South African green-tech pioneer maxwell+spark raises $15M Series B led by Klima, Chevron Technology Ventures, and Idemitsu to expand its unified lithium-ion battery ecosystem. The funding accelerates global electrification across forklifts, transport refrigeration, and backup power — replacing diesel and lead-acid systems with cleaner, data-driven solutions.
Category: Energy
Africa: Energy, Renewable Energy, Green Energy, Gas, Oil, Electricity
The trust gap in energy transitions
As South Africa accelerates its transition to renewable energy, a growing trust gap is emerging in the solar energy sector. Many businesses have fallen victim to poorly executed installations, unreliable providers, and unclear financing models. Brandon Horn, Head of Commercial at SolarAfrica, argues that the issue lies not just in the technology but in the people behind it. Successful energy partnerships require in-house expertise, consistent quality, and accountability throughout the project lifecycle. SolarAfrica’s integrated approach, managing everything from design to asset management, offers a trustworthy solution, ensuring long-term performance and customer confidence.
Powering the future: Unlocking Africa’s renewable energy potential
Africa holds vast renewable energy resources, yet over half a billion people on the continent still lack electricity access. This article by Izaak Coetzee, Head of Strategic Insights & Analytics at Absa Group, outlines the strategic actions required to bridge Africa’s energy gap—ranging from modernising infrastructure and regulatory reform to unlocking blended finance solutions. With coordinated investment and policy, Africa can emerge as a global leader in the clean energy transition.
Available and Affordable Municipal Electricity: Shifting Generation to Point of Consumption through Smart Nano-Grid Deployments
In response to energy insecurity and centralized grid limitations, municipalities can take charge by deploying Smart Nano-Grids with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). This article outlines how decentralized, local generation transforms financial and operational dynamics, enabling more reliable, affordable, and self-sufficient electricity provision at municipal level.
Why Impact Investing Must Reshape M&A Strategy in Africa’s Energy Landscape
As Africa experiences a transformative energy transition, traditional M&A strategies focused solely on financial returns fall short in addressing social and environmental challenges. This article argues that impact investing must reshape merger and acquisition approaches in Africa’s energy sector by integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria into valuation and deal-making. Through case studies from Angola and Namibia, it demonstrates how embedding impact metrics into financial models can enhance value creation, support sustainable development, and align investments with local sovereignty and community needs.
De-Risking Africa’s Renewable Energy Agenda
“De-Risking Africa’s Renewable Energy Agenda” explores the critical role of financial and structural risk mitigation in unlocking investment for Africa’s renewable energy sector. Authors Opy Ramaremisa and Vuyo Mafrika of Absa CIB highlight the pressing need for early-stage support, innovative hedging tools, and market-responsive strategies to align investor confidence with the continent’s renewable energy ambitions. The article underscores how integrating risk management from project inception can bridge the gap between capital availability and project bankability.
ZX Lidars and Globeleq Optimise Wind Performance at Klipheuwel with Advanced Lidar Deployment
ZX Lidars, in collaboration with Globeleq South Africa Management Services, has deployed a ZX TM wind Lidar at Klipheuwel Wind Farm, South Africa. The advanced system provides real-time wind flow data to optimise turbine performance, support power curve verification, and reduce mechanical stress. By analysing complex wind behaviour such as shear and turbulence, the project enhances asset efficiency, reliability, and long-term operational outcomes.
Building Green Industries To Scale Green Economies: How Namibia Has Set The Pace For Africa’s Green Industrial Revolution
As the global energy landscape shifts under the pressures of climate change, artificial intelligence, and geopolitical instability, Africa is positioning itself at the forefront of a green industrial revolution. Driven by renewable energy, green hydrogen, and sustainable policy frameworks like Agenda 2063 and the AfCFTA, the continent is seizing the moment to redefine industrialisation, empower inclusive development, and lead global efforts toward a just and climate-resilient future. Namibia, in particular, emerges as a leader, hosting the Global African Hydrogen Summit 2025 to accelerate this transformation.
Wattlab Launches SolarDeck: Plug-and-Play Solar Power for Seagoing Vessels
Wattlab launches SolarDeck, a modular solar power system for seagoing ships, reducing fuel use and CO₂ emissions. Tested with Vertom and TNO, SolarDeck offers fast installation, cargo flexibility, and ROI in 3–5 years.
Kofa Closes $8.1 Million Pre-Series A Round to Expand Energy Access in Urban Africa
Kofa, an innovative technology-driven energy company, has successfully closed an $8.1 million pre-Series A funding round to expand its AI-powered battery-swapping network in urban Africa. The investment will accelerate the company’s clean energy solutions, starting in Ghana and Kenya, and help optimize the distribution of batteries for motorcycles, households, and businesses. With the backing of prominent investors like E3 Capital, Injaro Investment Advisors, and the Shell Foundation, Kofa is on track to scale its network and drive sustainable energy adoption across the continent.