In a significant boost for East Africa’s clean energy transition, ElectriFI, the EU-funded Electrification Financing Initiative managed by EDFI Management Company, has injected €2.5 million (USD 2.88 million) in equity into Sawa Energy, a fast-scaling renewable energy company operating in Uganda and Rwanda.
The investment, made through ElectriFI’s Uganda Country Window, will accelerate deployment of solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage systems (BESS) for commercial and industrial (C&I) clients.
By replacing costly diesel generators with reliable, affordable solar energy, Sawa Energy is redefining how African enterprises power growth, and ElectriFI’s backing confirms its role as a regional leader in the clean power revolution.
Sawa Energy: From Startup to Regional Trailblazer
Founded in 2021, Sawa Energy has rapidly positioned itself as a trusted provider of tailored solar solutions for C&I clients across East Africa.
Its business model combines long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) spanning 10 to 25 years with full operations and maintenance (O&M) services, ensuring clients receive consistent, below-grid-rate electricity without the burden of upfront costs.
To date, the company has rolled out 32 projects totalling 2.6 MWp of solar capacity and 1 MWh of storage, serving major brands like MTN and I&M Bank.
The results are tangible: energy cost savings of 10–30%, improved power reliability, and reduced carbon footprints.
Now, backed by ElectriFI, Sawa Energy aims to expand its portfolio to 35 MW of C&I solar capacity by 2030, scaling up operations while unlocking additional institutional and impact investment.
Why ElectriFI Backed Sawa Energy
ElectriFI’s decision is a strategic alignment with the EU’s Global Gateway Africa-EU Investment Package and Africa-EU Green Energy Initiative, which targets €150 billion in sustainable infrastructure by 2027.
This investment supports private-sector clean energy pioneers capable of delivering real-world impact, particularly in regions where grid access remains unreliable and diesel dependence is high.
“The European Union, through the ElectriFI initiative, is proud to support Sawa Energy’s mission to deliver sustainable and affordable solar energy solutions in Uganda,” said H.E. Jan Sadek, EU Ambassador to Uganda. “This investment underscores our commitment to empowering local enterprises, reducing emissions, and driving industrial growth.”
Rodrigo Madrazo, CEO of EDFI Management Company, added:
“By supporting Sawa Energy’s expansion in Uganda and Rwanda, we are helping accelerate the shift from polluting diesel to reliable solar power, creating lasting economic and environmental benefits.”
The Broader Impact: Why This Matters for Africa’s Energy Transition
ElectriFI’s investment in Sawa Energy is a signal of confidence in Africa’s ability to drive its own clean energy future.
- Environmental Impact: Each installation reduces CO₂ emissions by displacing diesel generation, directly supporting national and global climate goals.
- Economic Empowerment: Reliable solar power cuts energy costs and downtime, boosting productivity for SMEs and large enterprises alike.
- Industrialisation Catalyst: Affordable power fuels local manufacturing, job creation, and regional trade, core pillars of the Africa-EU partnership.
This model is replicable and scalable, demonstrating how targeted public-private collaboration can de-risk renewable investments and attract further capital to underserved markets.
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The Road Ahead
As of November 2025, Sawa Energy’s trajectory with ElectriFI marks a new chapter for East Africa’s energy landscape.
“At Sawa Energy, our mission is to make clean, affordable energy accessible for businesses across East Africa,” said Samuel Kaufman, CEO and Co-founder of Sawa Energy. “This partnership with ElectriFI enables us to scale our impact, helping more companies reduce emissions, lower costs, and improve productivity.”
In a region where energy poverty still constrains progress, initiatives like this redefine what’s possible.
With ElectriFI’s equity boost and Sawa Energy’s execution track record, East Africa’s C&I solar market is set to shine brighter than ever, proving that sustainability and profitability can power the same grid.
Sawa Energy: Driving Solar Innovation in Rwanda and Kenya
Sawa Energy Rwanda and Sawa Energy Kenya are leading clean energy providers focused on delivering affordable solar solutions to businesses and communities across East Africa.
The company is among the top solar energy companies in Rwanda, known for its innovative solar-as-a-service model and strong sustainability impact.
As a growing Rwanda solar energy company, Sawa Energy continues to expand operations and create employment opportunities; those interested can explore openings through Sawa Energy careers.
For those seeking more options, the list of solar companies in Rwanda highlights key players driving the nation’s renewable energy transformation.
Ronnie Paul is a seasoned writer and analyst with a prolific portfolio of over 1,000 published articles, specialising in fintech, cryptocurrency, climate change, and digital finance at Africa Digest News.
