Anish Thakkar, co-founder of Sun King © Rights reserved
Sun King, a leading provider of off-grid solar energy solutions, is intensifying its push to dominate Africa’s decentralized energy landscape. With operations already spanning 11 countries, the company is now targeting deeper market penetration and geographic expansion to meet rising demand for clean, affordable power across the continent.
Tripling Reach Amid Electrification Drive
Co-founder Anish Thakkar revealed that Sun King has tripled its number of stores and agents over the past four years, a strategic move aligned with growing government efforts to accelerate electrification. “Our mission is to bring clean, affordable solar power to every home and small business that needs it,” Thakkar stated, emphasizing the company’s commitment to inclusive energy access.
Sun King’s expansion strategy focuses on entering new African markets while strengthening its presence in existing strongholds like Kenya and Nigeria. These two countries currently represent the company’s largest operations, serving as hubs for its pay-as-you-go (PAYG) solar systems and retail networks.
Rapid Growth and Impact
The company now connects approximately 300,000 homes and businesses per month, a dramatic increase from just 10,000 monthly connections in 2017. This growth has enabled Sun King to reach over 100 million people across sub-Saharan Africa, underscoring its role in bridging the continent’s energy gap.
Thakkar argues that solar energy remains the lowest-cost and fastest-to-deploy technology for Africa, especially given the logistical and financial challenges of extending national electricity grids. By leveraging mobile payments and flexible financing, Sun King’s PAYG model has proven effective in reaching underserved communities.
Financing the Future
Earlier this year, Sun King secured $156 million in funding from major Kenyan banks including Stanbic, Absa, KCB, and Co-op Bank. The financing will support the rollout of 1.4 million solar products and smartphones, further scaling the company’s impact in East Africa.
This financial backing reflects growing investor confidence in Africa’s clean energy sector and highlights the role of local institutions in driving sustainable development.
Looking Ahead
As solar adoption continues to rise across Africa, Sun King’s aggressive expansion signals a broader shift toward decentralized energy solutions. With its proven model and expanding footprint, the company is poised to play a pivotal role in powering Africa’s future—one off-grid home at a time.