TechPression

Tag: solar

  • MTN South Sudan donates 100 solar units to rural communities 

    MTN South Sudan donates 100 solar units to rural communities 

    MTN South Sudan has rolled out 100 free solar charging units across underserved communities to boost digital and financial inclusion by tackling one of the biggest barriers in rural areas—access to reliable power. 

    Announced on Friday, the initiative provides solar-powered systems equipped with 12-volt batteries that deliver about 280 kWh of clean energy, enabling locals to charge mobile phones, laptops, and other devices.

    Sustainable telecom: MTN’s broader green energy strategy

    The solar charging rollout is part of MTN South Sudan’s broader mission to lead in sustainable telecommunications. 

    The goal is to install 305 solar-powered base transceiver station (BTS) sites, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and cutting operational costs. Early results are promising, with a 30 percent reduction in fuel expenses and improved network resilience, particularly in and around Juba, the capital.

    Two major data centers have also been connected to the national power grid, lowering carbon emissions and boosting efficiency.

    Driving change through clean energy and community impact

    Whether supporting local shopkeepers, keeping families connected, or expanding access to mobile banking, MTN’s clean energy efforts are about more than just sustainability—they’re about community development.

    With the added stability from new diesel generators in high-revenue areas and an unwavering focus on green solutions, MTN is proving that connectivity and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

    This is more than just a power solution. It’s about empowering people to stay connected, run small businesses, access essential services, and tap into the digital economy.

    “We’re not just lighting up homes—we’re lighting up opportunities,” said Kenyi Lujang, MTN’s Head of Sales & Distribution.

    The deployment is being coordinated through MTN’s regional sales teams in partnership with rural chiefs to ensure the units reach the most impactful locations.

  • d.light’s Solar secures N10bn financing for Nigerian markets

    d.light’s Solar secures N10bn financing for Nigerian markets

    A global company that provides solar-powered solutions, d.light, has announced a significant increase in its funding. 

    The company has obtained $7.4 million (₦10 billion+) through securitized financing, a move that will help it grow its operations in Nigeria and reach more low-income households with its affordable and reliable products.

    One of the main features of d.light’s offering is its Pay-Go personal finance service. 

    This innovative model allows customers to access solar products on a pay-as-you-go basis without the need for upfront payments or collateral. Customers can make small, flexible payments over time, using mobile money or other digital platforms, until they own the product outright.

    This approach makes it easier for solar adoption, especially for low-income households who may not have access to formal credit or savings. It also creates a loyal customer base, as customers can upgrade to higher-end products or access other services as their needs and incomes grow.

    Read also: D.Light secures $30million facility from Africa Trade and Development Bank

    Chapel Hill Denham: A Leader in Local Currency Securitization

    The securitized financing that d.light has obtained comes from Chapel Hill Denham’s Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund, the first and only listed infrastructure debt fund in Africa. The fund provides long-term, local currency financing for infrastructure projects in Nigeria, with a focus on renewable energy, transportation, and social infrastructure.

    The fund has partnered with African Frontier Capital, a specialized financial services firm that acts as the master and backup servicers for the transaction. Together, they have structured and sponsored the financing, which is the first of its kind in Nigeria.

    By using local currency securitization, Chapel Hill Denham and African Frontier Capital are supporting the development of Nigeria’s renewable energy sector while also advancing the country’s sustainable development goals. Bolaji Balogun, Chief Executive Officer of Chapel Hill Denham, said that the fund is “pioneering local currency securitisation for the financing of solar home systems and essential solar-powered household utilities in Nigeria.”

    d.light: A Pioneer in Off-Grid Solar

    d.light was founded in 2007 with a vision to provide clean, affordable, and accessible energy to people in developing countries. The company launched its first solar product in 2008 and has since expanded its presence across markets in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Nigeria. In 2022, d.light entered the Nigerian market, and with this new financing, it is set to scale its impact in the country.

    d.light’s goal is to reach a billion people in developing countries by 2030 with its solar solutions. The company has already sold nearly 30 million products, affecting over 150 million people. Nick Imudia, CEO of d.light, said that the new financing will enable the company to provide more low-income Nigerian households with affordable solar-powered products.

    d.light has also leveraged securitized finance to raise equity for off-grid solar in other sub-Saharan African countries, such as Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. The company has raised more than $500 million in securitized funding since 2020, and it recently paid back all of the lenders in its first securitized facility in full.

