AFSIA Awards Outstanding African Solar Projects for 2024

By Wallace Mawire

The African Solar Industry Association (AFSIA) has announced the winners of the AFSIA Solar Awards 2024, recognizing the most outstanding achievements, projects and individuals in the solar energy sector across Africa.

The awards ceremony, held on 27 November, celebrated excellence in 14 key categories, highlighting the growing role of solar energy in driving Africa’s sustainable development.

The AFSIA Solar Awards are a cornerstone of the continent’s renewable energy industry, offering a platform to celebrate and showcase exceptional contributions to solar energy, from large-scale infrastructure projects to innovative technologies and impactful community solutions.

The 2024 AFSIA Solar Awards Winners are the Utility Scale Solar Project of the Year won by Release by Scatec form Norway.
Release by Scatec won Utility Project of the Year for the expansion of its Maroua and Guider solar plants in Cameroon.

The project adds 2x18 MWp and 9.6 MWh of capacity, helping to offset a significant portion of thermal energy use and generate substantial fuel savings, further enhancing the sustainability and cost-efficiency of the plants. The C&I Solar Project of the Year was won by Dutch & Co from Ghana.

The 16.82 MWp Helios Megawarehouse’s groundbreaking rooftop solar installation at its distribution centers in Accra, Ghana, is reported to set a new standard in commercial and industrial solar applications, significantly reducing energy costs and promoting sustainability.

The Mini-Grid Project of the Year was won by Engie Energy Access from Nigeria.

Engie Energy Access ‘s commissioned 15 mini-grids in rural areas located in Kogi, Nasarawa, and Niger States, Nigeria, bringing reliable and affordable solar energy, transforming communities and boosting local economies.

The SHS Company of the Year was won by d.light from the (USA.
In 2024, d.light electrified 1.7 million homes across Africa by providing solar home systems (SHS) to rural households, delivering affordable and clean energy. This initiative empowered communities, improving access to electricity, enhancing livelihoods, and supporting sustainable development.

The Productive Use Application of the Year had two winners namely ex-aequo Davis & Shirtliff from Kenya and So-Cool Energy from Nigeria.

Davis & Shirtliff has locally assembled a solar-powered reverse osmosis (RO) water treatment plant that operates without the need for batteries. This innovative system uses solar energy directly to power the reverse osmosis process, making it a sustainable and off-grid solution for providing clean drinking water in remote areas.

So-Cool Energy offers movable, solar-powered kiosks with refrigeration, designed for SMEs in remote areas. These sustainable kiosks enable businesses to store and sell perishable goods without relying on the grid, promoting efficiency and reducing costs.

The Storage Project of the Year was won by Solar MD from South Africa. Solar MD won Solar Project of the Year for its client operating a poultry meat processing plant in South Africa, featuring a modular solar system with 2.4 MW per container and 4.862 MWh of battery storage, providing sustainable energy for the production site.

The African Solar Company of the Year was won by Photons Energy from Tanzania.

Photons Energy is a 100% African-owned company with over 4.5 MWp and 5.5MWh of installed solar capacity in a decade. They emerged as a leader in Africa’s solar energy sector, with a strong portfolio of solar projects in multiple countries, contributing to cleaner, more affordable energy across the continent.

The Solar Entrepreneur / SME of the Year was won by PowerNow from Nigeria.

PowerNow is a digital platform that streamlines the process of accessing, installing, and supporting pre-financed commercial and industrial (C&I) solar systems. With a user-friendly interface, it simplifies everything from application submission to installation tracking and ongoing support, making it easier for businesses to adopt solar energy solutions with minimal hassle.

The Advisor / Consultant of the Year was won by Dornier Suntrace from Germany.

Dornier Suntrace is awarded for is dedicated work as technical advisor for the first solar-battery hybrid plant at the Tasiast Gold Mine in Mauritania with 34MWp / 18MW. They have provided invaluable expertise to solar developers ensuring the successful execution of the project.

The Deal / Financing Program of the Year was won by African Frontier Capital (AFC) and d.light from the USA.

The partnership between AFC and d.light has enabled the successful financing of $176 million securitization facility for PayGo consumer finance

The Solar Innovation of the Year was won by PAM-Ai from Nigeria.
PAM-Ai has developed an AI-driven platform that tackles inefficiencies in mini-grids by implementing dynamic tariffs. The platform adjusts energy prices in real-time based on demand and customer profiles, making electricity more affordable and accessible while optimizing grid performance.

The Solar Picture of the Year was won by Photons Energy from Tanzania.

Photons Energy Ltd. captured a heartwarming moment in their winning photograph, showcasing the impact of solar energy in a community as a child interacts with a newly installed solar system.

The Solar Video of the Year was won by CrossBoundary from Kenya.

The winning video of the year is showcasing how CrossBoundary Energy (CBE) is helping Rio Tinto reducing emissions at QMM's Fort Dauphin site with a 30MW solar and wind power plant. The first phase, featuring 8MW of solar and 8MWh of battery storage, has been operational for a year. Phase two will expand solar by 6MW and add Madagascar’s first 16MW wind farm, all while upholding high ESG standards.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was won by Miss Ismène AHAMIDE from Benin.

Miss Ismène AHAMIDE, founder and CEO of ISMAST ENERGY is recognized today for her visionary leadership and tireless dedication to advancing solar technology and energy access in West Africa. She is a leading figure in the African renewable energy sector. She has been a driving force behind the success of numerous solar projects that continue to change lives.

The AFSIA Solar Awards 2024 underscore the significant strides being made in solar energy across Africa. From utility-scale projects to solar home systems (SHS), mini-grids, and innovative financing models, the awards highlight the diversity and growth of Africa’s renewable energy landscape. As the continent continues to focus on sustainable energy solutions to tackle energy poverty, these projects and individuals are leading the way.

“We are incredibly proud of the winners and all those who have contributed to the solar energy revolution in Africa,” said John van Zuylen, AFSIA’s CEO. “The winners of the AFSIA Solar Awards 2024 embody the innovative spirit, dedication, and impact that are driving the renewable energy transformation across Africa.”

Josée Umugwaneza, Community Director, AFSIA: “AFSIA Solar Awards continue to shine a spotlight on the best and brightest in Africa’s solar industry. As the sector grows, the impact of these projects will be felt for generations, accelerating Africa’s transition to clean, affordable, and reliable energy.”

The African Solar Industry Association (AFSIA) is the leading trade association for the solar industry in Africa. Our mission is to accelerate the adoption of solar energy across the continent by advocating for policies that promote solar technologies, providing networking opportunities, and supporting capacity-building initiatives that foster innovation, growth, and sustainability within Africa’s solar sector.