Africa’s power sector is set for a technological leap as Beacon Power Services (BPS), a Nigerian-based startup, receives Series A funding from global VC firm Partech to broaden its footprint into Eastern and Northern Africa.
Founded in 2013 by Bimbola Adisa, BPS specializes in data-centric and grid management solutions that tackle Africa’s persistent electricity issues. The startup’s work is especially critical, given that 600 million people across the continent—about 43% of the total population—still lack access to reliable electricity, with the majority of these individuals residing in sub-Saharan Africa. Although countries like Ghana, Rwanda, and Kenya are making strides toward universal electricity access by 2030, Nigeria continues to grapple with severe grid challenges, experiencing multiple national grid collapses in 2024 alone.
To address these critical power issues, BPS developed two AI-powered digital mapping tools: the Customer and Asset Information Management System (CAIMS) and Adora. CAIMS is designed to collect and organize data for optimized service delivery, while Adora provides real-time tracking and power distribution management, allowing utility providers to monitor and respond to distribution issues effectively, ultimately reducing outages and improving grid reliability.
BPS’s technology has already made a significant impact across several African markets. In Ghana, for instance, the company’s solutions have helped the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) enhance its operations, serving over 5 million customers and doubling its revenue within two years. Earlier this year, ECG launched a mobile app that gives users direct access to electricity services, illustrating the practical benefits of BPS’s innovations.
Rooted in Nigeria and Ghana, BPS now employs over 200 people across multiple countries, including Kenya, Zambia, and the United States. Its data-centric approach continues to drive research and operational improvements, supporting the company’s growth and enhancing service delivery for its customer base of 50 million across Africa.
Partech’s investment in BPS aligns with the VC’s mission for the Partech Africa Fund II, which is focused on supporting tech-driven African startups that are tackling the continent’s most pressing challenges. Cyril Collon, General Partner at Partech, highlighted BPS’s achievements, stating, “With an exceptional track record in transforming grid management for utilities in Nigeria and Ghana, Beacon Power Services has established itself as a leader in addressing Africa’s energy challenges through data-driven solutions.”
Collon added, “We believe in the potential of African founders to solve the continent’s most pressing issues, and BPS embodies the type of company our Partech Africa Fund II was created to support. We look forward to partnering with BPS as they scale their operations and increase their impact across Africa.”
This Series A funding represents a promising step forward for BPS as it moves into Eastern and Northern Africa, expanding the reach of its solutions across regions facing acute energy challenges. With the additional support and resources from Partech, Beacon Power Services is well-positioned to drive sustainable energy management and improve power access for millions more on the continent.