    A Bright Future for Nigeria

    As Nigeria faces the challenges of energy poverty, climate change, and economic development, d.light’s expansion offers a ray of hope. With the support of Chapel Hill Denham and African Frontier Capital, the company is poised to make a lasting difference in the lives of millions of Nigerians by providing them with clean, affordable, and reliable solar power.

  • Gogla accepts African Solar startups to Elevate program

    Gogla accepts African Solar startups to Elevate program

    Gogla, the global association for off-grid solar energy, opens submissions for African solar businesses in its Elevate investor preparation program’s second batch.

    “ELEVATE is a pilot investment readiness programme under the GET. Invest Finance Readiness Support to enhance investment readiness for active locally owned and managed companies in the off-grid solar sector in Africa by offering and complementing a specialized suite of technical expertise that will accelerate the companies’ path to scale to rural homes and businesses with life-changing solar electricity,” according to Gogla.

    The European Union, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Austria promote renewable energy investments through GET. Invest Finance Readiness promotion, which includes Elevate.

    Read also: Investment accelerator program announces 15 startups

    The fastest and cheapest way to electrify 55% of Sub-Saharan Africa’s 600 million unconnected people is off-grid solar, says Gogla. Most of Africa lacks energy, yet off-grid solar companies struggle to raise funds for growth and customer support. Growth strategy, product enhancement, business and management operations, innovation, and scalability are covered in Elevate’s bespoke virtual training.

    Participants will receive an investor guide, funding opportunities, and Bridge Live webinars that connect off-grid solar industry leaders with peers and strategic advisors in a 12-month programme that ends on November 19. Startups will receive two years of discounted GOGLA membership and access to investor-focused events like the 2024 Africa Energy Indaba and global off-grid solar forum.

    A 12-month programme that ends on November 19 will provide participants with an investor guide, funding opportunities, and Bridge Live webinars that connect off-grid solar industry leaders with peers and strategic advisors. GOGLA membership will be subsidized for two years, and startups will have access to investor-focused events, including the 2024 Africa Energy Indaba and 2024 Global Off-Grid Solar Forum.

    Katapult Africa Accelerator Program Selects 9 Startups

    Eligibility Criteria 

    The company must be privately owned, registered, and in Africa.

    There must be at least 51% African ownership and a majority of African management in the nation of incorporation.

    A business strategy that provides off-grid solar (OGS) products or services for households, businesses, and smallholder farmers is required.

    In Africa, the company must have successfully marketed and sold OGS products or services for three years and generated money for two.

    The company must not have obtained GET.invest Finance Readiness Support technical help.

    Gogla says the 20 companies chosen for the first Elevate competition came from East, Central, South, and West Africa, with many women among them. The companies offered various technologies, such as solar home systems commercial, industrial, and farming solutions.

    The report says that since entering the programme, about 90% of companies have consistently met their business goals, and 60% have successfully built a pipeline of high-potential investors and are very likely to close investment deals.

    Visit the website for more information on how to apply and what to do to be eligible. Use this link to apply for the Elevate programme.

  • Dell Technologies, SHAWCO unveil solar community hub in Cape Town

    Dell Technologies, SHAWCO unveil solar community hub in Cape Town

    In a groundbreaking partnership, Dell Technologies and SHAWCO have launched the Kensington Solar Community Hub in Cape Town, a transformative facility designed to elevate the well-being and educational opportunities of the local community.

    This expanded hub now encompasses a medical clinic alongside its existing educational programs, providing vital digital skills and International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) certifications.

    Jackie Stewart, Executive Director of SHAWCO, underscored the significance of collaborating with Dell Technologies on this pioneering Solar Community Hub in South Africa. This initiative stands as a potential template for fostering positive change, showcasing what can be achieved in other regions of South Africa and beyond Dell’s Giving programs. It highlights the shared commitment to nurturing the growth and impact of digital literacy and addressing social disparities in the country, particularly related to access to technology and essential resources.

