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Pssst... Come and go as you like in Africa’s green economy

International companies now treat sustainable operations on the continent like anywhere else

September 24, 2026

Welcome to Green Rising – More than half of Fortune 500 companies have a presence in Nairobi. Other African capitals are thronged with arrivals. Foreigners are opening new offices, including this year the European Investment Bank as well as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Of course, many entrants are Chinese – but not all. And yes, some firms also depart the continent. That’s business. The impression that only a small number of hardy frontier investors and operators will come to Africa lies solidly in the past. The green economy seems an unusually strong draw now.

Africa’s renewables market is proving so attractive that foreign companies that previously operated from abroad are now setting up local offices. Since the start of the year, the continent has welcomed at least 35 new energy companies. This month, Chinese inverter and battery energy storage firm GoodWe and Italian Exergy International opened offices in Nairobi.

  • For these technology companies, being close to customers matters. After installation, customers still need maintenance, repairs and technical support. A company that can provide these services locally has a stronger connection.

  • As Africa’s renewables market grows, companies are finding different ways to build a presence. Some are opening local offices, others are forming JVs or partnerships or are buying established businesses, developing their first major projects, building manufacturing plants or bringing financing.

  • Our take: International firms can use local partnerships to navigate smaller markets more easily… Read more (2 min)

China’s giant battery manufacturer CATL is set to establish a 5 GWh electric battery manufacturing plant in Egypt, starting with 1 GWh in the first phase. It joins a wave of Chinese manufacturers setting up bases in North Africa, including Morocco, as they target export and emerging local markets for both energy storage and electric vehicles.

  • CATL joins another Chinese company, Sungrow, which last month broke ground on a 10 GWh battery energy storage manufacturing facility in Egypt, the largest of its kind on the continent so far.

  • These investments come as Africa’s EV market is projected to surpass 100,000 annual vehicle sales while battery energy storage is going mainstream. Roughly one in four new solar projects incorporate battery storage systems.

  • Our take: Battery manufacturing needs to grow alongside the adoption of these technologies… Read more (2 min)

Global online ride-hailing giant Uber has exited Nigeria and Uganda after 12 years and 10 years in the markets respectively. Uber also exited Tanzania earlier this year and Ivory Coast last year. This leaves Kenya, Ghana, South Africa and Egypt as the only markets the company is still serving. Incidentally, Uber has been a major driver of EV sales in key African markets.

  • The company is exiting markets where competition from rivals like Bolt, InDrive and Yango is stiff and growth is slow. It says it’s focusing on its strongest markets. Globally, the company is downsizing its workforce, cutting 3,300 jobs.

  • The exits close a major source of reliable demand for EVs, especially electric bikes. In Uganda, the company had onboarded thousands of electric bike riders. Its departure will force the riders to seek alternative platforms.   

  • Our take: Africa’s EV transition mustn’t become too dependent on ride-hailing platforms… Read more (2 min)

Number of the week

…is Kenya Power's profit after tax for the year to June 2026, its third consecutive profitable year. Sales rose 12%. Distribution and transmission efficiency improved 4%. Kenya Power joins Ethiopian and South African utilities reporting higher profits in part helped by renewables.

Network corner

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👉 Abiola Lukman Lawal joins the African Energy Chamber Board to advance Africa’s energy future and drive infrastructure transformation

Top green jobs from…

EVENTS UPDATE 

📆 Sign Up for Transport Middle East 2026 in Egypt (September 29) 

📆 Attend the Africa Healthtech Summit in Rwanda (September 30)

📆 Join the Africa International E-Waste Conference in Kenya (October 15)

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