The funding round was led by Norwegian investor Norfund ($20 million), French infrastructure and energy firm STOA Infra & Energy, and Japanese energy company Kyuden International Corporation.
Candi Solar specializes in financing, installing, and managing rooftop and ground-mounted solar power plants for C&I clients.
“We believe in promoting small-scale renewable energy production alongside large-scale projects to decarbonize electricity production,” said Marie-Laure Mazaud, Managing Director of STOA Infra & Energy.
“Candi’s solutions make solar energy accessible for small and medium-sized businesses,” she added, citing this as a reason for their continued investment in the company.
Candi Solar plans to use the $38 million to finance an additional 200 MW of solar projects and support strategic hiring to meet its rapid expansion.
The company currently boasts an installed capacity of 112 MW across India and South Africa.
In South Africa, Candi Solar has a presence in at least eight provinces, having installed a 135 kWp solar power plant for Schneider Electric in Gauteng, and a 1.2 MWp plant for Henbrie Boerdery, a farm in the Northern Cape.
“We are delighted to partner with ISA to support the development of solar energy in Africa,” said Alain Ebobissé, CEO of Africa50. “This partnership will help to accelerate the deployment of solar energy in Africa and improve the lives of millions of Africans,” he added.
A consortium of leading institutions, including the SA SME Fund, the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), and E Squared Investments, has launched a R300 million (approximately $17 million) seed fund aimed at supporting tech startups in South Africa.
Sanari Capital, a private equity firm focused on African growth companies, announced an R80 million (approximately $4.4 million) follow-on investment in EduLife Group, a network of independent schools in South Africa.
Zone, a leading African payment infrastructure company, has secured $8.5 million in a seed funding round exceeding expectations.
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