Unlocking Africa’s Energy Potential: Why We Built Equdex
In 2024, 630 million people in sub-Saharan Africa were living without access to electricity. That’s nearly half the continent's population — and nearly equal to the entire population of Europe living in darkness. Despite rapid global progress in renewable energy, Africa remains the world’s most energy-poor region.
This is a human development emergency. But it’s also something else: a $1.9 trillion opportunity for those ready to rethink how capital connects with infrastructure on a global scale.
A continent with the world’s richest solar potential
Africa is home to 60% of the world’s highest solar potential, yet generates just 3% of its electricity from solar. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), at current rates, 660 million people globally will still lack electricity access by 2030 — and 85% of them will be in sub-Saharan Africa.
📖 Source: IEA – Africa Energy Outlook 2022
Yet, the continent’s solar energy potential is undeniable. It receives over 300 days of sunshine a year in many regions, and the cost of solar PV is rapidly falling. Despite this, many high-quality solar infrastructure projects remain stuck — not due to a lack of viability, but due to the difficulty of connecting with the right kind of capital.
So what’s the problem?
The challenge isn’t just about supply or demand. It’s about connection.
Investors — particularly family offices and impact funds — are actively seeking long-term, meaningful investment opportunities in emerging markets. Developers across Africa are building innovative, locally-led projects that can change lives and entire economies. But between these two groups sits a fragmented, inefficient, and opaque system.
It’s hard for investors to verify project credibility. It’s hard for developers to access trusted capital without long delays, gatekeepers, or political risk. And it’s almost impossible for either side to work at scale.
This is where Equdex comes in
At Equdex, we’re building a platform that brings clarity, trust, and scale to African infrastructure investment.
Our solution is:
AI-driven – to assess project data quickly and flag high-potential infrastructure
Blockchain-integrated – ensuring transparency and traceability in funding flows
Focused on solar and clean energy infrastructure – where the greatest need and growth opportunity exists
Through our platform, family offices and institutional investors can:
Access vetted project profiles
Use real-time data to guide decision-making
Build relationships directly with developers, advisors, and communities
We aim to cut the energy access gap by 50% by 2035, reaching 315 million lives with clean, reliable power.
Why now?
The urgency is clear — but so is the opportunity.
The African Development Bank estimates that Africa needs $130–$170 billion annually in infrastructure investment, with a financing gap of $68–$108 billion each year. That gap won’t be filled by traditional aid or government funding alone. It will take private capital, smarter tools, and stronger networks.
📖 Source: AfDB – African Economic Outlook 2022
At Equdex, we believe investors shouldn’t have to choose between profit and purpose. Our model is designed to deliver both — returns backed by long-term demand and real-world impact that goes beyond quarterly performance.
Follow our journey
This blog marks the first in a series of monthly updates from the team at Equdex. Each month, we’ll share:
Insights from the African energy landscape
Updates on platform development and partnerships
Stories from projects and people on the ground
Opportunities to get involved
We’re not just building a platform — we’re building a movement. And we’d love you to be part of it.
➡️ Follow Equdex on LinkedIn
➡️ Visit the Equdex website
➡️ Connect with Trevor Bird on LinkedIn
➡️ Read the IEA Africa Energy Outlook 2022
Together, we can power a continent — and unlock one of the greatest investment frontiers of our time.