Yemisi Izuora
All On, an impact investment firm supported by Shell, has extended $1.3 million funding to a Nigerian clean energy startup Salpha Energy, to help advance its mission of delivering dependable and affordable solar power to underserved communities across Africa.
Notably, Salpha Energy is the only female-founded company in sub-Saharan Africa operating a solar home system assembly facility.
The $1.3 million investment will be used to scale Salpha Energy’s operations, expand its product offerings, and strengthen its local assembly infrastructure, according to report by People of Color in Tech (POCIT).
The company’s solar power solutions in Africa, ranging from 150Wp to 100kWp systems with battery storage and smart inverters, have already reached more than 2 million people, helping to make clean energy more accessible and affordable.
“This capital raise is a huge step forward in our vision to power homes and businesses with products designed, assembled, and optimized right here on the continent,” said Founder and CEO Sandra Chukwudozie in a statement to POCIT.
Around 600 million Africans don’t have reliable access to electricity, accounting for over 80 per cent of the global electricity access gap, according to gap, the United Nations Sustainable Development Group.
Caroline Eboumbou, CEO of All On, added, “This funding helps address currency mismatch risks and aligns with our mission to bridge the access-to-energy gap in Nigeria by supporting indigenous companies innovating for impact.”
Chukwudozie launched Salpha Energy to address solar energy access issues in Nigeria’s low-income communities by providing solar solutions tailored for the African market.
Her earlier work shaped her passion for renewable energy, which she developed as a sustainable development consultant with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, the outlet reports.
She also worked in the Office of the Director for the General Assembly and Economic and Social Council Affairs Division at the United Nations Headquarters.
Chukwudozie is also a graduate of the University of Manchester, holding a degree in economics and political science.
With her education and background, she brings a blend of technical insight and a deep commitment to sustainability positioning Salpha Energy as a rising force in Africa’s solar energy revolution.