Starsight Energy Africa Group, a provider of clean energy solutions for commercial and industrial (C&I) customers in Sub-Saharan Africa, has announced a US$15 million mezzanine debt funding round with British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution.

This capital infusion is earmarked for Starsight’s existing West African operations. The primary goal is to support growth, enhance operational capabilities, and expand energy solutions for commercial and industrial clients. A significant portion of the funds will be directed towards improving power security in Nigeria, a market characterized by an unstable grid and a heavy reliance on self-generation via diesel generators.

The partnership signifies BII’s confidence in Starsight’s long-term strategy to deliver reliable, affordable, and sustainable power solutions across the region. It aligns with BII’s objectives to foster productive, sustainable, and inclusive development, while also supporting private sector growth and contributing to climate impact in West Africa.

Paul van Zijl, Group CEO at Starsight, highlighted the importance of this funding round, noting that it is a crucial step towards replacing the estimated 40GW of electricity generated from diesel and petrol generators in Nigeria with clean, renewable energy for the C&I sector.

“Partnering with BII marks a significant milestone for the Starsight Energy Africa Group,” stated Van Zijl. “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 further added, “BII’s mission is to support sustainable socio-economic development in emerging markets. Their decision to partner with us is an endorsement of the role we play in increasing energy access within these markets, delivering affordable, low-carbon solutions while simultaneously uplifting the communities in which we operate.”

Jonny Baxter, British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, affirmed the UK’s commitment to Nigeria’s energy transition. “The UK remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s transition to clean, reliable, and affordable energy. This investment by BII reflects that commitment in action. By expanding access to dependable renewable power for businesses across Nigeria, it will help unlock growth, strengthen energy resilience, and reduce dependence on costly and polluting diesel and petrol self-generation. It represents a practical step toward a greener, more sustainable future for both our countries.”

Benson Adenuga, West Africa Regional Director and Head of Office, Nigeria, at BII, commented on the strategic fit of the investment. “Nigeria’s businesses need dependable and affordable power to grow. We identified Starsight’s strong track record, combined with its clean energy model, as a strong fit with BII’s mandate. Starsight’s commercial and industrial solar solutions directly address this challenge by reducing dependence on refined petroleum products and improving reliability. By backing scalable distributed renewable platforms like Starsight, BII is supporting clean energy expansion in West Africa and demonstrating confidence in the region’s potential for sustainable, inclusive growth.”

Michael Chuchu, Group Commercial Director at Starsight, emphasized the impact of the BII funding on market expansion. “With BII’s support, we’re set to pursue the next chapter of our growth journey,” Chuchu concluded. He added that the investment will unlock new capacity in countries where energy stability has been a barrier to growth, with Nigeria remaining a core focus area for expansion.