Rana Energy Raises $3M to Scale AI-Powered Clean Energy Platform Across Africa

Nigerian clean energy startup Rana Energy has secured $3 million in pre-seed funding to accelerate the expansion of its AI-driven Clean Energy-as-a-Service platform across Africa. The round includes $500,000 in equity from Techstars, EchoVC Eco, and notable angel investors such as Chinedu Azodoh and Tayo Bamiduro, co-founders of MAX, alongside $2.5 million in green debt arranged by Optimum Global and backed by FSDH Asset Management.

Pioneering Africa’s Virtual Solar Network

Founded in 2023 by engineers Abraham Mohammed and Mubarak Popoola, Rana Energy is redefining distributed clean energy with its Virtual Solar Network (VSN). This AI-powered digital utility aggregates and manages solar and battery assets, enabling businesses and communities to subscribe to clean energy without upfront costs. The platform provides predictive maintenance, energy demand forecasting, and remote asset control, making renewable energy both accessible and intelligent.

In just 18 months, Rana Energy has deployed 1.3 MW of solar and battery systems across Nigeria, achieving 99.9% uptime and cutting diesel dependence by over 80%. Clients have reported energy cost savings of up to 30%, with one Lagos-based physiotherapy clinic reducing monthly diesel expenses by 25% while gaining 24/7 clean power.

Among Rana’s flagship initiatives is the 5 MW Energy Security and Sustainability Program at the National Defence College (NDC) in Abuja, which features Nigeria’s largest solar carport installation. The startup plans to expand VSN capacity to 10 MW within the next year, with initial growth targets in Ghana and Zambia, and a long-term goal of deploying 100 MW of solar infrastructure across Africa by 2028. This strategy aims to reduce reliance on diesel generators and accelerate the continent’s renewable energy transition.

Recognition and Future Challenges

Rana Energy’s innovative approach has earned it a place in the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa Class 8, highlighting its growing influence in the regional clean-tech ecosystem. Its hybrid financing model, combining equity and green debt, coupled with advanced AI capabilities, positions it competitively in a challenging market.

However, the startup must navigate obstacles including currency volatility, high import tariffs on solar components, and battery supply constraints. Despite these challenges, Rana Energy’s rapid execution and customer-centric model establish it as a key player in Africa’s clean energy revolution.