Uganda’s Solar Momentum: €2.5 m Equity Boost for Sawa Energy
A new investment signals rapid growth in East Africa’s clean‑energy transition — and that includes Uganda’s commercial‑industrial solar market.
Kampala, Uganda
Ugandan renewable‑energy company Sawa Energy has secured €2.5 million (US$2.9 million) in equity investment from the EU‑funded initiative ElectriFI.
Sawa, founded in 2021 and active in Uganda and Rwanda, provides financed solar PV + battery storage solutions to commercial and industrial clients. The goal: replace diesel generators, reduce energy costs and deliver clean power.
With this new funding, Sawa plans to scale up its portfolio, expand operations, and attract additional institutional lenders. “We believe in building a sustainable model … benefiting our clients, our investors, our communities,” says the CEO.
For Uganda — where many businesses still rely on expensive and unreliable power — this kind of growth could transform industrial energy usage, cut emissions and support local innovation.
Why It Matters
🔋 Energy resilience & cost: Businesses in Uganda pay high costs for diesel backup; solar + storage offers reliable, cheaper alternatives.
🌍 Climate & jobs: Clean energy expansion supports Uganda’s transition to a low‑carbon economy and can create jobs in manufacturing, installation and maintenance.
📈 Investment signal: The equity injection signals confidence in Uganda’s renewable sector — which may encourage more investors and lenders to participate.
🧩 Industrial competitiveness: As Ugandan firms improve energy reliability, they’re better placed to compete regionally and globally.
What to Watch
How quickly Sawa can roll out projects in Uganda’s commercial/industrial sector and the scale of deployment over next 12–24 months.
Whether local banks and financiers begin to back similar solar + battery deals, using this as proof‑point.
How the government supports the sector via policy, incentives or regulatory frameworks for storage and solar PPAs.
If the move stimulates local manufacturing, supply‑chain growth and skills development in Uganda’s renewable ecosystem.
