Solafrica
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2014
- HeadquartersBern, Switzerland
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Solafrica does
Solafrica is a Swiss non-profit association (gemeinnütziger Verein) headquartered at Bollwerk 35, 3011 Bern, founded around 2010-2014 and Zewo-certified, that promotes solar energy in development cooperation and climate protection. Its operations span Switzerland and eight African countries (Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Burkina Faso, Niger, Senegal, Togo), plus a worldwide educational program delivered through the World Scout Movement (WOSM). The organization is structured around a portfolio of sub-branded programs: Santé Solaire solarizes rural health centres in West Africa (cumulative 64-67 centres, serving hundreds of thousands of patients); Solar Learning projects train disadvantaged youth and women as solar technicians across Kenya, Ethiopia and Tanzania (1,500 technicians cumulative, ≥40% women quotas, state-recognized certification in Kenya); Solar Fuels operates a Power-to-Methanol (P2X) demonstration plant and curriculum at Adama Science and Technology University in Ethiopia; Solar Perspectives trains returned migrants in Senegal; Solar Energy for a Refugee Camp electrifies the Kakuma camp in Kenya; and Scouts go Solar trains 155 Solar Ambassadors across 74 countries plus a Swiss domestic module. Its technology consists of decentralized solar PV deployment, solar water pumps, vaccine refrigeration, and Power-to-X infrastructure, supported by a multilingual open-source educational content library and the Solarvignette digital product.
Solafrica's business model is donation- and grant-driven. It raises funds through one-time donations (preset tiers 85 / 150 / 500 CHF), recurring monthly and annual contributions, sponsoring memberships (CHF 80/yr Regular and CHF 240/yr High Voltage), sales of the Solarvignette digital product, and project grants from foundations and institutional partners (e.g., Faulu Foundation, Umoja ni Nguyu). Zewo certification makes donations tax-deductible in most Swiss cantons, providing a structural fundraising advantage. Payments are processed via Payrexx with Twint, PostFinance and PayPal, and the organization publishes an annual report (Jahresbericht 2024) for transparency. Annual project budgets disclosed across the active portfolio sum to roughly CHF 1.8 million, with Santé Solaire alone budgeted at CHF 596,000/yr for the 2026-2029 phase.
The organization is led by co-founders Dr. Kuno Roth (Co-President, Co-Founder) and Flora Conte (Co-President), with Elias Kost representing the Bern office (Geschäftsstelle). A small named staff — Maria Bongard (Solar Learning), Martin Wanner (Scouts go Solar), Hélène Genolet (Santé Solaire/Solar Perspectives), Anna Opladen (Fundraising), and Fabienne Biedermann (Media) — operates alongside implementation partners in each African country. The organization is recognized with the Swiss Solar Prize 2021 and the European Solar Prize 2021/2022, is a member of the Klima-Allianz, and aligns its work with the UN Agenda 2030. Its competitive advantages include the WOSM partnership (60+ million scout members globally), regulatory moat from Zewo certification, deep in-country implementation partnerships, and a rare specialization in healthcare-sector PV deployment and P2X / solar fuels within the development sector.
Solafrica firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Solafrica
- Legal name
- Solafrica
- Website
- https://solafrica.ch
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2014
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Solafrica industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Renewable Energy Development Services
- NAICS
- Professional and Management Development Training (61143), Solar Electric Power Generation (221114), Civic and Social Organizations (813410)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Solar Workforce, Training & Safety Services (Installer Training, Certification, EHS) (EUAMABAO)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Renewable Energy Electrical (Solar PV, Wind, Storage) (EDAOABAI), Solar EPC & Construction (Utility-Scale, Rooftop, Balance of System) (EUAMABAB), Distributed Generation (DG) Solar & Small Wind (EUAMAJAD)
Keywords
Where Solafrica is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Bern
- HQ country
- Switzerland
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Solafrica business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- Donations (one-time): One-time donations from individuals and supporters, offered in preset tiers (85, 150, 500 CHF) and open custom amounts, processed via the Solafrica website and Payrexx payment platform. Donations are tax-deductible in most Swiss cantons thanks to Zewo certification.
