Nigerian Startup Raises $1.3m To Give Underserved Communities Affordable Solar Power
Nigerian startup Salpha Energy has raised $1.3 million in funding from All On, an impact investment firm supported by Shell. Salpha Energy is the only female-founded startup that runs a solar home system assembly facility in sub-Saharan Africa, according to Distrupt Africa. The company is dedicated to providing affordable and reliable solar power to underserved communities across Africa.
Having local manufacturing capacity enables the company to manage product quality and design more effectively, while also generating employment opportunities in the area.
$1.3 million funding from All On
The fund will be used to expand operations, enhance its product portfolio, and strengthen its local solar assembly facility. So far, Salpha’s solar solutions, ranging from 150Wp to 100kWp systems with battery storage and smart inverters, have already helped over two million people. The startup hopes to expand clean energy access to more underserved communities.
“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,” Sandra Chukwudozie, founder and CEO of Salpha Energy, said.
“All On is happy to provide local currency financing to help local industries solve the long-standing industry currency mismatch risk. Aside from answering this critical need, this investment aligns directly with our mission to bridge the access-to-energy gap in Nigeria by backing indigenous companies that are innovating for impact,” Caroline Eboumbou, CEO of All On, said.
The founder of Salpha Energy
Chukwudozie founded Salpha Energy to provide low-income communities in Nigeria with access to affordable solar solutions. Before founding her startup, she worked with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation as a Sustainable Development consultant, focusing on Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency in Industrial Development for Developing Countries.
Chukwudozie has also worked in the Office of the Director for the General Assembly and ECOSOC Affairs Division at the United Nations Headquarters. She has a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Political Science from the University of Manchester.
Image: Salpha Energy
