9 Startups Building Green Tech Solutions in Africa

9 Startups Building Green Tech Solutions in Africa
Photo by the blowup / Unsplash

Last week, we gave a general exposition on green tech in Africa and highlighted some works done by regionals bodies and governments to advance green solutions in Africa. This week we throw light on works being done by the private sector particularly technology startups who are building solutions to solve problems posed by the environment.

As the continent continues to develop, there is a growing need for sustainable solutions that can address the pressing environmental challenges facing Africa. The growth of green tech startups is a positive development, and these companies have the potential to transform the continent's environmental landscape with innovative solutions to tackle issues such as energy access, waste management, and water conservation while creating new opportunities for economic growth as well as job creation.

Below are 10 startups championing green tech in Africa

  1. M-KOPA Solar : Founded in 2011 ,M-KOPA Solar provides a technology platform that combines embedded GSM + mobile payments to enable solar home system financing with the goal of providing clean, affordable, and reliable energy to people who don't have access to electricity. Currently present in Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria and Uganda, the company has provided solar power to over a million households, improving their quality of life and reducing their reliance on fossil fuels.
  2. Mellowcabs: Mellowcabs is a South African company that produces and operates electric-powered, three-wheeled vehicles designed for urban transportation. These cabs are  eco-friendly with zero carbon emissions as they use a solar panel that produces up to 35% of the cab's power and a battery to complement the cab's needs. The company was founded in 2012 with the goal of providing a sustainable and convenient alternative to traditional taxis and ride-hailing services.
  3. African Clean Energy (ACE): African Clean Energy  produces and distributes clean energy products, particularly cookstoves and solar home systems, to households and businesses in Africa. The cookstoves use a hybrid fuel system that combines biomass with a small amount of electricity, which reduces fuel consumption and emissions. The company was founded in Lesotho in 2011 and has since expanded to Netherlands, Uganda and Cambodia.
  4. KYA Energy Group: KYA-Energy Group, is a Togolese solar company, created in 2015 and specializing in renewable energies (solar energy in particular) and energy efficiency. Their aim is to democratize access to sustainable energy by transforming, renewable energy resources to produce clean, reliable and affordable energy.
  5. Coliba : Coliba is a Ghanaian company founded in 2018 to address the issue of plastic waste pollution by creating a circular economy for plastic waste. They operate a mobile app that enables users to exchange plastic waste for rewards, such as airtime or cash. Once collected, the plastic waste is sorted, cleaned, and processed into raw materials for use in manufacturing new products
  6. Plstka : Plstka is solid waste management and recycling company that collects solid trash using a gamification mobile app in exchange for discount coupons on services like  food, medical and transportation etc. The  app also  provides a new in-game experience called Plstka Profitable Competition which makes users compete with each other to raise more awareness about the environment. Plstka, an Egypt-based Tech startup founded in 2021.
  7. Green Africa: Green Africa is a Nigerian-based airline company that aims to revolutionize air travel in Africa by providing safe, affordable, and reliable air transportation services to customers across the continent. The airline also places a strong emphasis on sustainability and is committed to minimizing its environmental impact by reducing its carbon footprint and implementing eco-friendly practices throughout its operations.
  8. Brayfoil : Brayfoil is a South African startup that is  designing the future of wind turbine blades using biomimicry-inspired compliant structures that change shape like bird’s wings. Founded in 2017, the company's technology provides unique capabilities to implement breakthrough technologies, enabling clients in renewable energy and other industries to increase efficiency gains while  reducing costs.
  9. PEG Africa: PEG Africa, a subsidiary of Bboxx Ltd is a renewable energy company that provides solar-powered solutions to households and small businesses in West Africa. The company was founded in 2013 in Ghana and has since expanded to Senegal, Mali and Cote d'Ivoire. PEG Africa's solar solutions have a significant impact on the lives of the people it serves, as they provide a reliable and sustainable source of electricity for lighting, cooking, and other essential activities. The company is committed to social and environmental sustainability and works closely with local communities to create positive impact and long-term value.

The growing focus on sustainable development in Africa has led to the emergence of innovative startups that are developing green tech solutions to address some of the continent's pressing environmental challenges. These startups are leveraging renewable energy sources, eco-friendly practices, and advanced technologies to create a more sustainable future for Africa. Companies like Green Africa, Brayfoil, and PEG Africa are among the many startups that are leading the way in building a more sustainable and prosperous Africa. Their work is not only transforming industries but also improving the lives of people by providing them with clean energy solutions, reducing environmental pollution, and creating job opportunities. As these startups continue to grow and expand their reach, they hold great potential to make a significant contribution to Africa's sustainable development and economic growth.