West Africa is a region with immense energy potential. With abundant renewable energy resources, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, it has the potential to become a global leader in clean energy production.
However, the region also faces significant challenges in terms of energy access, affordability, and management.
In recent years, a new wave of innovative startups has emerged in West Africa, seeking to address these challenges and redefine energy provision in the region. Here, we’ve identified nine energy startups Redefining Energy Supply and Management in West Africa.
Koolboks
Year Founded: 2018
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Koolboks is an innovative technology developing innovative energy solutions in Nigeria. The company offers renewable energy products designed specifically to improve food preservation systems in off-grid and energy-deficient regions across Nigeria.
Koolbok designs compact, portable solar-powered refrigerators. The innovative solar energy-fuelled systems are useful in diverse environments, from rural communities to outdoor events and disaster-stricken areas. This product is a reliable and sustainable solution for preserving perishable goods in areas lacking access to a consistent power supply.
Koolbok’s solution enhances the livelihoods of individuals in off-grid locations – helping them extend the shelf life of their food supplies. Moreover, the company is frontrunning the development of more scalable and accessible solutions to the challenge of off-grid refrigeration.
Easysolar
Year Founded: 2016
Location: Freetown, Sierra Leone
EasySolar is an innovative renewable energy provider redefining Solar accessibility in West Africa. The startup uses a blend of technology and finance solutions to increase solar energy accessibility in communities lacking reliable access to electricity.
EasySolar provides affordable solar products with its unique Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) financing model. The solution enables individuals in regions with poor electricity supply to acquire solar lamps and home systems without the burden of upfront costs.
EasySolar’s PAYG financing mechanism removes the financial barriers to its solar products, allowing customers to obtain and pay for the devices in small, manageable increments. That way, the company facilitates the widespread adoption of solar technology in West Africa.
Daystar Power Group
Year Founded: 2017
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Daystar Power Group is a leading renewable energy provider redefining off-grid energy supply in Nigeria. The company takes a holistic approach to addressing the energy challenges businesses face in the country.
Daystar Power Group offers a range of solar energy solutions tailored to the specific needs of commercial and industrial clients. In addition, the company offers end-to-end services to clients’ needs, from the design and installation of solar power systems to ongoing maintenance and support.
In addition, the company’s solar-as-a-service model grants businesses access to clean energy without the need for large upfront capital investments.
Daystar Energy’s solutions foster a seamless transition to clean energy, enabling businesses to focus on their core operations while reducing their carbon footprint. Essentially, the startup helps reduce dependence on unreliable and environmentally harmful energy sources.
SunFi
Year Founded: 2017
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
SunFi is a dynamic startup company redefining access to renewable energy in West Africa through its innovative, tailored financial solutions. The company aims to democratize homeowners’ and businesses’ access to solar power solutions.
SunFi offers a comprehensive solution that eliminates the traditional barriers associated with solar installation. It operates an energy financial technology platform that facilitates the financing and installation of solar systems. The system also offers real-time monitoring and maintenance of the installed systems, ensuring optimal performance throughout the lifespan of the system.
SunFi’s turnkey solution enables homeowners to transition to renewable energy without enduring a significant financial burden. It’s also influencing a broader shift towards clean energy adoption, contributing to the reduction of reliance on conventional energy sources.
Qotto
Year Founded: 2016
Location: Cotonou, Benin
Qotto is an energy-focused startup leveraging innovative technology to address the energy access gap in sub-Saharan Africa. The company develops and distributes solar energy systems to underserved communities in West Africa.
Qotto’s products include standalone solar kits designed to serve off-grid communities. These products provide alternative electricity sources for these communities. The company also operates an innovative financing model that enables clients to obtain its products without forking out a huge upfront cost.
Qotto’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its products and environmental impacts. By reducing the dependence on non-renewable energy sources in these communities, Qotto contributes to a more sustainable and eco-friendly energy landscape in the region.
Kofa Holdings
Year Founded: 2021
Location: Accra, Ghana
Kofa Holdings is a leading technology startup focused on improving energy affordability and accessibility in West Africa. The company’s energy solutions are targeted at improving the efficiency of local businesses and mobility services providers.
Kofa Holdings offers innovative clean energy solutions tailored to the specific needs of the mobility and logistics sectors. From electric vehicle charging infrastructure to efficient energy storage systems, the company aims to empower businesses with reliable and eco-friendly energy options.
By providing scalable and sustainable energy solutions, Kofa Holdings not only enhances operational efficiency for businesses but also contributes to mitigating the carbon footprint from traditional energy sources.
Beacon Power Services
Year Founded: 2010
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Beacon Power Services is a forward-thinking startup redefining energy distribution systems with its innovative approach to power infrastructure. The company specializes in grid-scale energy storage solutions.
Beacon Power Services offers state-of-the-art energy storage systems designed for grid-scale applications. These systems use advanced battery technologies and sophisticated control mechanisms to store excess energy during periods of low demand and release it during peak demand.
The impact of Beacon’s energy storage solutions extends beyond immediate grid stability; they contribute significantly to the broader adoption of renewable energy sources. By providing a reliable storage infrastructure, Beacon Power Services facilitates the integration of more renewables into the energy supply mix.
Arnergy
Year Founded: 2013
Location: Lagos Nigeria
Arnergy is a dynamic startup revolutionizing renewable energy delivery in West Africa. The company employs a holistic approach to providing clean and reliable energy solutions tailored for businesses and communities in regions with unreliable power infrastructure.
Arnergy offers customized solar power solutions designed for commercial and industrial applications. The startup’s solutions incorporate solar energy management systems to meet the needs of its diverse clientele.
The startup’s reliable and clean energy solution enhances operational efficiency for businesses while fostering economic development by unlocking new opportunities and job creation. The broader impact of Arnergy is empowering communities and businesses with reliable power sources.
Rensource
Year Founded: 2015
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Rensource is a leading technology startup bridging the energy supply gap in Nigeria. The company provides businesses with affordable clean energy alternatives.
Rensource offers turnkey solar solutions designed for the commercial and industrial sectors. The company leverages an innovative Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) model to provide clients with affordable and reliable energy solutions.
Rensources’ impact is twofold – it enhances the sustainability of businesses by providing a reliable and affordable power source and also promotes environmental sustainability by reducing carbon footprints associated with traditional energy sources.
