In Mali, where armed conflict has disrupted infrastructure for over a decade, mobile connectivity remains a lifeline — for commerce, communication, and crisis response. Yet, keeping telecom towers powered in one of the world’s least electrified regions has long been a challenge. Now, a $40 million financing deal aims to change that, replacing diesel generators with solar energy to ensure stable, sustainable connectivity for millions.

At the center of this push is Communication & Renewable Energy Infrastructure (CREI), an energy-as-a-service provider that powers telecom towers across fragile states, including South Sudan and the Central African Republic. Backed by Norway’s development finance institution Norfund and the Facility for Energy Inclusion (FEI), CREI is set to deploy hybrid solar-battery systems across 2,876 mobile towers in Mali, marking its largest project to date.

Mobile towers are the backbone of digital connectivity, but in Mali, unreliable grid power forces operators to rely on expensive, polluting diesel generators. Frequent fuel shortages and logistical hurdles in conflict-affected areas often lead to dropped signals, cutting off communities when they need connectivity the most.

CREI’s solution combines solar panels, battery storage, and minimal diesel backup, reducing both costs and carbon emissions. According to the company, the shift will cut fuel consumption by up to 70%, while ensuring 24/7 network availability — a critical upgrade as Mali’s telecom sector prepares for future 5G and data demands.

A $40M Bet on Stability and Digital Inclusion

The new financing — a mix of debt and equity — was led by FEI, managed by Cygnum Capital, with Norfund contributing $15.9 million. The funds will allow CREI to scale its operations under long-term contracts with Mali’s leading mobile operators, who pay for power rather than owning the energy infrastructure themselves.

“This investment is a milestone for Mali’s telecom sector,” said Thibault Neveu, co-founder of FEI and CEO of Cygnum Capital. “It ensures cleaner, cheaper, and more reliable power, which is essential for digital inclusion and economic growth.”

For Norfund, the deal aligns with its focus on renewable energy in fragile states. “By backing CREI, we’re supporting economic resilience in a challenging environment,” said Birgit Edlefsen, Senior Vice President at Norfund.

CREI generates returns by operating under an “Energy-as-a-Service” (EaaS) model, where it builds, owns, and maintains the solar-hybrid power systems for telecom towers and charges mobile network operators (MNOs) a long-term, fixed fee for reliable electricity — typically through 10–15 year power purchase agreements (PPAs). This ensures steady revenue streams while reducing operators’ reliance on costly and unreliable diesel generators. The shift to solar cuts energy costs for MNOs by up to 30–50%, making CREI’s offering financially attractive, while CREI itself benefits from lower operational costs (no fuel procurement) and scalability across multiple towers.

CREI estimates the project will create hundreds of local jobs, from solar technicians to maintenance crews, while reducing energy costs for telecom operators — a saving that could eventually trickle down to consumers.

“This isn’t just about keeping towers running,” said Kadri El Hakim, CEO of CREI. “It’s about enabling Mali’s digital transformation, especially in rural areas where connectivity can unlock new opportunities.”

Despite the optimism, risks remain. Mali’s security situation could disrupt deployment, and the upfront cost of solar-battery systems is still high compared to diesel — though the long-term savings are clear. Additionally, while CREI has experience in unstable markets, Mali’s scale presents a new test.

Still, if successful, the project could serve as a blueprint for other energy-starved regions. As mobile networks become indispensable for modern life, the shift to solar isn’t just an environmental win — it’s a necessity for keeping Mali connected.