    Read also: Microsoft’s nuclear-powered data center in SA might cost $1bn

    A Joint Commitment to Empowerment

    Dell’s Solar Community Hubs serve as a gateway to the digital economy, offering not only essential services but also empowering individuals with digital skills. With 12 hubs spread across South Africa, SHAWCO operates mobile health clinics at these facilities, providing free medical consultations and health education to those in need.

    Natasha Reuben, Head of Transformation at Dell Technologies in South Africa, emphasized the importance of this partnership in ensuring that the Kensington community receives dignified healthcare. The initiative extends crucial support by bringing healthcare, education, and social services to the community, contributing to progress through collaborative efforts.

    Doug Woolley, Managing Director for Dell Technologies in South Africa, echoed Reuben’s sentiments, highlighting the hub’s pivotal role in supporting comprehensive community growth. He expressed excitement about expanding the mission to provide digital access, particularly with the addition of a valuable healthcare facility.

    The Kensington Solar Community Hub boasts several notable features. The community-managed health clinic is equipped with multi-purpose rooms for health screenings and various healthcare services, with the support of Dell Solutions.
    Within the clinic, SHAWCO operates its Beyond Education Health Clinics and Violence Protection Programme, addressing the broader healthcare needs of the community.

    The hub’s structure, a merger of three units into two 40-foot containers, accommodates up to 23 computer users. Community members have the opportunity to earn ICDL certification, granting international recognition for their computer skills and enabling them to become certified trainers.

    The hub offers comprehensive training in Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, along with coding classes to nurture valuable digital skills. Summer School lectures from the University of Cape Town are broadcast at the hub, expanding educational horizons for community members.
    In the future, the hub plans to include rainwater collection, further enhancing its capacity to serve the community’s diverse needs.

    Nokia to launch AI-powered Open Innovation Lab in Dubai

    Empowering Communities through Progress

    This visionary partnership reflects the shared commitment of Dell Technologies and SHAWCO to uplift communities by providing critical resources, healthcare, and educational opportunities. The Kensington Solar Community Hub represents a model of progress and empowerment, fostering digital literacy and enhancing the well-being of the Kensington community in Cape Town. It stands as a beacon of hope and progress, demonstrating the transformative power of partnerships that focus on the well-being and digital empowerment of communities.

  • Rwanda’s InfraCo and Equatorial will invest $1.7 million in solar mini-grids

    Rwanda’s InfraCo and Equatorial will invest $1.7 million in solar mini-grids

     

     

    A subsidiary of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), InfraCo Africa, has signed a deal with Equatorial Power (EP) under Rwanda’s InfraCo. Equatorial will invest US$1.7 million in solar mini-grids to expand its avant-garde mini-grid concept in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda.

    The tech firms will devise four new mini-grids and four agri-processing hubs (APHs) on Idjwi Island in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These will be followed by four additional solar mini-grids and three additional APHs in southeast Rwanda. Smaller businesses will be able to get energy, which will help reach SDG 8 by creating direct and indirect jobs in the local supply chain.

    The new small grids, which range in size from 60kW to 85kW, will include battery storage to handle erratic sunlight during the nation’s wet seasons. By 2023, the project is expected to connect more than 3,330 low-income customers in the DRC and 2,500 in Rwanda. This will give more than 35,000 people access to clean energy and help reach SDGs 7 and 13.

    Read also: Shell Buys First Africa Based Solar Company, Daystar Power

    Equatorial Power is a decentralized energy infrastructure enterprise that provides renewable power services to developing regions. EP owns and manages agri-processing hubs (APHs) that provide local communities with services like water filtration, cold storage, fish drying, and maize milling. These services generate an anchor load for the mini-grid and help the economy grow.

    EP provides business incubation programs to promote renewable energy via appliance finance and skills training. Nabil Saimi, Head of Business Development for InfraCo Africa, said, “InfraCo Africa has a good track record of implementing mini-grid projects in sub-Saharan Africa, and we are excited to bring our knowledge to Rwanda and the DRC.”

