Solarbox Africa, a Senegal-based eMobility and energy solutions provider, has closed a $1 million pre-seed funding round. The round was led by a consortium of investors, including Digital Energy Facility — a collaboration between Agence Française de Développement (AFD), IetP, and Gaia Impact Fund — alongside Launch Africa, JLL Foundation, and Teranga Capital.
The funding marks a significant step for Solarbox, enabling the company to meet growing demand for its solar-powered electric vehicles (EVs) and associated solutions in Senegal and the broader West African region.
Founded in 2022 by Tijan Watt and incubated venture under Wuri Ventures, Solarbox designs, assembles, and deploys light electric vehicles, including two- and three-wheelers tailored for corporate clients. The startup integrates solar charging systems, flexible financing models, and fleet management solutions into its offerings, catering to businesses seeking sustainable transportation alternatives.
In under a year, Solarbox has partnered with prominent industry players across Senegal, including Orange Energies, FedEx, Paps Logistics, Plastic Odyssey, Swiss Fresh Water, Health in a Box, and Fleetch. These collaborations underscore the company’s capacity to accelerate the transition to clean mobility while addressing specific local needs.
Senegal’s reliance on imported petroleum — costing approximately $2 billion annually — presents a stark contrast to the country’s untapped solar potential. With an average solar irradiation of 6.32 kWh/m², Senegal ranks among the top three globally, offering twice the energy output of Germany, a global leader in solar energy production.
Solarbox leverages this renewable energy advantage to provide cost-efficient and environmentally friendly mobility solutions. Data from its deployments indicate that operating its EVs costs just $2.50 per 100 kilometers compared to $5.50 for gasoline-powered vehicles, representing cost savings of up to 60%. Each vehicle powered by Solarbox’s systems offsets 10 tons of carbon emissions annually while consuming 10.8 MWh of solar energy, contributing to climate resilience in the Sahel region.
Paul-Francois Cattier, Senior Venture Partner at On.Capital, Solarbox’s first institutional backer, expressed confidence in the startup’s growth trajectory:
“In less than a year, Solarbox Africa has proven its ability to secure major corporate partnerships with solutions that fit local realities. This funding positions Solarbox as a leading electric mobility provider in Senegal, poised for profitable and rapid growth.”
Wuri Ventures Managing Partner Tijan Watt emphasized the broader implications of Solarbox’s model:
“Instead of importing millions of tonnes of petroleum annually, Senegal can harness its abundant sunlight. With transportation accounting for 40% of Africa’s energy needs and over $40 billion in fuel imports annually, solar-powered mobility offers a transformative opportunity.”
While Solarbox’s achievements are promising, the company operates within a challenging environment where infrastructure gaps, high upfront costs, and policy uncertainties could affect adoption rates for solar-powered EVs. However, with investor backing and a proven value proposition, Solarbox is well-positioned to lead Senegal’s clean energy transition in transportation.
The company plans to use the pre-seed funding to scale production, deepen its market presence in Senegal, and explore opportunities in neighboring countries. By aligning innovative technology with Senegal’s renewable energy ambitions, Solarbox aims to create a scalable model for clean mobility across Africa.