Renewvia Plans USD 750 Million Solar Mini-Grid Expansion Across Africa

Renewvia Energy Corp subsidiary Renewvia Solar Africa plans to invest USD 750 million in solar mini-grid projects across Ethiopia, Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo as demand for decentralised energy systems accelerates across Africa.

Chief executive Trey Jarrard said that the projects are expected to bring electricity access to nearly 2.1 million people living in rural and underserved regions where national grid connectivity remains limited.

Founded in Atlanta in 2008, Renewvia already operates mini-grid projects in Kenya and Nigeria. The company currently manages 24 commercial mini-grids with capacities ranging from 100 kW to 2.5 MW

Its hybrid systems combine solar power generation with battery storage to supply electricity to households, schools, health centres, businesses and small industries. Most consumers use pay-as-you-go payment systems through mobile platforms.

The company has also established subsidiaries in the four target countries to support project development and local operations.

Alongside the broader expansion, Renewvia is seeking USD 45 million in concessional debt financing to strengthen operations in Kenya, including support for a metro-grid project in Kakuma refugee camp and a renewable energy project in Dadaab near the Somali border.

The expansion reflects growing investor and institutional interest in decentralised solar systems across Africa, where more than 600 million people still lack electricity access. Programmes such as World Bank and African Development Bank-backed Mission 300 are accelerating support for mini-grids, microgrids and off-grid solar solutions across rural communities.