NAIROBI, Kenya- WeLight, a mini-grid company with a vision for a brighter, electrified Africa, has achieved a significant milestone in its rural electrification mission.
The company has brought power to 186 villages across the continent, including 172 in Madagascar and 14 in Mali, improving the lives of over a million people.
Since January 2024, WeLight has been connecting 10,000 people monthly to electricity. With this momentum, the company has directly electrified 200,000 individuals and indirectly impacted over one million people through enhanced services like schools, businesses, and public lighting.
The initiative’s success in Madagascar stands as a beacon for sustainable energy solutions. WeLight’s mini-grid model not only proves scalable but also profitable, achieving growth without subsidies—a notable achievement in the energy sector.
“We are proud to have transformed the lives of one million people through access to electricity,” said Romain de Villeneuve, CEO of WeLight. “This milestone underscores our leadership in rural electrification and readiness to expand into new territories.”
WeLight isn’t stopping at lighting up villages—it’s aligning with broader efforts to tackle Africa’s energy crisis.
The company backs global initiatives like the World Bank and African Development Bank’s M-300 program, which aims to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030.
With over 600 million Africans still living without power, these partnerships are crucial to bridging the energy gap. WeLight’s work directly contributes to this goal, proving that mini-grids can be a game-changer for rural electrification.
WeLight’s progress is backed by powerful partnerships. Key stakeholders like Norfund, Axian Group, and the European Investment Bank have played a pivotal role in supporting the company’s expansion.
Public-private collaborations have also enabled smoother operations, fostering an environment where innovation thrives.
This collaborative approach positions WeLight as a leader in sustainable electrification, spearheading efforts to bring clean, affordable power to underserved communities across sub-Saharan Africa.
WeLight’s electrification journey is more than just a numbers game—it’s about transforming lives and empowering communities. As it sets its sights on new territories like Nigeria and the DRC, the company continues to shine as a beacon of hope for millions still living in the dark.
