Top 10 Solar Street Light Companies in Africa’s Key Markets (2025 Ranking)

Africa is moving faster into solar street lighting than any other continent. Governments, EPCs, and NGOs want visible, fast, and affordable results: safe roads, lower OPEX, and less blackout risk. In 2025, ten countries stand out — both for tender activity and real on-the-ground projects. This report brings them together, with buyer-focused analysis of the top companies, utilities, and EPCs you will face.

Click on a country below to jump directly to its market analysis.

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Navigation Menu

1. Nigeria
2. Ghana
3. Kenya
4. Tanzania
5. Uganda
6. Ethiopia
7. South Africa
8. Zambia
9. Senegal
10. Burkina Faso
11. Regional Summary
12. Work With Sunlurio

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Nigeria – Top 10 Solar Street Light Companies in Nigeria

Market Background

Nigeria is Africa’s largest solar lighting market. Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano all suffer from grid instability and high diesel costs. Ministries and state governments push for solar street lights under urban renewal and rural safety programs. EPC contractors face challenges with customs clearance, vandalism, and tender compliance. The opportunity is big, but only suppliers with reliable specs and paperwork win tenders.

Top 10 Companies in Nigeria

1. Solad Power Group
   One of the strongest private power players, Solad develops distributed energy and lighting. Their solar street light projects cover Lagos suburbs and industrial parks. EPCs like them because they bring financing and credible after-sales, though their focus is broader than lighting alone.

2. Lumos Nigeria
   Known for solar home systems but also pushing solar street lighting. Their advantage is customer financing models and wide distribution. Good for councils who want visible but smaller rollouts. Weakness: limited in heavy pole engineering.

3. Arnergy Solar
   Focus on commercial and industrial solar but took on several urban lighting projects. They are credible with investors, good at hybrid systems, and compliance-savvy. Limitation: premium pricing compared to local SMEs.

4. Creeds Energy
   Local renewable EPC with track record in donor-funded jobs. They supplied solar street lights in Kaduna and Niger states. EPCs like their quick response and good paperwork. Limitation: smaller capacity for large-scale rollouts.

5. Blue Camel Energy
   Abuja-based renewable firm. They supplied solar lights for government campuses and urban roads. Buyers value their training programs for local crews. Limitation: less competitive pricing.

6. Rubitec Solar
   Well-known renewable EPC with focus on donor/NGO projects. Installed solar street lights in rural northern Nigeria. Strong compliance culture. Limitation: not geared for mass container imports.

7. Prostar Global Energy
   Active in Niger Delta states. They do solar street lights for oil-host communities. Strength: good at community engagement. Limitation: OPEX models are not standardized.

8. Starsight Energy
   Better known for C&I solar and efficiency but capable of delivering street lighting as part of estates. EPCs trust their financial backing. Limitation: more corporate focus, not grassroots.

9. Government Agencies (Rural Electrification Agency, State Ministries)
   Not a company, but decisive buyers. REA-led projects bring donor funds and clear tender rules. Limitation: paperwork and politics slow timelines.

10. Chinese EPC Channels (Sinohydro, CWE, AVIC in Nigeria)
    Big Chinese EPCs deliver highways and corridors, bundling in solar street lights. They bring scale, but local SMEs often sidelined.

Comparison Table – Nigeria

Company	Advantage	Limitation	Typical Application
Solad Power Group	Financing + scale	Lighting not sole focus	Industrial parks
Lumos	Distribution + financing	Weak in pole work	Councils, suburbs
Arnergy	Hybrid + compliance	Premium pricing	C&I + cities
Creeds Energy	Donor compliance	Smaller capacity	Rural programs
Blue Camel	Training + support	Higher capex	Govt campuses
Rubitec Solar	NGO/donor projects	Limited scale	Northern Nigeria
Prostar	Community focus	OPEX models weak	Delta villages
Starsight	Finance-backed	Corporate focus	Estates, campuses
REA/Ministries	Donor finance	Politics, slow	Rural lots
Chinese EPCs	Scale + roads	Local SMEs sidelined	Highways

Ghana – Top 10 Solar Street Light Companies in Ghana

Market Background

Ghana has a national electrification plan, but rural and peri-urban areas remain underlit. Government pushes through the “National Electrification Scheme” and Ministry of Energy. Donor financing (World Bank, AfDB) supports rural street lighting. Procurement is in Accra, Kumasi, and northern regions. EPCs must deliver systems that handle humidity and heavy rains.

