UAE-based Ignite has acquired Engie Energy Access, creating Africa’s largest off-grid solar and mini-grid operator, serving 15 million people.
French energy group Engie has sold its off-grid energy business in Africa to UAE-based Ignite for an undisclosed sum. Ignite, based in Abu Dhabi since early 2025 and acquired together with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office Engie Energy Access (EEA), Engie’s division for solar mini-grid projects across Africa.
The new entity, called Ignite Energy Access, will be the continent’s largest off-grid electrification company, serving 15 million users in 12 countries and aiming to reach 100 million people by 2030.
Off-grid electrification companies provide solar systems, battery storage and mobile energy payment solutions, with mini-grids supplying areas that are not or poorly connected to national networks.
“The new company, Ignite Energy Access, will integrate the EEA’s expertise in solar energy systems and mini-grids with Ignite Power’s innovative financing and deployment models,” Ignite said in a statement. “This multi-jurisdictional acquisition across twelve countries involved complex regulatory, financial, tax and operational processes, making it one of the most complex transactions completed in Africa this year.”
Engie Energy Access was previously active in Benin, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. When contacted by pv magazine Francethe company has not provided any further information.
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