Rana Energy Scales Clean Solar Platform to Cut Diesel Costs and Boost Reliable Power in Nigeria, Ghana, and Zambia
Nigeria’s Rana Energy is making waves in the clean energy sector after securing $3 million in pre-seed funding to grow its AI-powered solar network. The round includes $500,000 in equity from Techstars, EchoVC Eco, and angel investors, alongside a ₦2.5 million green debt facility arranged by Optimum Global and backed by FSDH Asset Management.
Founded with a vision to transform power access, Rana Energy operates the Virtual Solar Network (VSN) — a digital platform that uses AI to forecast energy demand, group solar and storage systems into bankable portfolios, and manage them remotely. This innovative approach enables businesses and institutions to access reliable, clean electricity via a subscription model, slashing operating costs and cutting diesel dependence.
“In just 18 months, we’ve deployed 1.3 MW of solar and storage capacity across Nigeria, achieving 99.9% uptime, reducing diesel use by over 80%, and cutting energy costs by up to 30% for our clients,” said Mubarak Popoola, co-founder of Rana Energy.
Looking ahead, the startup aims to scale its installed capacity to 10 MW over the next year and expand operations into Ghana and Zambia. Across sub-Saharan Africa, many businesses still rely heavily on diesel generators due to unreliable public grids. Rana Energy’s model — combining local financing, AI technology, and distributed solar systems — promises cleaner, cheaper, and more reliable power for commercial and industrial customers.
With this ambitious expansion, Rana Energy is positioning itself as a key player in Africa’s transition to sustainable energy.