    We are dedicated to providing access to sustainable energy and are thrilled to support EP’s creative strategy to combine electricity availability with agri-processing and other critical economic development impulses.”

    Mini-grids are increasing in Africa

    During the COVID-19 epidemic, Africa’s mini-grid sector increased the number of people it connected to modern, dependable energy.

    500,000 individuals, schools, and businesses in sub-Saharan Africa.

    According to AMDA’s Benchmarking Africa’s Minigrids study. This is the only sectoral study that compares mini-grid use and income across numerous years.

    AMDA used the research to ask governments and donors for more help for the mini-grid industry in Africa, which is strong right now but faces financial, economic, and regulatory limits.

    KarmSolar Launches a New Minority Stake Round

    Clean mini-grids for Africa

    The industry is having trouble growing and delivering on its promise to speed up access to clean, cheap energy. This is especially true in the rural parts of the continent, where 600 million people still don’t have access to electricity, which is more than half the population.

    Jessica Stephens, the CEO of AMDA, says that the mini-grid industry has the chance to create new, smart, and long-lasting energy infrastructure that helps local economies and communities grow. “Energy is the cornerstone of all of the SDGs, and as such, it requires the same level of government and donor support that conventional utilities have. This is a must if the industry is to reach its full potential and give hundreds of millions of people access to reliable infrastructure for renewable energy.

  • Kowry Energy Announces Solar Power Projects in Nigeria, Senegal, and Mali

    Kowry Energy Announces Solar Power Projects in Nigeria, Senegal, and Mali

    Within the first 16 months of the company’s existence, Kowry Energy, a sustainability-driven energy service provider focused on power provision across Sub-Saharan Africa, commissioned four decentralized solar energy systems in Nigeria, Senegal, and Mali. 

    Kowry Energy is a provider of hybrid energy systems that are both effective and economical, and they have the ability to strengthen communities and businesses. By doing an analysis of the data that these digitized systems make available, it is possible to come up with solutions that will both drive demand management and accelerate the expansion of local economies.

    The projects given the green light are the first of many that will be done in each country over the next three years to create portfolios are:

    For Nigeria: On behalf of Proserve Energy Services, Kowry Energy designed two 286 kWp PV solar energy systems for a plastic recycling plant and a food processing plant in Abuja. This system will replace fifty per cent and almost one hundred per cent, respectively, of the demand previously met primarily by diesel generators. The solar panels that are put on the roof contribute to a total annual reduction in CO2 emissions of 208,521 kg.

    Read also: US, Nigeria agree to deploy gas in push for renewable energy

    For Senegal: Two public buildings and seven micro-enterprises in the community of Bani in Southern Senegal now have access to clean and affordable electricity thanks to a decentralized solar energy system designed by Kowry Energy and installed by Sud Solar Systems. The system has a capacity of 10 kWp and battery storage. So that the community can reach its full economic potential, the system was made to make it easier for people to do things that make money.

    For Mali: Access Energie commissioned Kowry Energy to build a photovoltaic (PV) hybrid energy system with battery storage and a backup generator to be installed in Djine, an agricultural hub located in the cotton belt of Mali. The project will make it possible for 3,000 residents, 40 businesses, and ten public buildings to access reliable energy.

    “Countries across Africa have resiliently emerged from the pandemic and now face the uncertainty and challenges brought about by climate change, food and water insecurity,” said Ndiarka Mbodji, CEO and Founder of Kowry Energy. We have worked closely with our customers to remove unnecessary barriers to the growth of businesses in the local communities that they serve. Reliable and affordable clean electricity is the backbone of any economy, from which everlasting societal foundations can be built, and sustainable development can take place. These pilot projects validate our concept and demonstrate the market’s appetite for our one-of-a-kind solution.

    We’re looking forward to getting closer to our customers and business partners in West Africa and growing our business across the whole of Africa.

    Nigeria Proposes Debt-For-Climate Swap Deal To Enable Africa’s Energy Transition

    About Kowry Energy

    Kowry Energy is a provider of hybrid energy systems that are both effective and economical, and they have the ability to strengthen communities and businesses. Examining the data made available by these digitized systems can result in developing strategies that help promote demand management while also driving the expansion of local economies.