56.5 million in funding to date.
2. Greenlight Planet – Founded in 2009 [Kenya]: Greenlight Planet is a leading provider of solar energy solutions for off-grid communities in Africa. It designs, manufactures, and distributes affordable solar-powered lamps and home systems. The company has impacted millions of lives by replacing hazardous kerosene lamps with sustainable solar lighting solutions, improving education, health, and economic opportunities in rural areas. The amount it has received in seed funding is undisclosed.
3. Daystar Power – Founded in 2017 [Nigeria]: Daystar Power supplies hybrid solar energy systems to businesses, reducing their reliance on costly and polluting diesel generators. The company serves banks, schools, manufacturing industries, and agricultural enterprises, delivering affordable, efficient, and sustainable energy solutions that cut operational costs and carbon emissions. The startup has received $88.5 million in seed funding.
4. M-KOPA – Founded in 2011 [Kenya]: M-KOPA is a pioneer in pay-as-you-go solar energy solutions, allowing low-income households to access solar power through small, flexible payments. Their innovative model provides clean and reliable energy to families, reducing dependence on diesel generators and kerosene lamps, and promoting financial inclusion by allowing customers to build credit history. The amount it has received in seed funding is undisclosed.
5. SunFunder – Founded in 2012 [Kenya]: SunFunder is a finance company specialising in funding solar energy projects in emerging markets. It provides loans to solar enterprises that distribute energy solutions in off-grid regions, accelerating the transition to clean power and supporting economic development in remote communities. SunFunder has received a total of $81.3 million in funding to date.
6. D.light – Founded in 2007 [Kenya]: D.light designs and distributes solar energy products, including home systems, lanterns, and inverters. Its mission is to provide affordable, clean energy to off-grid households, schools, and businesses, significantly improving living conditions in rural communities. The startup has received a total of $176 million in funding.
7. Nuru – Founded in 2015 [Democratic Republic of Congo]: Nuru builds large-scale solar microgrids that provide reliable power to communities and businesses in the DRC. By focusing on renewable energy, the company supports economic development and enhances social infrastructure, such as healthcare facilities and educational institutions. Nuru has received a total funding of $50.2 million to date.
8. KarmSolar – Founded in 2011 [Egypt]: KarmSolar is a leading off-grid solar energy provider in Egypt, offering solar power solutions for industrial, agricultural, and commercial enterprises. The company helps businesses transition to clean energy, reducing costs and carbon footprints. The startup has received $31.4 million in seed funding to date.
9. Qotto – Founded in 2016 [Benin Republic]: Qotto delivers solar-powered systems to off-grid areas, with a focus on affordability and accessibility. The company integrates digital finance into its services, enabling customers to make small, manageable payments for reliable energy. The startup has received $12.9 million in seed funding to date.
10. Cambridge Industries – Founded in 2011 [Ethiopia]: Cambridge Industries specialises in waste-to-energy projects, converting municipal waste into electricity. It operates one of Africa’s largest waste-to-energy plants in Addis Ababa, helping cities manage waste while generating clean power. The Ethiopian startup has received $12.8 million in seed funding to date.
11. ProGreen Innovations – Founded in 2018 [Kenya]: ProGreen Innovations converts plastic waste into alternative fuel sources, such as diesel and petrol. The company is tackling both waste management and energy scarcity by repurposing waste into usable fuel. ProGreen has received a total of $65,000 in seed funding.
12. Owanga Solar – Founded in 2015 [Democratic Republic of Congo]: Owanga Solar provides clean energy solutions to off-grid communities in the Republic of Congo, using solar technology to power homes, schools, and small businesses. The total funding it has received to date is unknown.
13. Salpha Energy – Founded in 2017 [Nigeria]: Salpha Energy offers affordable solar home systems and lanterns to underserved communities, helping to replace kerosene-based lighting with sustainable energy alternatives. The company has received $1 million in funding to date.
14. Altech Group – Founded in 2013 [Democratic Republic of Congo]: Altech Group is a leading provider of solar energy products in the DRC, delivering pay-as-you-go solar home systems to low-income households. The company focuses on affordability and accessibility, ensuring more families benefit from clean and renewable power. The startup has raised $5 million in seed capital to date.
15. Easy Solar – Founded in 2016 [Sierra Leone]: Easy Solar makes solar energy affordable through flexible payment plans, improving access to clean power in Sierra Leone and Liberia. The startup did not disclose the total amount of funding it has received to date.