Top 10 Companies in Ghana

1. Strategic Power Solutions (SPS)
   Local firm producing PV modules, also supplying solar street lights. Strong donor ties.

2. Wilkins Engineering
   Engineering EPC with experience in mini-grids and street lighting. Good compliance files.

3. BXC Ghana (Chinese JV)
   Hybrid power and street lighting, strong scale.

4. Dutch & Co Ltd
   Accra-based EPC with visible lighting projects. Trusted by councils.

5. Plan International / NGO partners
   Small but steady lots, especially in northern schools.

6. Volta River Authority (VRA) Projects
   Utility-backed tenders include corridor lighting.

7. China Jiangxi International
   Chinese EPC tied to roads, bundling lights.

8. Solar Light Company Ghana
   Retail + EPC, visible in peri-urban Accra.

9. Ministry of Energy (Government)
   Drives donor-funded projects.

10. Azuri Technologies
    Home solar company occasionally delivering community lighting.

Comparison Table – Ghana

Company	Advantage	Limitation	Typical Application
SPS	Local PV + donor ties	Scale limited	Schools, clinics
Wilkins Eng.	Strong EPC	Higher price	Rural mini-grids
BXC Ghana	Scale	China-JV focus	City corridors
Dutch & Co	Council trusted	Mid-size only	Markets
NGOs	Grassroots	Small scale	Northern villages
VRA	Utility power	Bureaucratic	Corridors
Jiangxi Intl	Road + lights	Rigid	Highways
Solar Light Co	Retail + EPC	Entry-level specs	Suburbs
Ministry Energy	Donor coordination	Slow admin	National
Azuri	Pay-go reach	Not lighting focus	Community pilots

Kenya – Top 10 Solar Street Light Companies in Kenya

Market Background

Kenya is East Africa’s solar hub. Nairobi’s Smart City plan includes solar street lighting. Counties procure through tenders with donor or PPP support. Rural roads and highways are funded by World Bank and AfDB. EPCs face vandalism risks and strict KEBS standards.

Top 10 Companies in Kenya

1. Kenya Power & Lighting Company (KPLC)
   Utility coordinating urban lighting programs.

2. Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC)
   Pushes rural lighting with donor backing.

3. Strauss Energy
   Local innovator with solar integration, including lighting.

4. Davis & Shirtliff
   Distributor with presence in water + solar, offering lights.

5. Chloride Exide Kenya
   Known for batteries, also supplies street lights.

6. Sollatek East Africa
   Distributor and integrator with wide East Africa presence.

7. Sunking (Greenlight Planet)
   Pay-go leader, also delivering donor-funded lights.

8. Chinese EPCs (Sinohydro, AVIC, CWE)
   Deliver road projects with bundled solar lighting.

9. Local EPCs (Nairobi, Mombasa)
   SMEs bidding county lots, 50–100 lights.

10. UNDP / NGO-backed pilots
    Rural schools and clinics, donor projects.

Comparison Table – Kenya

Company	Advantage	Limitation	Typical Application
KPLC	Utility authority	Bureaucratic	Nairobi projects
REREC	Donor rural	Slow processes	Villages
Strauss	Local innovation	Limited scale	Estates
Davis & Shirtliff	Strong distribution	Higher margin	Counties
Chloride Exide	Battery expertise	Mid-level lights	Off-grid
Sollatek EA	Regional presence	Specs mid	Councils
Sunking	Donor trusted	Not heavy road	Rural
Chinese EPCs	Scale	Rigid	Highways
Local SMEs	Price	QC variable	Small lots
UNDP/NGOs	Secure pay	Tiny lots	Schools

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Tanzania – Top 10 Solar Street Light Companies in Tanzania

Market Background

Tanzania’s World Bank-supported energy loan program drives rural lighting. Municipalities in Dar es Salaam and Dodoma push solar for safety. Rural roads need lighting but budgets are tight. Donors fill the gap. EPCs must manage customs, logistics, and standards (TBS).

Top 10 Companies in Tanzania

1. Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO)
   Utility handling big procurements.