- Recurring donations / Sponsoring memberships: Recurring donor program ("Fördermitgliedschaft") with two tiers: "Regular" at CHF 80/year and "High Voltage" at CHF 240/year, with options for monthly, annual, or one-time contributions. Members receive annual reports, Solarvignettes, invitations to Solafrica events, and a January donation receipt for tax purposes.
- Solarvignette sales: Sales of the "Solarvignette" digital product (mobile phone and computer versions), referenced as a fundraising and awareness tool.
- Project grants / institutional funding: Funding secured from institutional partners and foundations (e.g., for the Solar Energy for a Refugee Camp project, partial financing of CHF 142,000 is noted for 2025-2026). Program budgets disclosed include Santé Solaire (CHF 596,000/yr), Solar Learning Youth Centers (CHF 280,000/yr), Solar Perspectives (CHF 246,000), Solar Learning Tanzania (CHF 222,035), Solar Fuels (CHF 167,000), Scouts go Solar International (CHF 94,000), and Scouts go Solar Switzerland (CHF 54,000).
- Zewo-certified non-profit donations (tax-deductible): Solafrica is a Zewo-certified Swiss non-profit association (gemeinnütziger Verein); donations are tax-deductible in most cantons. This regulatory status underpins the donation-driven revenue model.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | One-time donation (preset tiers 85 / 150 / 500 CHF, custom amount) |
| Subscription | Annual | Sponsoring Membership "Regular" — CHF 80/year |
| Subscription | Annual | Sponsoring Membership "High Voltage" — CHF 240/year |
| Subscription | Monthly | Recurring donation (monthly or annual) |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels12 records
Solafrica product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Solafrica is a Swiss non-profit that deploys decentralized solar PV infrastructure to rural health centres and disadvantaged communities in sub-Saharan Africa, runs state-recognized solar technician vocational training programs for disadvantaged youth and women, and delivers global solar-energy education through the World Scout movement (Scouts go Solar). Activities span solar healthcare electrification (Santé Solaire), workforce training (Solar Learning), Scout-based awareness (Scouts go Solar), and a Power-to-Methanol innovation project (Solar Fuels).
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Scouts go Solar International: Solafrica's international programme (joint project with World Scouting/WOSM) that trains scout leaders worldwide as Solar Ambassadors.
- Scouts go Solar Switzerland
- Santé Solaire
- Solar Learning Youth Centers
- Solar Learning Ethiopia
- Solar Learning Tanzania
- Solar Perspectives
- Solar Fuels
- Solar Energy for a Refugee Camp
- Solarvignette
Products and services
- Santé Solaire Solar electrification of rural health centres in Burkina Faso, Niger, Senegal and Togo (indoor/outdoor lighting, vaccine refrigeration, medical device power) combined with training of local technicians.
- Solar Learning Youth Centers
Quantifiable outcome
- 1,500 solar technicians trained across Solar Learning programs (Solar Learning Youth Centers, Solar Learning for Women, Solar Learning Ethiopia)
- +10 more outcomes
Companies that use Solafrica
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Solafrica technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration16 records
Feature6 records
Solafrica partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
23 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.
- World Scouting (WOSM)flagshipScouts go Solar is a joint project of Solafrica and World Scouting (WOSM). The partnership leverages the global Scout movement's 60+ million members, firmly anchored in local communities, to scale solar awareness and education. WOSM's SDG Hub features Scouts go Solar as an Earth Tribe initiative.
- Kandersteg International Scout Centre (KISC)coreLong-standing cooperation since the founding of Scouts go Solar. KISC is referenced as both a training venue and a co-developer of teaching content. Listed as a partner on the Scouts go Solar downloads page.
