by TINTSWALO BALOYI
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – IGNITE Power has officially concluded the acquisition of ENGIE Energy Access (EEA), one of Africa’s leading providers of decentralised energy solutions.
The transaction cements the creation of Ignite Energy Access, now the largest off-grid energy provider on the continent, with operations in 12 countries and services reaching more than 15 million people**.
Industry observers hail the deal as a landmark in Africa’s energy transition. The acquisition, which secured all necessary regulatory approvals, combines EEA’s expertise in solar home systems and mini-grids with Ignite Power’s innovative financing and deployment models.
This integration is expected to accelerate the roll-out of distributed renewable energy, addressing Africa’s surging demand for affordable, sustainable power.
The multi-jurisdictional transaction was among the most complex concluded on the continent this year, spanning 12 national regulatory, financing, tax, and operational frameworks.
Despite these challenges, the merger has been finalised at a time when Africa faces mounting pressure to close its electricity access gap.
Currently, over 600 million people in Africa lack access to electricity.
Ignite Energy Access is positioning itself at the forefront of bridging this divide, leveraging its expanded resources to provide solar home systems, hybrid inverters, and mini-grids to underserved communities.
Yariv Cohen, Chief Executive Officer of Ignite Energy Access, described the acquisition as a “transformative milestone” for both the company and the continent’s energy sector.
“By integrating the strengths of both companies, with our proven model and advanced technology, we are creating a full-range energy access company capable of scaling to meet Africa’s immense needs,” Cohen said.
The acquisition builds on Ignite’s recently announced partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, part of its ambitious mission to connect 100 million Africans by 2030.
Energy experts note that this new entity could serve as a catalyst for socio-economic development across Africa, where access to reliable power is essential for education, healthcare, business growth, and digital inclusion.
With its expanded footprint, Ignite Energy Access is set to play a decisive role in reshaping Africa’s renewable energy landscape while contributing to the continent’s sustainable development goals.
– CAJ News