Solarise Africa, a pan-African Energy-as-a-Service company, has won the prestigious African Unicorn Award for Greentech & Energy. The award recognises the company's contribution to the growth and development of sustainable energy solutions in Africa.
 
The African Unicorn Awards celebrate exceptional companies that are primed to achieve a billion-dollar valuation or more in Africa in the next five years. The Greentech & Energy category recognises companies that have demonstrated outstanding innovation and leadership in the energy sector while promoting sustainable development.
 
“African Unicorns aims to recognise and honour the remarkable achievements of some of the most innovative and visionary companies on the African continent,” said Mehdi El Alj, founder of the African Unicorn Awards. “We are delighted to present the Greentech & Energy award to Solarise Africa, a company that represents the very best of what this continent has to offer”.
 
1542 companies competed for the award and the process was led by Boston Consulting Group as well as leading pan-African private equity investor AfricInvest.
 
"We are honoured to receive the African Unicorn Award for Greentech & Energy," said Jan Albert Valk, Co-Founder & CEO of Solarise Africa. "This award is a testament to our commitment to providing innovative and sustainable energy solutions to businesses across Africa. We are grateful to our customers, partners, and employees who have contributed to our success."
 
Solarise Africa's mission is to provide reliable and affordable decentralised energy solutions to businesses across Africa. The company has implemented several solar energy projects in rural and urban areas, providing electricity to commercial and industrial businesses in South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, with rapid growth forecasted in those countries and elsewhere on the continent.   
 
The African Unicorn Award for Greentech & Energy is a significant achievement for Solarise Africa. "We believe that solar energy is the key to unlocking Africa's economic potential," said Valk. "By providing clean, affordable, and reliable energy, we can power economic growth, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for millions of people. We are proud of the work we have done so far, bringing solar power to businesses across Africa. But we know there is so much more to do. We have raised around US$50 million in equity and debt thus far and will be embarking on a further equity raise in 2023 and 2024. This will allow us to expand our reach even further. With these new investments, we will be able to bring clean, reliable energy to more organisations, help businesses and communities thrive, and contribute to a more sustainable future for our continent,” concluded Valk.