WeLight, a prominent mini-grid company, has made significant strides in its rural electrification initiative, connecting 186 villages across Africa to electricity.
This includes 172 villages in Madagascar and 14 in Mali, a remarkable achievement that has directly benefited over 200,000 individuals and impacted the lives of more than one million people through improved access to essential services such as schools, businesses, and public lighting.
Since January 2024, WeLight has been connecting 10,000 people to electricity each month, showcasing the scalability and profitability of its mini-grid model without the need for subsidies.
This milestone in Madagascar, according to WeLight CEO Romain de Villeneuve, underscores the company’s leadership in rural electrification and its readiness to expand into new territories, including Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
WeLight’s success has been supported by key partners like Norfund, Axian Group, and the European Investment Bank, as well as government agencies that have fostered public-private collaboration. The company also backs initiatives like the World Bank and African Development Bank’s M-300 program, which aims to connect 300 million people to electricity by 2030, addressing the needs of over 600 million Africans who currently lack access to power.
This remarkable progress positions WeLight as a leading force in sustainable electrification across sub-Saharan Africa, transforming the lives of millions and paving the way for a more connected and empowered future.
