Starsight Energy Africa, a leading provider of clean energy solutions for commercial and industrial (C&I) customers across sub-Saharan Africa, has secured $15 million in mezzanine debt funding from the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor, British International Investment (BII).
The investment will support Starsight’s clean energy expansion across West Africa, with Nigeria expected to receive the bulk of the funding. The capital will finance a growing pipeline of solar energy projects while ensuring continued high-quality service delivery for existing clients, including asset replacement.
The partnership aligns with BII’s strategy to promote productive, sustainable and inclusive development across emerging markets. Both organizations aim to advance sustainable infrastructure, stimulate private sector growth and drive measurable climate impact across West Africa.
According to industry estimates, up to 40GW of electricity in Nigeria is generated by diesel and petrol generators, highlighting a major opportunity for renewable energy solutions.
“Partnering with BII marks a significant milestone for the Starsight Energy Africa Group,” said Paul van Zijl, Group CEO of Starsight. “This funding strengthens our ability to scale more rapidly in Nigeria and Ghana, delivering reliable, clean energy solutions that support economic growth and improve energy resilience for our clients.”
Van Zijl added that BII’s investment recognizes the company’s role in expanding access to affordable, low-carbon energy solutions while supporting local communities.
British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos Jonny Baxter said the investment underscores the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s energy transition.
“By expanding access to dependable renewable power for businesses across Nigeria, this investment will help unlock growth, strengthen energy resilience and reduce dependence on costly and polluting diesel and petrol self-generation,” Baxter said.
Benson Adenuga, BII’s West Africa Regional Director and Head of Nigeria Office, noted that reliable electricity remains critical for Nigeria’s economic growth.
“Starsight’s commercial and industrial solar solutions reduce dependence on refined petroleum products and improve reliability,” he said. “Backing scalable distributed renewable platforms like Starsight supports clean energy expansion in West Africa while demonstrating confidence in the region’s potential for sustainable growth.”
Starsight’s Group Commercial Director, Michael Chuchu, said the funding will enable the company to unlock new energy capacity in markets where power instability has historically constrained growth.
“Nigeria remains our second-largest market and a core focus area for expansion,” Chuchu said. “For our West African customers, this investment demonstrates that Starsight is committed to providing energy certainty through environmentally responsible solutions.”