- Swiss Guide and Scout Movement (Pfadibewegung Schweiz, PBS) / SGSMcoreCo-developer of the "Scouts go Solar Switzerland" modular education program in German, French, and Italian; jointly organizes training materials, workshops, and event presence. The program launched at the 2022 Swiss Scout federal camp.
- GreenpeaceminorSupported Scouts go Solar during the project's start-up phase. No operational relationship described beyond the historical start-up role.
- Solar Mtaani (Kenya)coreLocal implementation partner for the Solar Learning Youth Centers project in Kenya and the Solar Energy for a Refugee Camp project in Kakuma. Co-delivers solar training and on-the-ground installations.
- Ministry of Labor and Social Protection (Kenya)coreGovernment partner for the Solar Learning Youth Centers project, supporting the integration of the training programme into the state care programme for youth homes.
- Kabete Rehabilitation School, Kirigiti Girls Rehabilitation School, Dagoretti Girls Rehabilitation SchoolcoreState youth-rehabilitation institutions hosting the three Solar Learning Youth Centers training facilities in Kenya (2024-2026 phase, 305 trainees).
- Entreprise SETHI (Burkina Faso)coreLocal implementation partner for the Santé Solaire program in Burkina Faso; responsible for the installation and maintenance of solar systems at rural health centres.
- Kekeli (club), TogocoreLocal implementation partner for the Santé Solaire program in Togo.
- Association Conscientization et Réflexion pour la Promotion de l'Élevage (ACRPE), NigercoreLocal implementation partner for the Santé Solaire program in Niger.
- Association LERNA, SenegalflagshipLocal implementation partner for the Santé Solaire program in Senegal and host of the Solar Perspectives training program; also co-runs the regional competence centre in Dakar for photovoltaics in healthcare.
- Faulu Foundation and Umoja ni Nguyu (Kenya)coreImplementation partners for the Solar Energy for a Refugee Camp project in Kakuma, Kenya (2025-2026 phase, CHF 142,000 partial financing secured).
- Adama Science and Technology University (ASTU), EthiopiaflagshipHost and research partner for the Solar Fuels / Power-to-Methanol demonstration plant and the P2X curriculum; trains 50+ specialists per year.
- OST University of Applied Sciences (Institute for Energy Technology IET), SwitzerlandflagshipSwiss research partner co-developing the Solar Fuels / Power-to-Methanol demonstration plant at ASTU and contributing the technical expertise on Power-to-X.
- University of Dakar (UCAD) — via Center d'Études et de Recherches sur les Énergies Renouvelables (CERER)coreAcademic partner for the Solar Perspectives training program in Senegal, with LERNA as the implementing partner.
- FHNW (University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland) — Institute for Integration and ParticipationcoreResearch partner running the accompanying research project that evaluates and further develops the Solar Perspectives program.
- Steven Gama and Richard Ndendya (Mbeya Vocational School, Tanzania)coreLocal project partners for the Solar Learning Tanzania project at the VETA vocational school in Mbeya, including the set-up of a school-based solar company.
- MegasolminorSwiss solar-industry partner listed on the homepage as a Switzerland-based partner supporting Solafrica's work.
- SolarsparminorSwiss solar partner listed on the homepage.
- LerNetzminorSwiss partner listed on the homepage.
- SolarifyminorSwiss partner listed on the homepage.
- 1% for the PlanetminorGlobal network partner listed on the homepage.
- Tsegaye Hailye (Local project manager, Solar Learning Ethiopia)coreOn-the-ground project manager for the Solar Learning Ethiopia program, overseeing training and graduate outcomes.
Scale indicators15 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Solafrica competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- SolarAid: UK- and Africa-based non-profit tackling energy poverty through solar, operating social-enterprise distribution of solar lights in sub-Saharan Africa. Directly comparable mission to Solafrica's Santé Solaire and Solar Learning programs and similar donor-funded non-profit model.
