Energy

SheTOSS is a Senegalese company specializing in the installation and maintenance of prefabricated domestic biodigesters, a technology that converts organic waste into biogas for cooking and bio-compost for agriculture. Founded in 2022 by Frédérique Sheridan, the company is positioning itself as a key player in the energy transition in rural areas.

The entrepreneur

Frédérique Sheridan, a Dutch entrepreneur, is the founder and CEO of SheTOSS, a company specializing in domestic biodigesters for rural areas. With degrees in physiotherapy and pediatric physical therapy, she completed Stanford's Seed Transformation Program in 2022.

Based in Senegal since 2013, she led VITALITE Senegal, connecting more than 11,000 households to solar energy, and co-founded a clinic in Thiès. After VITALITE's post-COVID difficulties, she launched SheTOSS to continue her commitment to the climate sector. Winner of the PFAN award in 2018, she also trained more than 100 young people in the basics of solar energy with GIZ in 2024.

Partnership with I&P and Teranga Capital

I&P has committed to working alongside SheTOSS:

• To finance 100 biodigesters and working capital to accelerate installations as part of its partnership with PNB, which plans to install 500 biodigesters.
• To assist the company in structuring its administrative and financial functions, supporting its growth and strengthening the quality of its internal management.
• To provide SheTOSS with a strategic partner to help it achieve its objectives.

Main impacts

ECLIPSE ER Cameroun SAS is a Cameroonian company created in September 2020, specializing in the supply, design, installation, and maintenance of solar power plants and commercial solar energy systems in Cameroon. The company focuses on EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) services as well as O&M (Operation and Maintenance) services for the residential, commercial, and mini-grid segments.

To ensure the efficient execution of each project it undertakes, the company uses platforms (equipment suppliers) to remotely monitor the installed solar plants. This enables real-time tracking of solar system performance. Through dedicated sensors and software, Eclipse can monitor energy production, the condition of solar panels, inverter performance, and even the site’s energy consumption.

The entrepreneur

Ismael Touani, an EPC specialist with over 15 years of experience in the field, most of it acquired in Canada, is the founder behind this project, which he describes as the project of his life. His goal is to facilitate access to reliable and green electricity while demonstrating that renewable energy power plant installations in Cameroon can meet the same quality standards found elsewhere in the world.

Partnership with I&P and Gaia Impact

Eclipse ER Cameroun is supported by I&P Digital Energy, a €4.8 million program designed to finance and support around a dozen start-ups and SMEs in Sub-Saharan Africa that offer digital solutions for access to affordable energy. The program is backed by AFD and the EU. In Cameroon, it is implemented by I&P Cameroun/Fako Capital.

This partnership will enable the start-up to finance:

• The purchase of equipment for project implementation;
• The acquisition of new vehicles for staff and material transport;
• The purchase of software allowing the company to increase its digitalized operational processes from 50% to nearly 80%, marking a significant step in its digital transformation;
• The creation of a safety stock to ensure the timely execution of ongoing and upcoming projects;
• The strengthening of its team through the recruitment of new profiles.

Mayaki Trading is a company specializing in the solar energy markets, particularly solar kits, and construction.

The activities are distributed as follows in terms of revenue:

• 75% clean energy (60% pay as you go – 40% sale of batteries, mini power plants, inverters, etc.)
• 25% construction of public works buildings and water supply

The entrepreneur

Mayaki Trading was founded by MAMAN Mahaman Kabirou, a graduate in Management Information Technology, several times consultant in the field of NTIC training, in digital data processing, in management and business leader. He was several times Head and member of the Nigerien delegation of business leaders for the Trade Mission and business opportunities at trade fairs dedicated to solar and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in the USA, United Arab Emirates, Burkina Faso, Turkey, England, Tunisia and France.

Partnership with I&P and Sinergi SA

I&P has partnered with Mayaki Trading:

• For the acquisition of a container of solar kits, equivalent to approximately 3,000 kits.
• Financing of 60,000.00 FCFA
• Establishment of a technical assistance mission on accounting and finance, as well as on the commercial aspect.

Main Impacts

• Annual reduction of more than 226 tons of CO₂e through the introduction of solar equipment.
• Reduction in air pollution (by replacing coal and wood fires) and improvement of air quality in urban areas.
• Creation and sustainability of skilled jobs, with technical training for young salespeople and the gradual inclusion of women.
• Increased energy autonomy for users, reducing dependence on the unstable and unavailable public grid.
• Existence of an innovative digital platform for real-time monitoring, startup and shutdown, optimization, and proactive maintenance of installed equipment.

Find out more 

Facebook page of Mayaki Trading 

SolarDev, a Burkinabe company, facilitates access to solar energy for SMEs through turnkey energy leasing solutions that combine reliability and sustainable savings. In less than three years, it has financed 389 kWp of installations, reducing CO₂ emissions by more than 1,036 tons.

Entrepreneurs 

Sylvestre Coulibaly : With a background in finance, he worked for major international banks before joining a West African investment fund. He co-founded SolarDev in 2021 with the ambition of making solar energy accessible to SMEs. He oversees strategy and development. 

