Ignite Energy Access is changing how clean energy reaches Africa’s most remote areas. The company is bringing affordable solar energy to thousands of off-grid communities.
Founded in 2014 by Yariv Cohen and Angela Homsi, Ignite began in Rwanda with a “pay-as-you-go” solar plan. Users paid small monthly fees through mobile platforms. After 24 months, they owned the solar panels and equipment.
Today, Ignite serves over 600,000 homes in 23,000 villages across nine African countries. Its success lies in a simple but efficient idea—using sunlight, Africa’s most abundant resource.
“When embarking on our journey, we were convinced deep down that our distributed modular approach would work… And it did,” Cohen said.
Their model relies on Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) systems. These small solar units power homes, schools, and shops without needing national grids.
“In the digital age, we were on our way toward effectively proving that distributed energy… has the potential to completely change how we have discussions on national level electrification in countries,” said Homsi.
A drop in the cost of solar equipment helped drive growth. Mobile payments also made solar more accessible. What once cost $4 a month now costs less than $1.
Bold Expansion Across Africa
In 2024, Ignite signed a deal to acquire Engie Energy Access, the Africa-focused solar unit of French utility firm Engie. This move will double Ignite’s footprint.
The merger will make Ignite the largest DRE provider in Africa. The company will then operate in 14 countries and serve over 15 million people.
Cohen said, “The move will help us achieve our vision of providing sustainable, affordable energy solutions to 100 million people by 2030, and doing so profitably.”
Homsi added, “If you can’t scale up your business, you can’t scale up your impact. This is our fourth acquisition in two years.”
Ignite has also expanded into solar-powered irrigation and clean cooking solutions. The aim is to reduce reliance on firewood and charcoal for cooking.
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Global Recognition and Support
In 2023, Ignite won the Zayed Sustainability Prize at the COP28 summit in Dubai. The award boosted its credibility.
Dr. Steve Griffiths, a member of the selection committee, said, “The value of an energy company is much more than just its technology… Ignite exceeded the Zayed Sustainability Prize Selection Committee’s expectations on all three counts.”
Cohen said, “The main value of the prize is not just recognition but legitimacy… it opened a lot of doors.”
Now headquartered in Abu Dhabi, the company has 300 professionals and manages 50,000 agents across Africa. It also has a finance team in London.
Cohen said, “We are at a scale where the top investment houses in the world are interested in us.”
Homsi concluded, “We are highly de-risked with a proven model and growth prospects… we offer a risk-adjusted profile that is truly appealing.”
Ignite’s story shows that affordable, clean energy can reach even the most remote places—with the right model, vision, and dedication.