16. Lumos Global – Founded in 2012 [Nigeria]: Lumos Global provides pay-as-you-go solar energy systems, reducing reliance on diesel generators and improving electricity access. The startup has received a total of $90 million in funding.
17. Zola Electric – Founded in 2012 [Tanzania]: Zola Electric delivers innovative solar energy solutions with smart storage to power off-grid communities. It is gaining popularity in Tanzania and neighbouring countries. The startup has received $55 million in total seed capital to date.
18. SolarNow – Founded in 2011 [Uganda]: SolarNow offers high-quality solar systems for homes, schools, and businesses, providing financing options for customers. The startup has evolved into an energy solution provider supporting businesses in the Hospitality, Oil & Gas, and Real Estate sectors as well as institutions. They have raised a total of $9 million in seed funding.
19. Azuri Technologies – Founded in 2012 [Kenya]: Azuri integrates solar energy with mobile payment technology to bring electricity to off-grid homes. Azuri has delivered affordable solar home systems on a commercial basis to customers in 12 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The startup has raised a total of $26 million in funding to date.
20. Fenix International – Founded in 2009 [Uganda]: Fenix International, a subsidiary of ENGIE, is a leading provider of solar energy solutions tailored for off-grid households. The company specialises in pay-as-you-go (PAYGo) solar home systems, allowing low-income families to access affordable and sustainable energy. Their systems also integrate financial services, enabling customers to build credit history and access loans for other essential needs such as education and farming. The startup has raised $12.6 million in seed funding to date.
21. Mobisol – Founded in 2010 [Tanzania]: Mobisol is a pioneer in off-grid solar solutions, delivering high-quality solar home systems that power households, businesses, and small-scale agricultural enterprises. Their energy-as-a-service model combines solar technology with innovative financing options, allowing users to pay in instalments via mobile money. The startup has electrified over 750,000 people across East Africa, reducing reliance on diesel generators and kerosene lamps. The startup has raised a total of $25 million in seed funding.
22. BioLite – Founded in 2009 [Kenya]: BioLite develops and manufactures advanced clean energy products, including solar lighting, efficient cookstoves, and off-grid power solutions. Their mission is to provide affordable, sustainable energy access while reducing harmful indoor air pollution caused by traditional biomass fuels. Their innovative designs improve energy efficiency, making a significant impact on both rural electrification and environmental conservation. The startup has raised a total of $7 million in seed funding.
23. PowerGen Renewable Energy – Founded in 2011 [Kenya]: PowerGen Renewable Energy builds and operates mini-grids that supply affordable electricity to underserved communities in sub-Saharan Africa. By leveraging solar and hybrid renewable energy technologies, PowerGen provides reliable and sustainable power to households, schools, healthcare facilities, and small businesses. Their approach has facilitated local economic growth by enabling digital connectivity, improved healthcare services, and productive agricultural activities. They have raised a total of $5 million in capital to date.
24. Yeleen Rural Energy – Founded in 2013 [Mali]: Yeleen Rural Energy is committed to bridging the energy access gap in Mali through decentralised solar solutions. The company develops solar mini-grids and standalone solar home systems tailored to the needs of rural communities. By focusing on affordability and long-term sustainability, Yeleen has helped expand economic opportunities, particularly for women entrepreneurs and smallholder farmers who rely on energy for irrigation, processing, and storage. The total funding received by the startup to date is undisclosed.

Conclusion

Africa's energy landscape is rapidly evolving, and with the numerous startups pioneering innovative solutions to address the continent's energy challenges, it is poised to lead the world in renewable energy adoption soon, with a significant share of electricity generation coming from solar, wind, and hydropower due to its abundant natural resources.

These top 24 energy startups in Africa are driving innovation and sustainability across the continent by addressing critical energy challenges. Their diverse solutions—from pay-as-you-go solar home systems to large-scale renewable energy grids—are transforming lives, enhancing economic productivity, and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. With increased investment and technological advancements, these startups, and more like them, are poised to play a crucial role in Africa’s clean energy transition and long-term economic development.