Africa’s largest solar mini-grid operator is preparing a $650 million investment to expand into Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), betting on two of the world’s biggest electricity-starved markets as demand for off-grid power accelerates across the continent.
WeLight, which develops and operates solar-powered mini-grids for communities beyond the reach of national electricity networks, said the expansion is designed to increase the number of people it serves tenfold by the end of the decade.
The move places the company at the centre of one of Africa’s biggest development and investment opportunities.
More than 560 million people in sub-Saharan Africa still lack access to electricity, with Nigeria and the DRC accounting for roughly 170 million of them, making both countries critical markets for investors seeking scalable clean energy solutions.
The company plans to invest $450 million in Nigeria and the DRC, while another $200 million will be used to strengthen operations in Madagascar, Mali and a fifth African market that is yet to be announced.
