Stiftung Solarenergie is excited to announce that the cooperation with GET.invest to promote African energy startups will be continued. Both organizations have already been supporting African energy startups since 2021 as part of the Startup|Energy initiative. This cooperation will now be extended.

The importance of local energy startups

The number of African energy startups is steadily increasing. But local energy startups run into the hard realities of Africa’s competitive playing field: The energy sector is controlled by international companies.

Creating local SME sector is elementary for sustainable economic growth and for reduction of energy poverty. One advantage of local companies over international corporates often lies in their proximity to the specific social and cultural requirements of the new energy products.

Beyond a number of structural barriers local startups in Africa have specific challenges to overcome. One of the biggest is their lack of visibility for cooperation partners and investors.

This is where the Startup|Energy initiative of the Stiftung Solarenergie (in cooperation with the University of Freiburg) comes in.

Startup|Energy accelerator

Since the start in 2020 of the accelerator programme Startup|Energy, 14 startups from seven countries in sub-Saharan Africa were mentored and supported. Of these, five startups have since left the programme because they are no longer pursuing their business idea.

The Startup|Energy community currently consists of these nine startups:

• Kiri EV, Kenya
• Today, Kenya
• Caino Africa, Kenya
• SLS Energy, Rwanda
• Zuhura Solutions, Kenya
• Drop Access, Kenya
• Solakilimo Solutions, Kenya
• Worldtech Consult, Ghana
• ThinkBikes, Nigeria

“The Energy Camp was just awesome! The coaching sessions were extremely helpful in improving our business. We particularly also enjoyed the open discussion with other entrepreneurs in the startup space and staying in touch after the camp.”

Tolulope Olukokun, Founder ThinkBikes, Nigeria

The Fellows of Startup|Energy have achieved the following impact since their participation in our accelerator program:

• 80% are generating revenue – which ist he most important Performance Indicator
• 90% are creating jobs – which is important for the social impact of any entrepreneur
• More than 2 Mln USD was raised – which is a success in a difficult environment for African startups
• 18 Awards have been won – which shows that our Fellows are some oft he leading startups

The exciting experience gained in the first few years provides the basis for the continuation that has now been agreed between GET.invest and Stiftung Solarenergie: Over the next two years, among other things, four multi-day Energy Camps will be held, as well as International Demo Days to increase the visibility of the startups.

Up to 12 startups will be admitted to each Energy Camp. In total, up to 48 startups will be supported and promoted in their business development over the next two years.

Target group

Startup|Energy focuses on startups that meet these criteria:

Country of activity:
Any in Subsaharan Africa

Sector:
Decentralized renewable energy

Business activity:

• Innovative product / service for an existing decentralized energy market, or
• Introduction of an existing product/service in a new energy market

Age:
Max. 10 years

Status:

• Minimum viable product ready, and/or
• First pilot projects and/or customers available

Location:
Registered in Subsaharan Africa

Independence:                
No branch or franchise of an international company

Majority of shares:

• African residents or
• non-Africans living permanently in Africa

Startups who are interested to join the next cohort of the accelerator programme should subscribe the newsletter of Startup|Energy. This ensures that they receive all the necessary information for their application on time.

“I have now participated in several startup programs. Startup|Energy was important for me in a special way: Because the coaches are experienced entrepreneurs who have accompanied me for a long time (and still do!), always very close to my practical needs. The exchange with the other startups also helps a lot. We have now become a real startup community!”

Norah Magero, Founder Drop Access, Kenya

About GET.invest

GET.invest is a European programme that mobilises investments in renewable energy. It works with project and business developers, financiers and regulators to build sustainable energy markets in partner countries. Services include finance access advisory, market information, a funding database, and matchmaking events. Since 2022, GET.invest powers the Team Europe One Stop Shop for green energy investments, an access point for information about and facilitated access to European support and financing instruments for energy projects and companies in Africa. The programme is supported by the European Union, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Austria.

To find out more, visit www.get-invest.eu.

About Stiftung Solarenergie

Stiftung Solarenergie is working for decentralize energy supply in Africa and Asia since 2004. Local Foundations exist for instance in Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda and the Philippines.

The work of the Solar Energy Foundation focuses on implementation of projects for decentralised renewable energy supply, promotion of local solar companies, awareness creation.

The Foundation has received numerous awards for its exemplary work, particularly in supporting local initiatives and businesses.

To find out more, visit www.stiftung-solarenergie.org.