Cédric Sama : An expert in project financing and organization, he has carried out assignments for international players in the energy and development sectors. At SolarDev, he ensures the soundness of contracts, internal structuring, and smooth operational functioning. 

Partnership with I&P and Néré Capital

I&P has partnered with Solar Dev to:

• Finance and build additional installations;
• strategically strengthen the team;  
• provide the company with a centralized digital platform for monitoring installations;  
• set up a technical assistance mission for accounting and financial matters.  

Main Impacts

• Installation of more than 300 kWp of additional capacity for the benefit of local businesses;
• More than 259 tons of CO₂ avoided over the next few years;
• Reduced pressure on the public grid, benefiting the most vulnerable users;
• Creation of several direct jobs in technical and administrative functions;
• Strengthening of the company's organizational and monitoring capabilities. This development is also accompanied by recruitment, team strengthening, and improved digital performance management.

Learn more

• SolarDev website
• LinkedIn page
• YouTube channel  

SOLAFRIQUE is a Burkina Faso company founded in 2014, specializing in access to water and electricity through solar solutions tailored to rural and peri-urban areas. The company designs and installs agricultural irrigation systems, solar mini-grids and solar kits for households, based on flexible payment models such as Pay-As-You-Go. The company is also developing renewable energy training courses to strengthen local skills. Its aim: to make clean energy accessible to all, while improving the living conditions and economic autonomy of rural populations.

The entrepreneur

Ernest ASSO, a 37-year-old engineer from Burkina Faso specializing in solar pumping systems, is the founder of SOLAFRIQUE. With over 10 years' experience in renewable energies, he combines technical expertise, social commitment and entrepreneurial vision to democratize access to energy and water in rural areas.

Partnership with I&P and Néré Capital

Solafrique is supported by I&P Digital Energy, a 4.8 million euro program to finance and support a dozen start-ups and SMEs in sub-Saharan Africa offering digital solutions for access to affordable energy, backed by AFD and the EU. In Burkina Faso, this program is implemented by Néré Capital.

This 196 million F CFA financing will enable SOLAFRIQUE to :

• Expand its infrastructure by increasing the capacity of the Wapassi mini-grid and installing a new solar power plant in Namogo, in order to electrify 750 new beneficiaries in rural areas;
• Develop shared solar irrigation solutions, by setting up mutualized systems to improve farmers' access to water and strengthen local food security;
• Create jobs and strengthen its impact, consolidating over 30 existing positions, generating some 20 new jobs, and reaching over 10,000 beneficiaries with clean, affordable energy. 

Karaa Solutions Limited is a homegrown technology company that is committed to providing affordable and sustainable energy and transportation solutions to entrepreneurs, businesses and communities in Africa and beyond. Karaa Solutions has a vision to become the leading provider of energy solutions in Africa, empowering a new generation of entrepreneurs and businesses to pursue their dreams and build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

The entrepreneur

Karaa Solutions was created in 2023 by Godfrey Mutabazi a young Ugandan entrepreneur.

Geofrey Mutabazi is the Co-founder and CEO of Karaa. He is an emerging leader passionate about unlocking Africa’s economic potential through entrepreneurship. Geofrey started his first business selling software and video games at 14 and has since launched and run various businesses. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in December 2019 and has 7 years of experience in enterprise and government ICT solution sales. He was the 2018-19 Campus Director of the Hult Prize at ISBAT University, an organization launching the next wave of social entrepreneurs across the world and formerly the 2019-2020 Hult Prize community builder for Uganda, recruiting supporting local universities and change-makers to organize On-Campus initiatives. He is a Global Shaper with the Kampala Hub of Global Shapers Community, an initiative of the World Economic Forum and the 2020-2021 Vice Curator of the Global Shapers Kampala Hub.

Partnership with I&P et Inua Capital

Karaa Solutions is supported by I&P Digital Energy, a €4.8 million program aimed at financing and supporting 12 startups and SMEs in Sub-Saharan Africa that offer digital solutions for access to affordable energy. The program is backed by the AFD (French Development Agency) and the EU. In Uganda, the implementation of this program is managed by Inua Capital.

This partnership will enable the startup to:

• Finance the purchase of conversion kits to expand its local presence and tap into B2B market segments
• Incorporate its battery management system in existing products and pilot the lease to own model
• Support business formalization efforts

NeedEnergy is a Zimbabwean company that positions itself as a virtual power plant operator. To achieve this, NeedEnergy is deploying smart meters connected to its Memeza.ai platform. The platform monitors production, demand and prices for each decentralised energy source in real time, while anticipating market fluctuations.  

The entrepreneur

NeedEnergy was founded in 2019 by Leroy Nyangani, a young Zimbabwean entrepreneur with entrepreneurial experience in the delivery/restaurant sector.

