Top 10 Best Funded Renewable Energy Startups in Africa 2025

In Summary

• Africa's renewable energy market is projected to experience significant growth, with electricity generation reaching 232.91 billion kWh by the end of 2025. 
• The sector is attracting substantial capital, with African startups raising $460 million in Q1 2025 alone. This trend is driven by fintech, renewable energy, and AI-driven solutions. 
• South Africa leads the continent in startup activity, followed by Kenya, which is increasingly investing in solar energy. The solar energy market in Africa is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 42.3% between 2025 and 2035.

Deep Dive!!

A new wave of innovative startups is driving a transformative shift toward clean and sustainable energy in the continent. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Africa holds 60% of the world’s best solar resources, yet only 1% of the world’s installed solar capacity. This glaring gap has opened doors for tech-driven renewable energy startups to fill the void, providing electricity, opportunity, and climate resilience to millions of people on the continent.

Within the last couple of years, the momentum behind Africa’s renewable energy sector has continued to surge, fueled by both local ingenuity and international capital. Reports indicate that Venture Capital funding in African climate tech reached over $3 billion cumulatively by Q3 of 2024, with energy startups leading the charge. These enterprises are not only tackling energy poverty but are also generating green jobs, empowering underserved communities, and boosting national productivity.

These startups exemplify the dynamic and impactful nature of Africa's renewable energy sector in 2025. Through innovative technologies and substantial funding, they are addressing critical energy access challenges, promoting environmental sustainability, and driving economic growth across the continent. As investment continues to flow into this sector, these companies are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping Africa's energy future. 

Here are the Top 10 Best-Funded Renewable Energy Startups in Africa in 2025, highlighting start-ups that have secured substantial investment to scale their impact across the continent. From off-grid solar and digital energy platforms to electric mobility and mini-grid innovation, these startups are redefining what’s possible in Africa’s energy future.

10. Hydrobox – Kenya

Hydrobox builds and operates containerized hydropower plants, providing reliable and sustainable electricity to underserved communities through innovative mini-grid solutions. The startup was founded in 2018 and has received $9 million in funding.

9. SunCulture – Kenya

With a focus on Solar-powered irrigation systems, SunCulture provides solar-powered irrigation solutions to smallholder farmers, enhancing agricultural productivity and food security. The startup was founded in 2012 and has received $27.5 million in funding.

8. BURN Manufacturing – Kenya

BURN designs and manufactures efficient cookstoves, reducing fuel consumption and indoor air pollution, thereby improving health outcomes and environmental sustainability. They have raised $30.1 million since the startup was founded in 2011.

7. Wetility – South Africa

Founded in 2019 and with a focus on digital solar energy management, Wetility offers smart solar energy solutions, enabling users to generate, store, and monitor clean energy for their homes and businesses, contributing to energy efficiency and sustainability. The startup has received $48 million in funding.

6. Spiro – Kenya

Spiro specializes in electric motorbikes and battery-swapping infrastructure, promoting sustainable transportation solutions across multiple African countries. It has raised $20 million since it was founded in 2019.

5. M-KOPA – Kenya

M-KOPA connects homes to solar power through a pay-as-you-go model, making clean energy accessible and affordable for low-income households. It was founded in 2011 and has received $51 million in funding.

4. WeLight – Pan-African

WeLight develops and operates renewable energy mini-grids, with a significant project in Nigeria aimed at powering rural areas and enhancing electricity access for millions. They have raised $200 million from the Nigeria rural electrification project, since 2018.

3. D.light – Kenya

D.light manufactures and distributes solar lighting and power products, aiming to provide clean energy to underserved populations. Their recent funding supports the expansion of off-grid solar projects across Africa. They have received $176 million since 2007 when it was founded.

2. Lumos – Nigeria

Lumos provides high-quality solar home systems, revolutionizing the African market by offering reliable and affordable energy solutions to off-grid communities. The startup was founded in 2012 and has received $212 million in debt financing.

1. Sun King (Greenlight Planet) – Kenya

Sun King designs, distributes, and finances solar energy solutions for households and businesses lacking reliable grid access. Their pay-as-you-go model has expanded energy access across Africa, making them a leader in off-grid solar solutions. The startup has received a total of $576 million since its founding in 2009 from Series D funding.