- Enlit Africa 2025 will bring together the people and projects driving the continent’s most urgent transformations — and some of the boldest ideas are coming from the ground up.
- The premier energy event takes place 20 – 22 May 2025 CTICC, Cape Town, South Africa.
Through the VUKA Investment Projects Pitch Programme, 11 trailblazing companies will pitch their solutions to a panel of investors, partners, and sector experts. These aren’t prototypes or pipe dreams. They’re viable, scalable, African-born answers to challenges across energy, water, infrastructure, and climate resilience.
This is what progress looks like — and you’re invited to witness it.
The companies taking the stage:
Akilee S.Ais a Senegal-based technology company that designs and deploys integrated energy efficiency and smart grid solutions for utilities and large consumers. Through its IoT-based platforms, AKILEE enables real-time energy consumption monitoring, load optimisation, and decentralised generation management. By combining advanced analytics with local manufacturing of smart meters and equipment, AKILEE aims to accelerate Africa’s energy transition with solutions tailored to regional infrastructure challenges.
Website: www.akilee-by-ines.com
VIVASOLAfrica pioneers affordable solar thermal technology to meet the water heating needs of African households, schools, and businesses. Their flagship product is a solar water heater system designed with cost-effectiveness, low maintenance, and local manufacturing in mind. Founded by Jacques de Villiers, the company emphasises product localisation and inclusive job creation, aiming to reduce dependence on electric geysers and ease grid pressure.
Website: www.vivasol.africa
Cape Winelands Airport , previously an airforce base, is now a privately owned and operated general aviation airport in the Western Cape. It is strategically positioned as a future hub for commercial aviation, logistics, and aerospace development. The airport’s redevelopment vision includes building sustainable infrastructure, expanding aircraft hangarage, and supporting South Africa’s growing need for alternative aviation facilities.
Website: www.capewinelands.aero
Relithia Energyis a Zimbabwean-founded clean tech start-up that focuses on recovering critical raw materials from electronic waste (e-waste). The company uses advanced separation and recycling technologies to convert e-waste into battery-grade metals, contributing to the circular economy. Its vision is to build Africa’s first fully integrated facility for lithium-ion battery recycling, creating green jobs and reducing dependence on raw material imports.
Website: www.relithia.mydurable.com
Cubes Energyis revolutionising gravity-based energy storage by repurposing abandoned mine shafts into vertical energy storage systems. Their innovative design enables renewable energy to be stored using gravitational potential energy — a low-cost, long-duration alternative to conventional batteries. Headquartered in South Africa, the company aims to support grid stability while creating a second life for disused mining infrastructure across the continent.
Website: www.energycubes.com
SIERRA POWER RENEWABLE ENERGY (SL) LIMITED.is a Sierra Leonean renewable energy company specialising in decentralised solar power systems for rural and underserved communities. The company designs, installs, and maintains solar microgrids, home systems, and backup power solutions for small businesses, households, and institutions. With a mission to close the energy access gap, Sierra Power integrates local labour, community partnerships, and inclusive financing in its service delivery.
Website: www.sierrapowersl.com
BioVest Holdingsoperates at the intersection of organic waste recovery, renewable energy, and soil regeneration. The company transforms biological residues into clean energy, compost, and bio-based materials using anaerobic digestion and other circular technologies. Serving municipalities, agribusinesses, and industrial clients, BioVest promotes localised waste-to-value systems that contribute to environmental sustainability, energy independence, and improved water quality.
Website: www.biovestholdings.com
HYDROGENE DE FRANCE(HDF Energy) develops large-scale hydrogen infrastructure projects and fuel cell technology for baseload power generation. Through its Renewstable® power plants, HDF combines solar or wind with hydrogen storage and proprietary fuel cells to deliver 24/7 carbon-free electricity. With active projects in Africa, the company is a global leader in green hydrogen power, offering bankable alternatives to diesel or thermal baseload.
Website: www.hdf-energy.com
Dreamworks Haven is a South African renewable energy project development firm focused on clean energy integration for commercial, industrial, and municipal clients. Its portfolio spans solar PV, biomass, wind, and clean coal solutions, with services covering feasibility, procurement, and EPCM (engineering, procurement, construction management). Dreamworks Haven aims to create resilient, decentralised power solutions for Africa’s growing energy demands.
Website: www.dreamworkshaven.co.za
AFRIKA ENERGY GROUP S.A is an oil and gas exploration entity with a footprint in West and Central Africa. It operates under Africa Energy Corp., a TSX-listed company focused on high-impact offshore gas projects, especially in South Africa’s Block 11B/12B. Their long-term ambition includes bridging the gas-to-power supply gap and enabling energy security through domestic resource development.
Website: www.africaenergycorp.com
Zambezi Sanitationdesigns and supplies affordable, scalable sanitation and water-saving products tailored for Africa’s housing and urbanisation needs. Its solutions include smart toilet cisterns, rainwater harvesting systems, and portable sanitation for low-income settlements. By targeting municipalities, property developers, and humanitarian agencies, Zambezi is building a niche in resilient urban infrastructure and environmental health.
Website: www.zambezisanitation.com
Why it matters
Africa’s energy and water infrastructure needs are vast — but so is the entrepreneurial talent stepping up to meet them.
These companies are tackling issues others consider too messy, too remote, or too complex. They’re building where investment is hardest to find — and they’re doing it with vision and discipline.
If you care about the future of sustainable infrastructure in Africa, this is where you want to be.
🎟️ See the pitches live – register now for your free expo pass
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