2. Rural Energy Agency (REA Tanzania)
   Key driver of donor-funded rural programs.

3. Mobisol / ENGIE Energy Access
   Pay-go + donor projects.

4. Rex Energy Tanzania
   Local EPC active in councils.

5. Ensol Tanzania Ltd
   Renewable EPC with experience in lighting.

6. Sollatek Tanzania
   Distributor with donor programs.

7. Chinese EPCs (Sinohydro, CWE)
   Road-linked lighting.

8. Local SMEs (Dar, Arusha)
   Small council bids.

9. World Bank / AfDB projects
   Funded rural programs.

10. NGOs (SNV, UNDP)
    School + clinic lighting.

Comparison Table – Tanzania

Company	Advantage	Limitation	Typical Application
TANESCO	Utility	Bureaucratic	City lots
REA Tanzania	Donor rural	Heavy admin	Villages
Mobisol/ENGIE	Donor trusted	Entry-level	Rural
Rex Energy	Local EPC	Small scale	Councils
Ensol	EPC depth	Mid-range	Institutions
Sollatek TZ	Supply chain	Specs mid	Towns
Chinese EPCs	Scale	Rigid	Highways
Local SMEs	Price	QC issues	Small wards
World Bank	Funding secure	Slow	Rural
NGOs	Community	Tiny lots	Schools

Uganda – Top 10 Solar Street Light Companies in Uganda

Market Background

Uganda has low electrification and high donor involvement. Kampala councils push solar for safety. NGOs and UNDP fund rural lighting. EPCs must meet UNBS standards and handle customs delays.

Top 10 Companies in Uganda

1. Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL)
   Utility-driven lighting programs.

2. Rural Electrification Agency (Uganda)
   Donor-backed rural lighting.

3. SolarNow Uganda
   Local EPC delivering donor-funded street lights.

4. Fenix International (ENGIE Energy Access)
   Pay-go plus donor pilots.

5. d.light Uganda
   Donor-trusted for rural lighting.

6. M-KOPA Uganda
   Pay-go firm expanding to lighting.

7. Kirchner Solar Uganda
   Local EPC with project record.

8. Chinese EPCs (Sinohydro, CWE)
   Bundled in road projects.

9. NGO projects (UNDP, GIZ)
   Lighting for schools and markets.

10. Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA)
    City-level procurements.

Comparison Table – Uganda

Company	Advantage	Limitation	Typical Application
UEDCL	Utility	Bureaucratic	Kampala
REA Uganda	Donor rural	Heavy admin	Villages
SolarNow	Local EPC	Mid-size	Schools
Fenix ENGIE	Donor trusted	Entry-level	Rural
d.light	NGO trust	Not heavy road	Villages
M-KOPA	Pay-go	Lighting side	Clinics
Kirchner Solar	Local EPC	Smaller scale	Councils
Chinese EPCs	Scale	Rigid	Roads
NGOs	Donor funded	Tiny lots	Schools
KCCA	City budget	Politics	Kampala wards

Ethiopia – Top 10 Solar Street Light Companies in Ethiopia

Market Background

Ethiopia has weak grid coverage and frequent blackouts. Rural electrification is below 45%. Industrial parks in Hawassa and Dire Dawa need solar street lighting for safety. Donors (World Bank, AfDB) support EEP and EEU projects. EPCs face strict paperwork and logistics challenges.

Top 10 Companies in Ethiopia

1. Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP)
   Utility managing large donor-backed projects.

2. Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU)
   Handles city/suburban lighting tenders.

3. Solar Development PLC
   Local EPC, fast response, mid-size capacity.

4. d.light / Fenix / Gogla members
   Donor-trusted, community lighting.

5. Ethiopian Engineering Group (EEG)
   Local EPC, responsive, smaller projects.

6. Chinese EPCs (Sinohydro, CWE, AVIC)
   Highway lighting with Chinese finance.

7. METEC (Defense Industry EPC)
   Government-backed, industrial lighting.

8. Addis Solar Tech / Rensys
   Local SMEs, schools and clinics.

9. World Bank/UNDP projects
   Donor funded, paperwork heavy.

10. Industrial parks & estates
    Private demand for security lighting.

Comparison Table – Ethiopia

Company	Advantage	Limitation	Typical Application
EEP	Largest buyer	Paperwork strict	Rural lots
EEU	Urban	Delays	Suburbs
Solar Dev. PLC	Local EPC	Mid-range specs	Industry
d.light/Fenix	Donor trust	Basic systems	Rural
EEG	Responsive	Small scale	Councils
Chinese EPCs	Scale	Bureaucratic	Highways
METEC	State-backed	Delays	Industrial
SMEs	Affordable	Low compliance	Schools
Donor projects	Funding secure	Slow	Rural
Industrial parks	Reliable	Small orders	Estates

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South Africa – Top 10 Solar Street Light Companies in South Africa

Market Background

South Africa’s Eskom crisis drives solar street lighting. Municipalities need lights that work through load-shedding. Procurement emphasizes SANS/IEC paperwork and local content. Buyers want price, but they also need systems that survive coastal corrosion and vandalism.