- Solar Sister: US-based non-profit that recruits, trains, and supports women entrepreneurs in sub-Saharan Africa to sell solar products. Mirrors Solafrica's Solar Learning for Women model and the integration of training with solar distribution to off-grid communities.
- SELCO Foundation: India-based non-profit that develops sustainable energy access models for underserved households and trains local technicians. Directly comparable to Solafrica in combining rural solar deployment with technician training and partnerships with local implementation organizations.
- Barefoot College: India-based non-profit training rural women and men (including from Africa) as solar engineers via its "Solar Mamas" program. Highly comparable to Solafrica's vocational Solar Learning approach and decentralized community-solar deployment model.
- EnergyAid: UK charity fundraising to provide solar power to health clinics in off-grid communities, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa. The closest direct analogue to Solafrica's Santé Solaire healthcare-solarization model, with similar donor base and impact metrics.
- Solar Energy International (SEI): US-based non-profit offering solar PV training and education programs globally. Comparable to Solafrica's Solar Learning and Scouts go Solar education and vocational training offerings, though focused more on professional PV installers than development contexts.
Regional players
- myclimate: Swiss non-profit foundation offering carbon-offset and climate-protection programs, including high-quality education and solar projects in developing countries. Directly comparable as a Swiss Zewo-style non-profit combining climate education with international solar project funding.
Broad incumbents
- Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation: Swiss development NGO with energy, water, and rural livelihood programs across Africa, Asia and Latin America. Comparable to Solafrica in donor geography (Switzerland), Zewo-style governance, and African field implementation through local partners.
- Practical Action: UK-headquartered international development NGO working on energy access, agriculture, and resilience in developing countries. Comparable to Solafrica as a broader development incumbent with a renewable-energy portfolio that overlaps with Santé Solaire and Solar Learning.
Others
- Swiss Solar Energy Society (SSES / Swissolar): Swiss industry association that administers the Swiss and European Solar Prizes awarded to Solafrica. Indirectly comparable as the awarding body and a fellow Swiss solar-promotion organization that shares policy and awareness goals with Solafrica's mission.
Market position
Strengths1 record
Weaknesses1 record
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Solafrica social profiles
Digital presenceSolafrica financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Solafrica leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
Solafrica funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Solafrica M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Solafrica
What does Solafrica do?
Solafrica is a Swiss non-profit that deploys decentralized solar PV infrastructure to rural health centres and disadvantaged communities in sub-Saharan Africa, runs state-recognized solar technician vocational training programs for disadvantaged youth and women, and delivers global solar-energy education through the World Scout movement (Scouts go Solar). Activities span solar healthcare electrification (Santé Solaire), workforce training (Solar Learning), Scout-based awareness (Scouts go Solar), and a Power-to-Methanol innovation project (Solar Fuels).
Is Solafrica a public or private company?
Solafrica is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Solafrica founded?
Solafrica was founded in 2014. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Solafrica based?
Solafrica is headquartered in Bern, Switzerland, in the Europe region.
How does Solafrica make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Donations (one-time) is the primary driver. The others are recurring donations / Sponsoring memberships, solarvignette sales, project grants / institutional funding and zewo-certified non-profit donations (tax-deductible).
Who are Solafrica's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are SolarAid, Solar Sister, SELCO Foundation, Barefoot College, EnergyAid and Solar Energy International (SEI). myclimate is listed as a regional player. Broad incumbents are Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation and Practical Action. Swiss Solar Energy Society (SSES / Swissolar) is listed as an others.
Does Solafrica have an API?
No public API is recorded for Solafrica.
What industry is Solafrica in?
Solafrica's product category is Renewable Energy Development Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EUAMABAO, Solar Workforce, Training & Safety Services (Installer Training, Certification, EHS), with a secondary code of EDAOABAI, Renewable Energy Electrical (Solar PV, Wind, Storage). Its NAICS code is 61143 and its SIC code is 8200.