Solarise Africa has secured a €1 million grant from the Energy and Environment Partnership Trust Fund (EEP Africa) to expand into Uganda and Zambia. The energy company will match that amount with €1 million in co-financing, creating a €2 million program over 24 months. The initiative will deploy decentralized renewable energy systems for commercial and industrial businesses and social institutions.
Program Targets and Technology Mix
The program aims to deliver 3 MW of new renewable energy capacity across the two markets. Solarise Africa will combine solar photovoltaic systems, battery storage, and heat pumps where appropriate. The project is expected to generate at least 4.5 GWh of renewable electricity and avoid 3,600 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.
Solarise Africa's Energy-as-a-Service Approach
Founded in 2018, Solarise Africa provides decentralized renewable energy systems through a financing model that integrates engineering, equipment, operations, and maintenance. Its Energy-as-a-Service offering allows businesses to adopt solar power without bearing the full upfront cost of infrastructure. The company has expanded across Southern and East Africa with a focus on long-term customer relationships and tailored energy solutions.
Track Record and Institutional Capital
Solarise Africa has attracted significant institutional investment to support its commercial and industrial solar business. In prior financing, the company secured a US$33.4 million debt facility involving the Facility for Energy Inclusion, Oikocredit, and the AfricaGoGreen Fund. Further backing includes a US$3 million investment from EDFI ElectriFI to expand operations in Kenya and additional debt and crowdfunding support.
Recent Partnerships and Market Momentum
In November 2024, Solarise Africa partnered with RUBiS Energy Kenya to launch RUBiSOL, a joint venture aimed at commercial and industrial customers across East Africa. RUBiS also planned to install solar panels at its service stations and depots. The partnership reflected the company's broader strategy of working with established energy players to scale distributed renewable solutions.
CEO Perspective
Jan Albert Valk, co-founder and chief executive officer of Solarise Africa, said the grant represents more than entry into two new markets. He stated that the company has spent years building and refining a model that can now be replicated across Africa. Valk added that businesses face a common challenge in accessing energy that is reliable, affordable, and clean, while the capital needed to transition is often unavailable.
COO Perspective
Sakkie van Wijk, co-founder and chief operating officer, said the company aims to build commercially sustainable operations in Uganda and Zambia that continue beyond the grant period. EEP Africa's catalytic financing will support market entry, local partnerships, and project development. The support is intended to reduce barriers associated with new markets and create a foundation for greater private sector investment.
Addressing Energy Constraints in Africa
Across Africa, unreliable grids, rising electricity costs, and dependence on fossil fuel backup generation continue to limit business productivity and competitiveness. Many companies lack access to financing structures suited to the realities of operating in African markets. Solarise Africa addresses both the energy solution and the financing required to make renewable adoption possible for commercial and industrial users.
The EEP Africa grant positions Solarise Africa to establish a stronger presence in Uganda and Zambia while validating its replicable model. By combining renewable energy technology, long-term financing, and local partnerships, the company aims to strengthen businesses and support resilient African economies. The 24-month program will demonstrate how decentralized energy can deliver measurable reliability, cost, and emission benefits.