In East Africa, a wave of innovation is reshaping the energy landscape, with startups at the forefront, redefining energy supply and management across the region. These companies are tackling energy shortage and inaccessibility challenges, especially in rural areas.
Here, we’ve identified nine energy startup companies actively revolutionizing energy generation, distribution, and management in the region.
These companies are leveraging various technologies and business models, from decentralized solar grids to innovative financing approaches, to bridge the energy gap in East Africa.
Gridless
Year Founded: 2022
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Gridless is a cryptocurrency and renewable energy company promoting the distribution of renewable energy to rural communities in East Africa access to new energy. The startup is an anchor tenant for renewable energy providers, supplying them with funds to maximize their full capacities and increase their reach into off-grid areas.
The company specializes in designing, operating, and maintaining Bitcoin mining infrastructure. In addition to that, they collaborate with small-scale renewable energy producers, financing the construction of energy data centres in rural communities.
The company aims to electrify rural Africa by assisting energy producers and creating a more affordable power supply for rural communities. Gridless strategically collaborates with local energy producers to promote sustainable energy accessibility, and through this, it also contributes to the economic development of rural communities in East Africa.
NeedEnergy
Year Founded: 2019
Location: Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
NeedEnergy is an energy solutions startup providing effective, intelligent solutions to growing energy demands in East Africa. The company leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to deploy smart energy solutions for its clients.
NeedEnergy’s products revolve around its advanced AI-based technology solution, giving users a suite of tools for grid management, energy generation, and comprehensive data analytics. Its solutions are designed to facilitate better control over energy resources while pointing out opportunities for resource optimization and cost savings.
NeedEnergy’s solutions enable real-time resource monitoring and control, giving users insights into energy and power consumption patterns. The company’s technology has the potential to revolutionize energy management on a larger scale, influencing policy decisions and contributing to the transition to greener and smarter energy grids globally.
Deevabits Green Energy
Year Founded: 2016
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Devabits Green Energy is an innovative startup redefining rural energy supply in East Africa. The company uses an innovative renewable energy model to increase power accessibility for the dwellers in rural off-grid communities.
Deevabits deploys solar technology products to provide sustainable energy solutions for individuals and communities. It also operates a Pay-As-You-Go finance model that eliminates the upfront financial barriers often hindering access to solar energy products. Deevabits products include solar lanterns, home lighting systems, and larger solar power setups.
Deevabits’ solutions contribute to a transformative change in the lives of individuals and communities by giving them access to cleaner and more affordable energy sources. Moreover, by reducing reliance on traditional energy sources, Deevabits contributes to the global push for carbon reduction and sustainable development.
Ariya Finergy
Year Founded: 2016
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Arika Finergy is an innovative technology and clean energy solutions provider. The company invests in, develops, and manages clean energy infrastructures in East Africa.
Ariya Finergy’s core products include stabilization systems, batteries, solar PV & thermal energy solutions. In addition, they offer financing solutions that let end-user clients lease their products for a period and access end-to-end services such as maintenance and integration customized to customers’ preferences.
Ariya has grown into an industry leader, supplying and financing clean energy, storage, and power quality solutions. The company’s solutions accelerate the adoption of sustainable energy, fostering a more inclusive and environmentally conscious economy.
Solar Panda
Year Founded: 2016
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Solar Panda is a revolutionary energy product and service provider redefining access to power supply in rural areas across East Africa. The company offers sustainable energy options tailored to the needs of users in local communities across the region.
Solar Panda’s core offerings include smart solar power systems designed specifically for households and small businesses. These systems provide a reliable and renewable power supply, reducing dependence on traditional, often unreliable, energy grids.
The startup’s innovative technology delivers efficient solar solutions tailored to the needs of families and small businesses. Moreover, by promoting the adoption of renewable energy sources, Solar Panda contributes to environmental preservation and ecological consciousness
Grid X Africa
Year Founded: 2017
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
GridX Africa is an innovative energy solutions company redefining power supply in East Africa. The company develops and finances solar and energy storage solutions for businesses throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
GridX’s products encompass a range of solar and energy storage solutions tailored to the specific needs of businesses operating in sub-Saharan Africa. Through innovative financing models, the startup ensures that businesses of all sizes can access these technologies without the burden of prohibitive upfront costs.
By focusing on solar and energy storage technologies, the startup addresses the energy challenges faced by businesses in East Africa. It offers sustainable alternatives that reduce the negative environmental impact of energy generation while simultaneously enhancing energy resilience for its diverse clientele.
Aptech Africa
Year Founded: 2011
Location: Kampala, Uganda
Aptech Africa is a pioneering energy company fostering the adoption of renewable energy options in Africa. The company develops innovative energy solutions tailored for individual homes and businesses across East Africa.
Aptech Africa’s products include a range of renewable energy technologies designed to cater to the specific requirements of its diverse clientele. From solar panels to energy storage systems, the startup provides comprehensive solutions that empower businesses, communities, and individuals to transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy generation.
By offering a wide range of sustainable options, Aptech Africa ensures that its clients can access customized, reliable, and environmentally friendly energy solutions. Through its solutions, the company plays a pivotal role in enhancing energy security, reducing carbon footprints, and fostering economic growth across the continent.
Equatorial Power Ltd.
Year Founded: 2018
Location: Kampala, Uganda
Equatorial Power Ltd is a visionary startup company transforming energy production and distribution in East Africa. The company taps into renewable and clean energy sources to provide affordable power solutions to households and businesses in the region.
Equatorial Power Ltd’s product range encompasses several off-grid electrification systems, including solar PVs and renewable energy mechanisms. The company mainly focuses on providing productive energy for water purification, agro-processing services, business incubation and e-mobility services providers.
The impacts of Equatorial Power Ltd extend to both the local communities it serves and the broader global effort to combat climate change. The company provides easy access to clean energy for rural off-grid communities, and it provides eco-friendly energy options for urban dwellers as well.
EnerGrow
Year Founded: 2018
Location: Kampala, Uganda
EnerGrow is an innovative tech start-up promoting sustainable and productive rural electricity demand and supply in Africa. The company uses an innovative mix of productive asset financing, training and digital ID-based technology to foster energy distribution in underserved areas in East Africa.
EnerGrow employs a holistic approach to rural electrification. Its solutions encompass several options, from productive asset financing, which facilitates the acquisition of energy-efficient technologies and comprehensive training programs on energy management, to digital ID-based technology that enhances operational efficiency for energy service providers.
EnerGrow’s holistic offerings go beyond only electricity provision, they empower rural communities and foster sustainable development. By combining financial empowerment, education, and technology, EnerGrow transforms electricity access into a catalyst for entrepreneurship and community resilience.
