People of Color in Tech (POCIT) announces that All On, an impact investment firm backed by Shell, has invested $1.3 million in Nigerian clean energy startup Salpha Energy.

Salpha Energy’s goal of providing reliable and reasonably priced solar power to underprivileged areas throughout Africa will be furthered with the support of the grant.

Interestingly, the only female-founded business running a solar home system assembly factory in sub-Saharan Africa is Salpha Energy.

Investment to Support Innovation and Growth in Solar

Salpha Energy will utilize the $1.3 million investment to grow its business, increase the range of products it offers, and fortify its local assembly facilities. According to POCIT, the company’s solar power solutions in Africa, which range from 150Wp to 100kWp systems with battery storage and smart inverters, have already reached over 2 million people and contributed to the affordability and accessibility of clean energy.

In a statement to POCIT, founder and CEO Sandra Chukwudozie said, “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.”

The United Nations Sustainable Development Group estimates that 600 million Africans lack consistent access to power, making up more than 80% of the worldwide energy access deficit.

“This funding helps address currency mismatch risks and aligns with our mission to bridge the access-to-energy gap in Nigeria by supporting indigenous companies innovating for impact,” said Caroline Eboumbou, CEO of All On.

According to POCIT, Chukwudozie, a female founder spearheading the push for renewable energy, founded Salpha Energy to solve the problem of solar energy access in low-income regions in Nigeria by offering solar solutions specifically designed for the African market.

As a sustainable development consultant with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, she established her enthusiasm for renewable energy, which was influenced by her previous job, according to the site. She was also employed at the United Nations Headquarters in the Office of the Director for the General Assembly and Economic and Social Council Affairs Division.

According to her LinkedIn profile, Chukwudozie is also a University of Manchester alumnus, having earned degrees in political science and economics. Her training and experience enable her to combine technical knowledge with a strong dedication to sustainability, establishing Salpha Energy as a major player in Africa’s solar energy revolution.