RUBiSOL has been awarded the coveted “Deal of the Year 2024 – East Africa” award at the DealMakers AFRICA Awards. The accolade comes on the backdrop of an increased embrace of decentralized and renewable energy solutions within the East African Region. The award is a major milestone for RUBiSOL as it aims to disrupt the broader East African commercial and industrial energy market.
Established in November 2024, RUBiSOL was formed with a vision to accelerate the adoption of clean, reliable, and cost-effective energy among Commercial and Industrial (C&I) clients across East Africa. The partnership strategically blends Solarise Africa’s deep expertise in decentralised solar and hybrid systems with RUBiS Energy Kenya’s expansive distribution network and trusted market presence. The result is a powerful platform that allows businesses in Kenya and the wider region to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, lower operating costs, and achieve energy independence.
Kenya, a regional leader in renewable energy, has long been at the forefront of clean energy innovation — with over 80% of its electricity already generated from renewable sources. Yet, challenges such as grid instability, rising fuel costs, and increasing energy demands from businesses continue to drive the need for decentralised solutions. RUBiSOL directly responds to this demand, offering tailor-made systems and innovative financing models that make clean energy adoption practical and affordable for enterprises of all sizes.
RUBiSOL Special Recognition
The recognition by DealMakers AFRICA is a nod to the complex and pioneering nature of the RUBiSOL transaction. From the restructuring of business operations and integration of renewable technologies into existing networks, to stakeholder negotiations and regulatory approvals by both the Competition Authority of Kenya and the COMESA Competition Commission, the deal represents one of the most sophisticated energy partnerships in the region to date. It was structured using a hybrid debt and equity model, supported by advisory from ENS Africa, and sets a new benchmark for what’s possible in clean energy financing and execution.
For RUBiS Energy Kenya, this move is part of a larger strategy to embed sustainability at the heart of its operations. As one of the largest energy providers in East Africa, RUBiS is redefining its role in the market — not just as a fuel distributor but as a driver of the region’s energy transition. By investing in RUBiSOL, the company is leveraging its infrastructure to provide businesses with renewable energy solutions that are both reliable and scalable.
Solarise Africa’s Co-Founder and CEO Jan Albert Valk described the award as a validation of the joint venture’s vision to transform East Africa’s energy future. His counterpart at RUBiS Energy Kenya, Olivier Sabrié, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the growing urgency for integrated, sustainable energy solutions that empower businesses and contribute to climate resilience.
In a country like Kenya, where economic growth is tightly linked to energy access, RUBiSOL is more than just a corporate venture — it’s a catalyst for change. It enables companies to lower their carbon footprint, improve efficiency, and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global market where sustainability is not optional but essential.
The success of RUBiSOL sets a new precedent for energy partnerships in Kenya and the wider region. As more enterprises look to renewables to meet their energy needs, this award-winning model may well become the blueprint for future innovation in the African energy sector.
ALSO READ: 2024 ERI Report: EPRA and AfDB to Host Validation Workshop
