Sawa Energy, a leading provider of affordable energy efficiency solutions in East Africa, has successfully attracted significant investment to accelerate its mission of revolutionizing the energy sector in the region. With operations spanning Rwanda and Uganda, the company is addressing the pressing challenge of energy accessibility for small and medium businesses.

Established in 2021, Sawa Energy is committed to reshaping how businesses access power by eliminating upfront costs associated with solar and energy-efficient solutions. This strategic move aims to make sustainable energy more accessible and affordable, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future for East Africa.

Sawa Energy’s unique approach involves constructing, owning, and operating solar systems for its clients, fostering significant cost savings and mitigating electricity pricing volatility. The company’s ambitious goal is to become the largest private provider of solar power in East Africa by 2030, showcasing its dedication to promoting environmentally friendly practices.

Samuel Kaufman, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Sawa Energy, emphasized the company’s broader impact goals, stating, “Our passion at Sawa Energy is to create a business that delivers on three critical fronts — building partnerships with East African companies, reducing emissions, and providing robust returns to our investors. We strongly believe in creating a sustainable model that benefits all stakeholders.”

What sets Sawa Energy apart is its commitment to removing financial and operational barriers to adopting solar power. The company provides local businesses with integrated energy solutions at no upfront cost, along with no operation and maintenance fees. This approach ensures a seamless and worry-free transition to cleaner and more affordable energy for its customers.

Blessing Layee-Maima Caine, Renew Capital’s Investment Manager for Rwanda, praised Sawa Energy’s transformative approach to sustainable energy solutions, saying, “Sawa Energy’s approach to affordable and sustainable energy solutions is transformative for East African SMEs. Renew Capital, as one of the investors in the consortium, is proud to support Sawa Energy’s vision of a future where businesses can grow sustainably and cost-effectively.”

Renew Capital, an Africa-focused impact investment firm, is among the key investors in Sawa Energy. The firm supports growth-oriented founders with a unique blend of skill, grit, and passion. Investments made by Renew Capital are managed on behalf of the Renew Capital Angels, a global network of angel investors, foundations, and family offices seeking financial returns and sustainable social impact.

As Sawa Energy secures vital investments, the company is poised to play a pivotal role in reshaping the energy landscape across East Africa, fostering economic growth, and promoting sustainable business practices in the region.

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Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer, who has several years of experience working in Africa’s burgeoning tech startup industry. He has closed multi-million dollar deals bordering on venture capital, private equity, intellectual property (trademark, patent or design, etc.), mergers and acquisitions, in countries such as in the Delaware, New York, UK, Singapore, British Virgin Islands, South Africa, Nigeria etc. He’s also a corporate governance and cross-border data privacy and tax expert.  As an award-winning writer and researcher, he is passionate about telling the African startup story, and is one of the continent’s pioneers in this regard.