Ethiopia turns to solar to diversify beyond hydropower

• The country is also looking to set new tariff rates for off-grid solar power in the coming months, as the government attempts to strike a balance between investor returns and affordability.

• Extending solar beyond the grid to rural areas, where about 72% of the population relies on agriculture, will be game-changing in creating income opportunities for Ethiopia’s unemployed population.

• Our take: The next goal for Ethiopia is to expand battery storage systems for energy security… Read more (2 min)

AfDB backs $282m Tanzania islands power line

• Power transmission lines have received increased financing over the past couple of years. The AfDB has funded at least four power transmission line projects since the start of 2025, including a $292 million Zambia-Tanzania interconnector.

• Tanzania’s ageing and inadequate grid infrastructure, as per its Mission 300 National Energy Compact, requires an estimated $1.4 billion for rehabilitation and $6.4 billion for grid expansion. The AfDB project is a vital, but partial, contribution toward this goal.

• Our take: While pivotal, $282m covers just 4% of Tanzania’s total required grid investment needs… Read more (2 min)

Solar home systems companies lead in sales staff hiring

• Engie Africa led in new hires, adding 221 staff over the past twelve months. The company also ranks top in operational reach, with activities in 30 African countries, including populous markets such as Nigeria.

• Sun King, which has secured $236 million in funding over the past two months, ranked second with 181 new hires. The new funding is aimed at expanding its markets in Kenya and Nigeria, with additional hires expected.

• Our take: There's a boom in investments, but we also expect mergers and acquisitions… Read more (2 min)