Five African firms leading the renewable-energy charge
By Rebecca Wanyama
As energy costs rise and grid reliability weakens across key African markets, leading corporates are no longer treating renewables as a CSR add-on — they are integrating them into core operations, capital allocation, and long-term competitiveness. The companies below demonstrate how renewables are shifting from a reputational asset to a strategic necessity. Their investments span solar, biomass cogeneration, hybrid power systems, and alternative fuels.
Here are five companies with verifiable, public disclosures showing real movement:
1. Safaricom (Kenya)
Safaricom continues to scale on-site renewable generation across its network. Sustainability disclosures show expanded deployment of solar-hybrid base stations, reduced diesel reliance, and acceleration toward net-zero operations.
Key verified facts:
- Solar-powered network sites increased from ~310 (2022) to 1,432 (2023).
- Safaricom is modernising thousands of sites with solar + battery hybrid systems under its FY2023–2024 programme.
- The company is also using sustainability-linked finance to convert sites from diesel to renewables.
2. Dangote Cement (Nigeria + regional)
Africa’s largest cement producer is shifting from diesel-intensive operations toward alternative fuels and selective renewable projects, including solar upgrades at regional facilities.
Key verified facts:
- Sustainability reporting covers solar lighting projects and increased adoption of alternative fuels at cement operations.
- Dangote leadership highlights reduced diesel use and investments in renewable/alternative energy sources across operations.
- Solar entrepreneurship initiatives have been rolled out in multiple markets.
Note: No public report quantifies the exact share of cement kiln power sourced from solar — only qualitative disclosures about renewable and alternative fuel integration.
3. Shoprite Group (South Africa)
Shoprite remains one of Africa’s largest corporate adopters of rooftop solar. Its scale gives it outsized impact in reducing peak-load pressure and emissions.
Key verified facts:
- Group reports 100,000+ MWh of renewable electricity consumption in recent sustainability disclosures.
- Installed solar PV capacity expanded across more than 60 sites, with tens of thousands of kWp commissioned.
- Flagship stores like Checkers Sitari operate entirely on renewable energy, using combined solar and wind supply mechanisms.
4. Nampak (South Africa)
Nampak is gradually integrating solar generation into packaging manufacturing, supporting energy resilience as load-shedding continues to affect industrial output.
Key verified facts:
- A 500 kVA solar PV investment is underway, with an additional 700 kVA unit already in operation at a landlord-owned facility.
- Renewables form part of Nampak’s long-term energy utilisation strategy as disclosed in its sustainability reporting.
5. Bidco Africa (Kenya)
Bidco operates one of East Africa’s most significant industrial biomass cogeneration plants, reducing fossil-fuel dependence while powering energy-intensive agro-processing operations.
Key verified facts:
- The company’s Thika facility runs a biomass cogeneration system producing both steam and electricity for processing.
- Renewable biomass reduces the company’s reliance on grid electricity and heavy fuel oils.
Which corporate model inspires you most — or do you know another African company “walking the talk” on renewables? Share your favourite case.
