Solarise Africa wins €1 million EEP Africa grant to expand into Uganda and Zambia

Solarise Africa, a Kenyan company that leases renewable energy systems to businesses, has been awarded a grant of €1 million (about $1.12 million) from the Energy and Environment Partnership Trust Fund, EEP Africa, Disrupt Africa reported on 15 October.

Solarise Africa will put in €1 million of its own co-financing, making a €2 million programme that runs for 24 months. The money will fund new operations in Uganda and Zambia and 3MW of new renewable capacity for businesses and social institutions, using solar panels, battery storage and, where suitable, heat pumps. To meet the grant's conditions, the company must report and verify at least 4.5GWh of clean electricity and 3,600 tonnes of avoided carbon dioxide emissions.

Founded in 2018 by Patrik Huber, Jan Albert Valk and Sakkie van Wijk, Solarise Africa bundles equipment with long-term financing for commercial and industrial customers. It has previously raised equity and debt, including $3 million from EDFI ElectriFI in December 2022.

Chief executive Jan Albert Valk said the grant was about more than two new markets, presenting it as a chance to show the model can be repeated across the continent. Chief operating officer Sakkie van Wijk said the aim was to build operations in Uganda and Zambia that keep deploying energy infrastructure after the grant period ends. The company describes the award as catalytic capital that should prepare the ground for larger private investment.