Africa’s mini-grid sector gets first local currency funding

September 11, 2025

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Mini-grid company Husk Power Systems has secured a ₦5 billion ($3.2 million) revolving debt facility with the United Capital Infrastructure Fund in Nigeria, marking the largest-ever naira-denominated debt deal in Africa’s community solar mini-grid sector. This makes it easier for Husk to repay credit without worrying about exchange rate swings.

  • The mini-grid sector, once touted as the silver bullet to solve Africa’s rural electrification challenges, has experienced a funding slowdown, with business models proving profitable for only a few players, including Husk Power.

  • Key challenges include a lack of long-term capital and low demand in rural areas, making it difficult for operators to generate sufficient revenue. However, efforts to boost demand through the productive use of energy show promise.

  • Our take: If Husk can position mini-grids as the backbone of rural agribusiness, it could reshape investor perceptions… Read more (2 min)

Renewables Rising Price Index went up by 6% in September, as the sector experienced price reductions in solar panels, batteries, inverters, and solar home systems across four major African economies. However, China’s recent announcement to cut overproduction and adjust factory-gate prices could change market dynamics.

  • Each month, we track solar panels, batteries, inverters and solar home systems against fuel and electricity prices in Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria and Egypt. A rising index signals renewables are gaining a price edge over fossil fuels.

  • Over the last three years, data from Ember shows that solar panel prices have fallen by more than 50% with Chinese companies offering the lowest prices.

  • Our take: As grid tariffs rise, C&I solar and storage solutions could see stronger uptake… Read more (2 min)

Our job roundup for the week features 160+ new positions spread across Africa. While engineering and technical expertise remain the core of these roles, energy companies are also hiring for business development jobs. Key positions include Country Director at Power for All, Sun King’s Area Business Manager roles and Engie’s B2B Manager position.

  • Renewable energy companies are expanding their market presence, increasing revenue and accelerating growth.

  • South Africa dominates in hiring with over 60% of the positions. Overall, southern Africa is hiring for utility-scale projects while East and West African firms recruit for off-grid renewables, a trend we’ve observed in past weeks.

  • The job listings can be accessed here…(4 min)

Rural Electrification Agency of Nigeria welcomes a delegation from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (Uganda) for a benchmarking visit in Abuja

Events

🗓️ Attend the 2025 International Investment Conference (Sep 23)

🗓️ Register for a webinar on energy security & affordability (Sep 25)

🗓️ Join experts at the World Power-to-X Summit 2025 (Oct 1)

Various

🔋 SAPP grid growth set to include three new countries by 2028

⚡️ Tunisia plans the construction of a 130MW solar power facility

💵 Senegal formalises $300 million agreement to supply farms with solar power

🔌 DBSA seeks specialists in technical transactions to join the IPPO for five years

Seen on LinkedIn 

Andrew Herscowitz, CEO of the Mission 300 Accelerator, says, “Universal electrification is solvable, but not easy. It's not as expensive as people think in the grand scheme of things, but it's also not free. It's not an 'either or' when it comes to off-grid vs on-grid. We need both.”