In a region where less than half the population has access to a stable electricity supply, small businesses in West Africa often rely on costly and unreliable power sources.
With an estimated 60 million informal market enterprises contributing between 35% and 65% of the GDP, these businesses—ranging from street vendors and tailors to small-scale traders—drive much of the economic activity. However, their dependence on expensive and polluting petrol generators hampers productivity and growth.
As energy demand soars, ECORAYS Energy Nigeria Limited is emerging as a game-changer in West Africa’s power sector. Led by two visionary entrepreneurs and Ph.D. candidates, the company is leveraging microgrid technology to deliver reliable, sustainable, and affordable electricity to underserved communities and industrial hubs.
Founded in 2022 by Engr. Collins Chibuike Nwonye and Engr. Obidimma Davidson Ikeh, ECORAYS was born out of a passion for scientific exploration. Their research into photovoltaic cells (PVC) and the duality of matter led them to develop an innovative energy solution tailored to Africa’s needs.
“We realized that millions of people and businesses lacked access to stable power, relying on expensive and polluting diesel generators. Our goal was to create a solution that is both scalable and sustainable,” said Nwonye in a recent interview.
The company deploys smart, decentralized microgrids powered by solar energy and battery storage, providing uninterrupted electricity even in remote areas. Unlike traditional national grids, these microgrids are resilient, cost-effective, and adaptable to local energy demands.
“Microgrids are the future of energy in Africa,” noted Ikeh. “They offer a decentralized approach that eliminates reliance on unstable national grids while promoting clean energy adoption.”
With its official launch in 2024, ECORAYS has successfully deployed microgrid projects across Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, delivering reliable power to homes, businesses, and critical services such as hospitals and schools. Offering rooftop solar energy systems without upfront costs, ECORAYS is positioned to provide customers with access to clean energy through a pay-as-you-go model. These systems, which include solar panels, smart inverters, battery storage, and smart meters, are being installed in partnership with landlords and property owners, while individual businesses connect via smart meters and manage their services through a mobile app.
“This strategy enables us to build a strong pipeline of distributed solar projects ready for deployment while also enhancing job opportunities for African youths,” says Nwonye.
Local business owners have attested to the game-changing impact of ECORAYS’ microgrids. One entrepreneur in Enugu shared: “Before ECORAYS, power outages made it impossible to meet production targets. Now, I have a stable electricity supply, and my business is thriving.
A key driver of ECORAYS Energy’s success is its commitment to educating Africans on the advantages of renewable energy. Drawing on their expertise in the duality of matter and the photoelectric effect, the company’s founders lead workshops, seminars, and public awareness initiatives to simplify solar technology. ECORAYS is also eager to collaborate with local universities to equip graduates with digital and market surveillance skills, preparing them for careers as solar installers, data analysts, and other key roles in the renewable energy sector.
The founders are going beyond technology, actively seeking partnerships with governments, investors, and international development agencies to broaden their impact. Their goal is to scale operations, bringing electricity to more underserved communities and providing businesses with reliable, clean energy. According to Nwonye, this approach will help businesses reduce energy costs by 40%.
“The key to Africa’s energy future lies in innovation and collaboration. By working with key stakeholders, we can accelerate electrification and drive economic transformation,” noted Ikeh.
ECORAYS Energy Nigeria Limited is poised for significant expansion across West Africa, aiming to connect 10,000 homes, service providers, and businesses within the next two years and exceeding 100,000 connections within three years. In five years, the company visions establishing a presence in over five emerging markets across sub-Saharan Africa, linking more than one million small businesses to clean energy.
According to Nwonye, ECORAYS serves as a symbol of progress and is well on its way to becoming a leader in sustainable energy solutions. The founders remain dedicated to their mission of powering Africa’s future, one microgrid at a time. As energy access remains a pressing challenge in Africa, ECORAYS’ efforts demonstrate how local innovation, and entrepreneurship can drive transformative changes in the power sector.
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