Africa’s top clean energy trailblazers have been crowned in the first Africa Energy Entrepreneurship Award, launched by Octopus Energy and the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) Africa Council.
More than 50 early-stage businesses from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe entered the award programme, on a mission to solve some of the continent’s biggest energy challenges.
Nigerian start-up Nimsy Agro Solar Concept took the top prize, planting the seeds of a farming revolution. Launched in 2018, their solar-powered irrigation pumps have helped over 5,000 smallholder farmers swap costly diesel for free sunshine, putting money back into communities’ pockets.
With bold plans to reach half a million farmers by 2030, Nimsy’s work comes at a crucial time as Africa faces growing climate pressures — from rising sea levels to flooding, drought and famine*.
Onimisi Charles Atere, Founder of Nimsy Agro Solar Concep,t said: “Winning this award is an incredible moment – a validation of the hard work that’s gone into building the business. It has unlocked exciting opportunities like being nominated to apply for the Earthshot Prize and resources to scale our innovations to reach more farmers while creating rural jobs. A huge thank you to Octopus Energy, the SMI, and everyone who’s supported us – the future of solar-powered agriculture is bright!”
Two runners-up also made their mark: PAM AI uses artificial intelligence to optimise mini-grid energy, making it smarter, more efficient, and affordable for businesses and communities. KAMIM Technologies develops solar-powered cooling systems, helping farmers keep their harvests fresh longer and slash food waste in underserved communities.
The winners received grant funding, expert mentoring and on-the-ground support to supercharge their impact across the continent.
Africa is fast becoming a clean energy powerhouse, with a surge in entrepreneurship driving rapid growth in abundant solar, wind and off-grid energy. Having already created over 320,000 jobs; the sector is set to unlock another three million by 2030 – boosting energy access across the continent.
Zoisa North-Bond, CEO of Octopus Energy Generation and member of the SMI Africa Council, said: “Launching the SMI Africa Council’s first Energy Entrepreneurship Award is an incredible honour. Africa is full of brilliant minds tackling energy challenges with creativity and ambition, unlocking a resilient and affordable energy for communities. We were blown away by the level of applications for this award and hope it’s created a valuable springboard to support entrepreneurs as they continue to scale their businesses. ”
Dr. Hubert Danso, CEO of Africa Investor Group and Co-Chair of the SMI Africa Council, stated, “The SMI Africa Council’s Energy Entrepreneurship Award, in partnership with Octopus Energy Generation, is a bold initiative to nurture and celebrate Africa’s future energy leaders. Their innovations will drive green industrialization, transform the continent into a global hub for green technology manufacturing, and unlock an era of affordable, constant clean energy. Their success is not only Africa’s but the world’s.”