AXIAN Energy Secures Approximately $1 Million Grant from Norad to Advance Renewable Projects Across Africa

AXIAN Energy, a prominent pan-African renewable energy developer, has obtained a grant of roughly $1 million (approximately €853,000) from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad). Announced on January 20, 2026, this non-dilutive funding will support early-stage development activities for multiple renewable energy initiatives.

The grant is targeted at accelerating project preparation and feasibility work in four high-potential markets: Zambia, Madagascar, Mozambique, and Sierra Leone. These countries continue to face significant demand for additional power generation capacity to address electricity access gaps and support economic growth.

AXIAN Energy has established itself as a key player in utility-scale solar development across the continent. Notable ongoing efforts include:

• A 54 MWp solar project in Zambia, marking its strategic expansion into Southern Africa.
• The commencement of construction in 2025 on the 60 MW NEA Kolda solar plant in Senegal, a flagship component of the country’s national solar programme.

The company has previously benefited from support by the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA), which has helped bolster its broader renewable project pipeline.

This latest institutional backing from Norad underscores the growing importance of early-stage de-risking finance for African-led developers. Amid record global investment flows into the power sector, such grants play a pivotal role in unlocking Africa’s abundant solar and other renewable resources, bridging persistent electricity access and capacity deficits, and advancing the continent’s clean energy transition.

This development highlights increasing international confidence in African renewable developers to deliver scalable, impactful projects that align with both energy security and sustainable development goals.