Elsewedy Electric expands to Algeria with $2.5 billion deal

• Despite Africa's high energy deficit, only a few local companies have emerged to solve the problem. The main blocker has been a lack of access to capital. So far, only those with a proven business model and revenue have made it.

• This has slowed down the continent's progress in energy access, with the few companies being overwhelmed by financing demands, which in turn locks many people out of affordable access to energy.

• Our take: Unless African governments deliberately create enabling environments, local companies risk being crowded out of their own markets… Read more (2 min)

Ethiopia secures $140m to modernise grid

• The country has long been a closed market, but recent policy changes, including legislation to open up the banking sector to foreign players, are expected to attract investment to help finance its climate goals.

• As Africa’s second most populous nation, with less than half of its people having access to electricity, Ethiopia is likely to soak up substantial capital.

• Our take: Without matching investments in transmission infrastructure, this ambition risks being delayed… Read more (2 min)

Solar kit financing sees third month of stability

• Off-grid solar companies that received new funding this year include d.light, which secured $300 million to expand solar home systems financing across Africa. Others are Sun King, Candi Solar, Bboxx and Wetility.

• Renewables Rising tracks financing costs for solar home systems in four key economies: Kenya, South Africa, Egypt and Nigeria. Data is updated monthly.

• Our take: The current stability in solar home system loan rates signals maturity in consumer financing markets.… Read more (2 min)