Benin is moving step by step to improve public lighting.
The Ministère de l’Énergie, supported by AFD and BOAD, is pushing solar street light programs in Cotonou, Porto-Novo, and rural towns.
For governments and EPC contractors, the key question is simple:
Which supplier can deliver reliable lights, with fair cost, and full compliance for tenders?
Quick Navigation
- Solektra Benin
- Solaris Afrique
- Sunna Design
- Fonroche Éclairage
- CHZ Lighting
- Anern
- Sunlurio
- ZGSM
- Local EPC Contractors
- Regional Distributors
Comparison Table
| Company | Introduction | Strengths | Weaknesses | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solektra Benin | Local arm of Akon Lighting Africa. Focused on off-grid solar. | Local presence, strong with government programs. Linked with Lighting Africa. | Scale limited, relies on imports from Asia. | Government rural electrification projects |
| Solaris Afrique | Regional EPC with offices in francophone Africa. | Regional player, experience in donor projects. | Medium size. Not always competitive in pricing. | City street programs in Cotonou, Porto-Novo |
| Sunna Design | French manufacturer with African offices. | Trusted by AFD/World Bank programs. High reliability. | Expensive, complex maintenance. | Donor-funded tenders |
| Fonroche Éclairage | French brand, well-known in West Africa. | Proven in Senegal and Benin. Strong technical quality. | High cost, not for small budgets. | Large city projects |
| CHZ Lighting | Chinese lighting manufacturer with global export footprint. | Competitive pricing, fast shipment. Wide product line. | Limited local support. Specs sometimes vague. | Budget-driven municipal tenders |
| Anern | Chinese solar product supplier, active in Africa. | Focus on solar. Good distributor network in West Africa. | Few top-level certifications. Hard in formal government tenders. | NGO, EPC for rural villages |
| Sunlurio | Specialist in solar street lights and storage systems. | 230 lm/W saves 20–30% poles. Battery ≥6000 cycles = 10+ years. Anti-corrosion poles. Proven 500-set Burkina Faso project. | Newer brand in Benin. Needs more visibility with local EPC. | Government/EPC projects focused on ROI |
| ZGSM | Established Chinese LED and solar manufacturer. | Many certifications (CE, ENEC, UL). Reliable for formal tenders. | Technology not unique. | High-spec tenders with strict compliance |
| Local EPCs | Beninese contractors bidding for public works. | Know tender process, logistics, installation. | Often resell imported products. Quality not always stable. | Small town projects |
| Regional Distributors | West Africa resellers based in Ghana, Togo, Benin. | Cross-border trade. Flexible supply, fast delivery. | Depend on imports, stock limited. | Reseller channels, quick installs |
Company Profiles
Solektra Benin
Solektra is the Benin branch of Akon Lighting Africa.
It works closely with government programs to bring solar street lighting to villages.
- Strengths: Local presence, knows regulations. Good partner for rural projects.
- Weaknesses: Relies on imported products. Limited scale.
Solaris Afrique
Solaris Afrique is a mid-size EPC active across francophone Africa.
They deliver solar systems for cities like Abidjan, Dakar, and now Cotonou.
- Strengths: Regional experience, good reputation with donors.
- Weaknesses: Not always price-competitive. Limited after-sales outside capitals.
Sunna Design
Sunna is a French solar lighting manufacturer with a strong focus on Africa.
They have delivered projects in Senegal, Togo, and Benin with AFD support.
- Strengths: Bankable, durable, trusted by donors.
- Weaknesses: High prices. Maintenance complex for local crews.
Fonroche Éclairage
Fonroche is one of the most famous solar lighting brands in francophone Africa.
They supplied projects in Senegal, Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire.
- Strengths: Strong track record, high product quality.
- Weaknesses: Expensive. Heavy systems, need skilled teams to install.
CHZ Lighting
CHZ is a Chinese lighting exporter with many models for solar street lights.
They supply through distributors in Africa and Latin America.
- Strengths: Affordable, fast delivery.
- Weaknesses: Local support limited. Specs not always detailed.
Anern
Anern is a solar-focused supplier from China, very active in Africa.
They work with distributors and NGOs to deliver lights in rural programs.
- Strengths: Budget-friendly, focused on solar.
- Weaknesses: Weak certification portfolio. Hard to win large EPC tenders.
Sunlurio
Sunlurio is a specialist in solar street lights with high efficiency and long life.
They focus on B2B, EPC, and government tenders.
- Strengths:
- 230 lm/W efficiency → fewer poles, lower cost.
- Battery ≥6000 cycles → 10+ years life.
- Anti-corrosion poles for coastal regions.
- Proven 500-set project in Burkina Faso.
- Weaknesses: Newer in Benin. Needs local EPC partners.
ZGSM
ZGSM is an established Chinese manufacturer with many certifications.
Their LED and solar products are widely used in tenders.
- Strengths: Strong compliance package (CE, ENEC, UL).
- Weaknesses: Standard designs, not unique.
Local EPC Contractors
Beninese EPCs are active in bidding for small to medium government tenders.
They often source products from China or Europe.
- Strengths: Know local rules and tender steps.
- Weaknesses: Quality depends on what they import.
Regional Distributors
Distributors from Ghana, Togo, and Benin resell solar street lights in the region.
They serve small municipalities and NGOs.
- Strengths: Fast supply, flexible.
- Weaknesses: Small stock, no manufacturing.
Market Trends & Tender Notes
- Government focus: Road safety and rural electrification.
- Donor support: Many projects backed by AFD, BOAD, World Bank.
- Tender needs:
- IEC, CE, UN38.3 certifications.
- 5–10 years warranty.
- Proof of ≥12h lighting, ≥3 nights autonomy.
👉 EPCs must prepare compliance files early. Missing documents may block awards.
Final Takeaway
For Benin tenders:
- High-budget donor projects → Sunna, Fonroche.
- Budget city jobs → CHZ, Anern.
- Long lifecycle ROI → Sunlurio brings best balance of efficiency and durability.
- Certification-focused tenders → ZGSM.
👉 Municipalities should not only look at upfront price.
The true value is lifetime savings: fewer replacements, lower maintenance, more safety for citizens.
📥 Download Compliance-Ready Tender Package
📞 Contact Sunlurio Team
