SolarAfrica and Starsight Energy have officially merged their operations, forming a new solar power powerhouse in the African continent.
In a significant move towards expanding renewable energy access across Africa, SolarAfrica Energy and Starsight Energy have completed a business merger, creating a leading pan-African clean energy platform[1]. The merged group, effective as of June 2025, aims to leverage the strengths of both companies to scale renewable energy solutions efficiently[1].
The new entity, with a combined installed and contracted portfolio of 520MW in solar power generation, 60MWh of battery storage, and an additional energy pipeline exceeding 2GW, asserts a strong position in the African renewable energy market[1]. The merger unlocks a wealth of opportunities for the delivery of on and off-site renewable energy solutions to commercial and industrial customers across the continent[1].
The merger is a strategic intent to broaden renewable energy deployment across multiple African markets, aligning with the continent-wide momentum towards clean energy investment and infrastructure development[2]. Financial institutions like Afreximbank, actively financing energy projects and expanding energy trade in Africa, support this momentum[2].
The merged group will retain a strong presence within the various countries to further strengthen its footprint across Africa. The executive management team will be represented by both Starsight Energy and SolarAfrica, combining their expertise and experience[1]. Paul van Zijl, previously Group Chief Financial Officer of Starsight Energy, now assumes the role of Group Chief Executive Officer[1]. Charl Alheit, formerly Chief Investment Officer for SolarAfrica, takes on the role of Group Chief Investment Officer[1]. Max Rieg, Commercial Director of Starsight Energy, becomes the Group Commercial Director[1].
The merger provides a true pan-African platform to deliver clean renewable energy in key economies, as emphasized by Paul van Zijl, Group CEO[1]. The merged group's mission is to make power accessible and affordable, a significant step towards providing affordable, clean energy in sub-Saharan Africa, where the supply of renewable energy is relatively fragmented[1].
The merged group's portfolio has led to a carbon offset of more than 360,000 tonnes of CO2 to date[1]. As the demand for clean energy continues to grow, the merged entity is expected to focus on scaling renewable energy solutions continent-wide, potentially leveraging partnerships and financing mechanisms emerging in the region[1][2].
Providing these solutions can help take pressure off national grids, which have been under significant strain in many African markets. Customers across Africa can access fully-serviced clean energy solutions through the merged group, including solar energy, battery storage, wheeling, and energy management[1].
The merger is backed by Helios Investment Partners and African Infrastructure Investment Managers, both with decades-long track records of bringing investment to support African innovation[1]. The merger is a substantial step towards providing affordable, clean energy in sub-Saharan Africa, a region that stands to benefit significantly from the increased access to renewable energy solutions.
[1] SolarAfrica Energy and Starsight Energy Merger Announcement, [Date], [Link] [2] Afreximbank Supports Energy Projects and Expands Energy Trade in Africa, [Date], [Link]
- The business merger between SolarAfrica Energy and Starsight Energy has resulted in a leading pan-African clean energy platform, positioning the new entity to grow in the African renewable energy market.
- The merged group aims to capitalize on the strengths of both companies to scale renewable energy solutions, driving expansion and infrastructure development across multiple African markets.
- The merger's success presents ample opportunities for delivering on and off-site renewable energy solutions to commercial and industrial customers, supported by financial institutions like Afreximbank.
- As the Group CEO of the merged entity, Paul van Zijl emphasizes the potential of the merger to provide affordable, clean energy across key African economies, harnessing innovation in renewable energy solutions.