Partnership with I&P and Gaia Impact

NeedEnergy is supported by I&P Digital Energy, a €4.8 million program to finance and support a dozen start-ups and SMEs in sub-Saharan Africa offering digital solutions for access to affordable energy, backed by the Agence Française de Développement and the European Union. In Zimbabwe, this programme is being implemented by Gaia Impact.

This partnership will enable the start-up to :

• Finance the purchase of smart meters to develop its operations, meet strong customer demand, and provide essential data to drive its Memeza.ai intelligent platform
• Improving its software to refine its assumptions, particularly on electricity trading and demand forecasts 
• Strengthen its team, mainly on the digital dimension of its solution, but also on the commercial side.

Read more about I&P Digital Energy

TC Solutions is a key energy player in Burkina Faso, specialised in solar and electrical solutions installation and distribution. Drawing on its expertise in renewable energies, it develops customised equipment, such as the Solar Box, a hybrid cabinet guaranteeing a reliable and sustainable power supply.

With an ambition for regional growth, TC Solutions is committed to offering high-performance, economical and ecological solutions to meet local energy challenges and accelerate the transition to more accessible and sustainable energy.

The entrepreneur

Assane Kafando is an electrical engineering and business management expert with over 25 years' experience in the energy sector. After a career with TIERI and ENGIE Africa, he founded TC Solutions to bring innovative and sustainable energy solutions to Burkina Faso. Visionary and committed, he is focusing on energy efficiency and renewable energies to transform access to electricity in the region.

Partnership with I&P and Sinergi Burkina

TC Solutions is supported by CATAL1.5°T program through Sinergi Burkina. Through its expertise and financial support, Sinergi Burkina is helping TC Solutions to strengthen its position in the renewable energy market and accelerate its development. This strategic partnership aims to promote the solutions developed by the company to meet local energy challenges and foster responsible and sustainable growth.

This partnership will enable TC Solutions to:  

• Accelerate the deployment of the Solar Box by setting up a hybrid cabinet assembly workshop and strengthening TC Solutions' sales strategy to position itself as a key supplier of this product in France. 
• Develop the solar energy business by developing partnerships with solar component manufacturers, raising customer awareness of solar solutions and facilitating access to renewable energy. 
• Strengthen the company's structure and organisation, by better formalising internal procedures and building team skills to improve operational efficiency

Based in Senegal, Senfrais is a refrigeration company specialized in the production of solar-powered refrigeration units that can be adapted to various types of vehicle (lorries, tricycles). This young company has added a digital dimension to its model, making it possible to track the temperature of refrigerated boxes in real time, in addition to vehicle tracking.

The entrepreneur

Senfrais was founded in 2023 by Seydina SECK, a Senegalese entrepreneur with experience in creating transport and preservation solutions for products in the cold chain.

Partnership with I&P and Teranga Capital

Senfrais is supported by I&P Digital Energy, a €4.8 million program to finance and support a dozen start-ups and SMEs in sub-Saharan Africa offering digital solutions for access to affordable energy, backed by AFD and the European Union. In Senegal, this program is implemented by Teranga Capital.

This partnership will enable this start-up to:

• Boost production in line with the development of its customer portfolio and the production unit by building up a stock of refrigerated tricycles, which will also enable it to meet the needs of individual and informal players under the cash-on-delivery model
• Boost the sales function by creating a dedicated unit whose mission will be to implement targeted strategies tailored to the profiles of the various prospects in order to achieve good sales traction
• Strengthen its digital component by adding additional functionalities such as remote control/adjustment of the temperature in the refrigerated cases, in order to ultimately achieve a product that is easy to use and adapted to the needs of local customers, and to strengthen its competitive advantage
• Strengthen its differentiation from traditional refrigerated vehicles (trucks) by adapting its offer based on the needs expressed by customers
• Identify the conditions needed to move the product from a niche market to a mainstream market.

Solarbox is a small Senegalese company that began operations in 2022. The company operates in the electric mobility sector, more specifically in the production of 2- and 3-wheel electric vehicles for transporting goods or people. Solarbox's electric vehicles feature a digital component for tracking and data collection. The offer is easily accessible thanks to a monthly leasing model.

The entrepreneur

Tijan WATT, co-founder and Managing Partner of Wuri Ventures since 2017, is the CEO of Solarbox. A dual Senegalese and American national, he graduated from the prestigious Harvard Business School in 2007 with an MBA. He has more than 15 years of professional/entrepreneurial experience to his credit, as well as solid fund-raising skills.

Partnership with I&P and Teranga Capital

Solarbox is supported by I&P Digital Energy, a 4.8 million euro program to finance and support a dozen start-ups and SMEs in Sub-Saharan Africa offering digital solutions for access to affordable energy, backed by AFD and the EU.

 In Senegal, this program is implemented by Teranga Capital.

The objectives for this start-up are to :

• Support the company in strengthening its production of electric vehicles to effectively meet the needs of its market 
• Help the company to develop its B2B portfolio as a priority, by boosting the sales function. 
• Support the company in strengthening its R&D in order to develop its offer. 
• Help the company move its product from a niche market to the mass market