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Power crisis draws solar firms to Zambia
Dear subscriber,
We look for themes that touch more than one country. Or if we write about one nation alone, it’s usually a big one. But today Zambia has earned its moment in the spotlight.
– Sammy Jamar, Editor
 | Canada-based renewable energy franchisor Stardust Solar Energy has entered the African market with the launch of its first national franchise in Zambia. It becomes the third international energy company to enter the Zambian market in four months, as the country opens its power sector to private developers to help address its ongoing energy crisis. |
Earlier this month, energy developer AXIAN Energy entered the Zambian market by acquiring a 54 MW solar plant, while in June, Canadian off-grid firm Solar Panda expanded its operations by acquiring local company Vitalite.
Their entry reflects not only rising energy demand but also supportive policies. The government has approved more than 1,000 MW of projects for construction this year, with at least a third already completed.
Our take: Local companies should be supported as well… Read more (2 min)
 | Africa-focused asset manager Enko Capital has secured $100 million for its private credit fund, with renewable energy featured as a priority sector. The fund will provide dollar-denominated financing to mid-sized businesses across Africa, which often struggle to access credit from traditional lenders. The fund targets gross returns of 14–16%. |
The targeted mid-sized firms are too large for micro-finance but too risky for banks, resulting in a significant credit shortfall.
Dollar-denominated private credit offers more flexible and longer-term financing options compared to short-term bank loans. This makes it attractive for infrastructure-heavy sectors with long earn-back periods.
Our take: Large institutional capital is increasingly ready to underwrite Africa’s clean energy.… Read more (2 min)
 | In the race to electrify, Africa is falling behind. The continent needs $250 billion annually to achieve universal access by 2030 but attracts barely a tenth of that. A new report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) says that weak financing, policy delays and struggling utilities continue to slow progress — regardless of falling solar and battery prices. |
Still, Renewables Rising tracks funding flows, projects and policy developments, and 2025 has already seen commitments exceeding $100 billion, with initiatives like Mission 300 driving policy reforms across 29 African countries.
Though still early, these developments suggest that hope is not lost and a growing measure of investment is in the pipeline.
Our take: Africa must localise renewables technology production to prevent supply shocks like those seen during Covid-19… Read more (2 min)
Creditchek teams up with Bboxx to bring solar power to 17.5 million Nigerians
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Dr Eng. John Mativo MBS, Strategic Advisor in PPP, Contracts, Resources Mobilisation and Energy, says, "National projects, regional projects and projects accelerated through Mission 300 will open doors and opportunities to grow the grid in order to supply reliable electricity to masses across Africa”