US-based solar developer Renewvia Energy has secured a $10 million investment to expand its distributed solar projects in Kenya and Nigeria. The funding has been provided by private equity firm Claritas Capital and will support the company’s efforts to deliver clean and reliable electricity to underserved communities and commercial customers.
The investment comes at a time when demand for solar energy is rising across Africa. Many countries are looking to diversify their power supply, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and meet global climate targets. Solar technology has also become more affordable in recent years, making it a practical option for both rural and urban users.
Renewvia Energy develops, installs, and operates commercial and community solar power systems. In several African markets, the company works as a mini-grid utility, supplying electricity to remote areas that are not connected to the national grid. Its projects provide dependable power to households, small businesses, and community facilities that previously relied on costly and polluting fuels such as kerosene and diesel.
In Kenya, the company has implemented projects that directly benefit vulnerable and remote populations. It commissioned a solar mini-grid at the Kalobeyei Integrated Settlement in Turkana County, supplying electricity to refugees and host communities. The company has also developed projects on Ndeda and Ringiti islands in Lake Victoria. These installations have helped replace expensive and hazardous fuel-based energy sources with affordable solar power. Customers use mobile payment platforms to access electricity, making the service easier to manage and more transparent.
The new capital will allow the company to expand its end-to-end distributed solar services for commercial and community users. By the end of 2024, Renewvia’s existing portfolio and upcoming projects are expected to provide electricity to more than 350,000 people. The projects are also projected to offset nearly 2,800 tonnes of carbon emissions each year.
Apart from environmental benefits, the expansion is expected to create hundreds of jobs in construction, installation, and long-term operations. Industry observers say that Renewvia’s experience in delivering power in fragile and remote environments makes it an important contributor to sustainable development in the region.
The latest funding highlights growing private sector interest in off-grid electrification. It also strengthens Kenya’s position as a key center for renewable energy growth in Sub-Saharan Africa.
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