Top 10 Companies in South Africa

1. BEKA Schréder
   Strong municipal compliance, premium quality.

2. Betta Lights
   Specialist in integrated AIO, fast installs.

3. Genlux Lighting
   Local manufacturing, quick pole tweaks.

4. LED Lighting SA
   Custom designs, aesthetics, coastal coatings.

5. Rubicon South Africa
   Distributor with one-stop sourcing.

6. Sinetech
   Importer of affordable AIO, wide stock.

7. Leadsun South Africa
   Smart AIO, better optics, higher price.

8. Eurolux Projects Division
   Volume supply, estates and councils.

9. Chinese OEM via EPCs
   Lowest capex, variable quality.

10. Municipal buyers (councils)
    Procurement-driven projects.

Comparison Table – South Africa

Company	Advantage	Limitation	Typical Application
BEKA Schréder	Compliance	Higher cost	Arterials
Betta Lights	Fast install	Lower lm/W	Townships
Genlux	Local manuf.	EPC adds solar	Councils
LED Lighting SA	Custom	Premium	Waterfront
Rubicon SA	One-stop	Not OEM	Large BoMs
Sinetech	Cheap AIO	QC variable	Small towns
Leadsun SA	Smart optics	Price	Collector roads
Eurolux	Supply	Narrow range	Estates
Chinese OEM	Lowest price	Shorter life	Ward lots
Councils	Local buy	Political risk	Town centers

Zambia – Top 10 Solar Street Light Companies in Zambia

Market Background

Zambia’s Ministry of Energy and REA drive rural lighting. Urban demand in Lusaka and Copperbelt corridors is growing. Donors fund many programs. EPCs must meet IEC/CE standards and ensure vandal-resistant poles.

Top 10 Companies in Zambia

1. REA Zambia
   Rural electrification authority, major buyer.

2. ZESCO
   Utility coordinating urban programs.

3. RDA + City Councils
   Corridors, feeder roads.

4. Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC)
   Industrial corridor lighting.

5. Sollatek Zambia
   Distributor with wide reach.

6. ENGIE Energy Access (Fenix)
   Donor trusted, community lighting.

7. VITALITE Zambia
   Pay-go brand, rural presence.

8. Muhanya Solar
   Local EPC with engineering focus.

9. Chinese EPCs
   Scale projects, road contracts.

10. Local SMEs
    Import AIO, quick installs.

Comparison Table – Zambia

Company	Advantage	Limitation	Typical Application
REA	Largest buyer	Heavy admin	Rural
ZESCO	Government weight	Bureaucracy	City
RDA + Councils	Fast local	Budget tight	Feeder
CEC	Industrial grade	Limited scope	Corridors
Sollatek	Supply chain	Mid specs	Councils
ENGIE	Donor trust	Basic	Villages
VITALITE	Rural network	Entry-level	Schools
Muhanya	Engineering	Higher capex	Urban
Chinese EPCs	Scale	Rigid	Highways
SMEs	Cheap	QC weak	Wards

Senegal – Top 10 Solar Street Light Companies in Senegal

Market Background

Senegal runs donor-backed programs with AFD, Proparco, and EU. Dakar’s port corridors and new expressways need lighting. Councils procure smaller lots. Specs must include IEC/CE, IP66/IK08, and ISO 12944 for corrosion. Paperwork must be in French.

