In a continent where over 600 million people still lack reliable electricity, Nigerian startup Salpha Energy is proving that local innovation can solve Africa’s most urgent energy challenge.
Founded in 2017 by Sandra Chukwudozie, Salpha is financing solar power affordably, and delivering clean energy to needed communities.
With more than 2 million users reached, a new $1.3 million investment secured from All On, and a recognition from the Ashden Awards, Salpha Energy is fast becoming one of Africa’s most impactful clean tech companies.
And the public, the press, and the energy sector are taking notice. Critics have applauded the company, calling it a “made-in-Africa solution for an African problem.”
What Are People Saying?
Outside of awards and funding headlines, perhaps the most telling signs of Salpha’s impact come from the public.
Jumoke Omeyeni, a Climate and Energy expert, labelled Salpha “a model of scalable African innovation.” Jumoke told TechParley’s Quadri Adejumo. “I’ve been following the company’s growth and they’ve really done well. The trajectory is very encouraging.”
“I think every startup should pay attention to their model and see how they are leading the charge in the power sector across the continent.”
On social media, energy experts have praised Sandra for leading the energy transition charge and for being one of the few female founders in a male-dominated sector.
“So excited to see this! Salpha Energy, led by superstar Sandra Chukwudozie, was one of our greatest discoveries at All On,” Wiebe Boer, former CEO of All On, and The Tony Elumelu Foundation said in a LinkedIn post.
He added: “Glad to see how much success the company has had and that All On is investing in another round of growth.”
The African Energy Question: Who Will Power the Future?
Africa’s energy industry is at a crossroads. With increasing climate risks, global investment in renewables, and rising costs of fossil fuels, solar is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity.
Yet challenges remain. Foreign companies still dominate the supply chain. Infrastructure deficits continue. And policies don’t always favour local innovators. This is where Salpha Energy stands apart, and where others have to come in.
Babajide Ajitokewu, a Renewable Energy analyst says to TechParley: “This is not just about selling solar panels, it’s about building a local clean energy ecosystem. It’s training technicians, supporting small businesses, and developing products that make sense for the African market.”
Sandra herself has spoken about Africa’s need to build a market within. “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,” she said in a statement to POCIT.
And the numbers are beginning to reflect that ambition. Salpha Energy’s solar power solutions, ranging from 150Wp to 100kWp systems with battery storage and smart inverters, aims to address the energy access gap in Africa.
More Than a Business — A Movement
Salpha Energy is doing more than its business of electrifying homes. It’s changing mindsets about what’s possible in Africa, and the role of startups in nation-building.
“This has to be a movement for every person in the energy sector,” Jumoke added. “We need other energy and power companies to come forward and help to solve Africa’s energy crisis.”
