Startups + Innovations
Sub-Saharan Africa
- World Economic Forum
- Start-up ICE Commercial Power is working to connect Nigerian SMEs to clean power via solar microgrids. ICE works with landlords and property owners to install the systems, and individual businesses are connected via smart meter. Customers then manage their services through a mobile app.
- Startup|Energy
- Startup|Energy has called on innovators and spin-offs from Kenyan universities to take part in the Award for Digital Innovations in Clean Energy . Applications were received from a total of nine Kenyan universities. The four finalists presented their ideas to an international jury in a pitch on 11 September 2024. The winners are...
- We are Tech
- Osumune Michael, a materials and metallurgical engineer, is the founder and CEO of Moon Innovations, a startup providing smart and sustainable energy solutions for Africa. Founded in 2016, Moon Innovations leverages solar technology, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing to offer an all-in-one system that delivers electricity, internet access, and security surveillance.
- Connecting Africa
- The rise of the African fintech sector has had a positive impact on financial inclusion, helping to give individuals and small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) more access to mainstream financial services. However, the journey for many African fintech entrepreneurs has not been an easy one by any means.
- Mail&Guardian
- Providing funding to climate tech startups is essential for quickly addressing critical gaps and driving measurable impact. It helps overcome shortages in research and development facilities, local STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) talent, and fosters a supportive ecosystem through education and training.
- Disrupt Africa
- Nigerian green energy marketplace Instollar uses location and skill algorithms to connect renewable energy companies with freelance green-collar workers across Africa. Formed in 2022 in response to the growing need for skilled solar installers in Africa, Instollar is specifically designed to match qualified solar workforce with renewable energy companies in Africa.
- Vanguard
- In this exclusive interview, Olabode Oladiran, the exceptional CEO of Fire-Rise Solar, a remarkable solar brand in Nigeria shared his inspiring journey and the vision that sets Fire Rise Solar apart from other solar brands in the country.
- Bastille Post
- The three-wheelers called "Hambas", which means to move in the local language, are getting around one of the main barriers in rural development, and in a climate conscious manner. "The Hamba is just the right answer to the rural mobility challenge. It is flexible, you don't need a very well-maintained road for it to access, which is the limitation that we have in the country," said Simba Hlatshway
- Leadership
- In a bid to expand solar power access in Nigeria, power and energy solutions company, Groupower, has launched a solar energy platform designed to empower Nigerian homes and industries with accessible solar power. Project leader of Yeshua Russel, said that the platform aims to leverage cutting-edge technology to streamline access to solar, making renewable energy more inclusive and sustainable.
- Monitor
- As an e-mobility company, Wahu Mobility is working to change how vehicles impact the climate, and increasing growing job opportunities for the youth. Expansion plans from the women-led company target women riders in neighbouring countries.
- The Guardian
- JéGO isn’t your average startup. It’s a dream sparking into reality, fuelled by a relentless pursuit of innovation and a deep desire to revolutionize Africa’s energy landscape. This is JéGO’s story, a pioneering startup not just building electric vehicles, but crafting a sustainable future.
- Financial Fortune
- What started as a project in the northern part of Ghana with the converting regular motorbikes to electric bikes with the help of like-minded friends, birthed what is known today as Wahu Mobility. The startup describes itself as an Electric Vehicle (EV) company that manufactures eco-friendly motorcycles providing a reliable source of income for youth.
- Nation
- Joy Atieno Adul is spearheading a project at PennState (US) that models the impact of climate change on renewable energy generation in Africa, starting with Kenya. Her work aims to enhance the resilience and efficiency of renewable energy systems on the continent, ensuring sustainable energy solutions in the face of climate variability.
- Tech Cabal
- Powerfull is a solar financing company based in Africa dedicated to bridging the continent’s energy gap through data-driven solutions. Its mission is to make affordable and sustainable energy accessible to businesses and residential communities. According to data from Powerfull, 92% of businesses in Nigeria have no access to credit financing for renewable energy.
- The Guardian
- Founder and CEO of Salpha Energy, Sandra Chukwudozie, mentioned that with a production capacity of 300,000 systems per year from its assembly facility, Salpha has created over 1,050 direct and indirect jobs. The company is also pioneering gender inclusivity by attracting women to technical roles and providing training and mentorship.