In her new role, Adesanya will oversee Bboxx Nigeria’s participation in the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) fund.

The company plans to reach more than 100,000 households in 2026, providing off-grid solar systems, solar-powered irrigation for farmers and financing for smartphones.

Anthony Osijo, Group CEO, Abci-Nexus, said: “I am delighted to welcome Ene into the role of Managing Director for Bboxx Nigeria. This transition highlights Bboxx’s commitment to developing internal talent, promoting from within and ensuring consistent, strong leadership as we continue to double down on our key markets.”

Adesanya brings over 17 years of experience in finance and business leadership. Prior to her appointment, she served as Head of Finance at Bboxx Nigeria, where she supported market expansion, strengthened financial governance, and delivered value across both commercial and donor-funded programmes.

“I joined Bboxx because I believe in building sustainable, impact-driven energy businesses that deliver real change,” Adesanya said:

“Through our participation in the DARES fund and our range of energy and financing solutions, we are well-positioned to significantly expand access to essential services for Nigerian households and businesses in 2026 and beyond.”

Adesanya succeeds Ernest Akinlola, who stepped down at the end of January after five years in the role. While he is no longer managing day-to-day operations, Akinlola will continue to support the business as a member of the Bboxx Energy Access Nigeria board.

Osijo acknowledged his contribution, saying, “I would like to thank Ernest for his significant contributions to Bboxx Nigeria; during his time here, he has helped drive the renewable energy agenda in Africa’s most populous country.”

To address this, the World Bank and African Development Bank launched Mission 300, a plan designed to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030. 

The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) has now pledged $16 million at UNGA 80 to speed up this initiative.

According to GEAPP, the latest commitment is expected to reduce market barriers, strengthen government and community capacity, and open the door to additional investment in clean energy technologies.

Woochong Um, GEAPP’s chief executive, explained the scale. “Our Alliance’s work in Africa, including Mission 300, is proof of what’s possible when governments, business, and philanthropy act together with urgency and purpose—turning ambition into real power, real jobs, and real opportunity for millions across the continent.”

Where the Funds Are Going

The Democratic Republic of Congo will receive the largest share, over $7 million channelled through the Mwinda Fund, managed by GreenMax. This support is set to expand mini- and metro-grid projects and attract nine times more capital, potentially bringing electricity to millions in a country where 70 million people still live without it.

Nigeria has been allocated more than $2 million to scale interconnected mini grids with RMI, with a target of 100MW deployment and a pipeline of 500MW. RMI’s Chief Executive, Jon Creyts, described the move as transformational: 

“Interconnected mini grids are a game-changer for Nigeria’s energy future. By combining on-site renewables with grid power, mini-grids deliver reliable, affordable electricity to underserved communities, reduce reliance on costly diesel, and create new value for developers and utilities. With support from the Energy Alliance, we’re scaling this model to accelerate energy access for millions of Nigerians.”

In Sierra Leone, Madagascar, and Nigeria, $5 million has been earmarked for Odyssey Energy Solutions’ Demand Aggregation for Renewable Technology (DART 3.0). The initiative is expected to pool equipment demand, cut costs, and unlock as much as $125 million in investments. 

“By reducing costs and accelerating deployment timelines, we are creating a more efficient and investable market for distributed renewable energy,” said Emily McAteer, Odyssey’s co-founder and CEO.

South Africa will also benefit through a $1.5 million partnership with its Just Energy Transition Programme Management Unit, aimed at attracting new capital and strengthening the shift to clean power.

A Continent-Wide Push

The Alliance stressed that lack of coordination continues to slow progress in Africa’s energy sector. Carol Koech, GEAPP’s vice president for Africa, said: “The Alliance recognizes the tremendous challenge that energy access poses to communities across Africa, and the lack of coordination is a major brake on progress. We are continuing to align public, private and philanthropic partners to channel resources wherever we can to create the greatest impact.”

Since its launch at COP26 in 2021, Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) has awarded $503 million in catalytic funding, bringing $7.8 billion in investments. Current projects span more than 30 countries and are projected to deliver electricity to 91 million people, generate 3.1 million jobs, and avoid 296 million tons of CO₂ emissions.

This $16 million pledge sharpens its focus on scaling solutions in fragile and underserved markets, where access to power usually determines whether economies can grow or stall.

At a time when Africa faces increasing climate risks, it is also emerging as a rising hub for climate and clean-tech innovation. 

Through this indirect investment, Swedfund aims to catalyse funding for early-stage local businesses developing solutions in renewable energy, e-mobility, smart logistics, circular economy and regenerative agriculture.

“As the impacts of climate change intensify, it is critical to support businesses building resilient, low-carbon economies. Our investment seeks to unlock financing for innovative companies across Africa that improve lives and livelihoods while reducing emissions,” says Sofia Gedeon, investment director at Swedfund.

By investing in NVIII, a fund structure with broad reach and local presence in countries like Kenya and Nigeria, Swedfund enables capital to reach a larger number of high-impact companies across the continent. This approach supports market development, job creation and access to essential services in underserved communities.

Swedfund’s investment is made alongside other development finance institutions such as Norfund and British International Investment (BII).

The investment was signed in September, 2024