Top 10 Companies in Senegal

1. SENELEC
   Utility, coordinates with communes.

2. AGEROUTE + Municipal Councils
   Corridor and feeder roads.

3. Solektra / Akon Lighting Africa
   Fast rollout with AIO.

4. Eiffage Énergie Systèmes
   Donor-grade files, urban roads.

5. VINCI Energies Senegal
   PPP and donor-heavy projects.

6. CSE – Compagnie Sahélienne d’Entreprise
   Civil works, roads + lighting.

7. Chinese EPCs
   Corridors with bundled lights.

8. Local SMEs
   Cheap AIO with local poles.

9. Donor programs (AFD, EU, World Bank)
   Fund rural lighting.

10. Port & SEZ Integrators
    Lighting + CCTV combos.

Comparison Table – Senegal

Company	Advantage	Limitation	Typical Application
SENELEC	Gov weight	Admin	City corridors
AGEROUTE	Fast	Budget small	Feeder
Solektra	Fast rollout	Lower lm/W	Towns
Eiffage	Donor docs	Premium	Arterials
VINCI	PPP expertise	Expensive	Bus corridors
CSE	Civils + HSE	Lighting via partners	Roads
Chinese EPCs	Scale	Rigid	Highways
SMEs	Lowest cost	QC weak	Wards
Donors	Funding	Slow	Rural
Port Integrators	Security	Higher cost	SEZ

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Burkina Faso – Top 10 Solar Street Light Companies in Burkina Faso

Market Background

Burkina Faso has electrification below 20% in rural areas. Donors (World Bank, AfDB, BOAD, EU) drive most lighting programs. Tenders require IEC/CE, IP66/IK08, ISO 12944 poles, and French documents. Security is an issue, so visibility projects are important.

Top 10 Companies in Burkina Faso

1. Ministère de l’Énergie, des Mines et des Carrières (MEMC)
   High-level tenders, donor funds.

2. FDE – Fonds de Développement de l’Électrification
   Rural electrification projects.

3. SONABEL
   Utility coordinating city upgrades.

4. KYA-Energy Group (Togo)
   Donor-compliant EPC, active in Burkina.

5. Solektra / Akon Lighting Africa
   Fast installs, community rollouts.

6. Chinese EPCs (Sinohydro, CWE, CRBC)
   Corridor + highway bundles.

7. Local EPCs (Ouaga, Bobo-Dioulasso)
   Small–medium council projects.

8. Donor Programs (World Bank, BOAD)
   Funding with strict paperwork.

9. NGOs (UNDP, Plan International)
   Community lots for schools/clinics.

10. Sunlurio – Flagship 500-Set Project
    Delivered 500 solar lights in 2024 with 7 m poles, 60 W 230 lm/W LEDs, LiFePO₄ 6000+ cycles, hot-dip galvanized poles, IEC/CE docs in French. Smooth customs, high impact in provincial towns.

Comparison Table – Burkina Faso

Company	Advantage	Limitation	Typical Application
MEMC	Donor tenders	Admin heavy	Multi-province
FDE	Rural lots	Small scale	Markets
SONABEL	Utility	Bureaucracy	Urban
KYA	Donor compliance	Outsources poles	Corridors
Solektra	Fast rollout	Lower specs	Villages
Chinese EPCs	Scale	Rigid	Highways
Local EPCs	Cheap	Weak docs	Wards
Donors	Funding	Slow	Rural
NGOs	Community	Small	Clinics
Sunlurio	Scale + compliance	Premium	500-set flagship

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Regional Summary

Across these ten countries, patterns repeat:

• Utilities and ministries (KPLC, REA, TANESCO, SONABEL, MEMC) dominate tenders.
• Donor-backed programs (World Bank, AfDB, AFD, BOAD) require strict IEC/CE, IP66/IK08, ISO 12944 compliance, often in French.
• Chinese EPCs win corridor/highway bundles via road contracts.
• Local EPCs/SMEs deliver 50–150 light lots fast, but struggle with compliance.
• Premium players (BEKA Schréder, Eiffage, VINCI) excel at donor paperwork but charge more.

The gap: Many suppliers still offer 150–170 lm/W LEDs, weak poles, and batteries that fail in 2–3 years. EPCs who submit these specs risk losing tenders or O&M headaches.

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Work With Sunlurio

Sunlurio helps EPCs, ministries, and councils win tenders in Africa by delivering:

• High-performance LEDs: 230 lm/W, reducing cost per lumen.
• LiFePO₄ batteries: ≥6000 cycles, lasting 8–10 years.
• Hot-dip galvanized poles: ISO 12944, 720 h salt-spray tested.
• Compliance-ready docs: IEC/CE, LM-80/LM-79, IP66/IK08, French/English versions.
• Container-optimized logistics: 7 m poles, 40HQ load plans.
• After-sales: Spares kits, training, O&M support.

👉 Don’t let poor paperwork or weak hardware kill your bid. Partner with Sunlurio for compliance-ready, project-tested solar street lighting.

📩 Contact Sunlurio Today