Rana Energy, an emerging cleantech startup, has raised $3 million in a pre-seed funding round to power its mission of transforming energy access in Africa through artificial intelligence. The company is building what it calls an “AI-powered digital utility,” aimed at accelerating the continent’s transition to affordable, reliable, and clean energy.
Founded with a vision to solve Africa’s persistent energy access issues, Rana Energy is leveraging AI and digital infrastructure to modernize how energy is distributed and consumed. The startup’s platform integrates smart metering, energy demand forecasting, and customer management to optimize energy delivery and reduce inefficiencies common in traditional utility models.
Africa’s energy challenges are well-documented. Over 600 million people on the continent still lack access to electricity, and even in urban areas, supply is often unreliable and expensive. By using AI to intelligently manage and predict energy usage, Rana aims to lower the cost of clean power and ensure better service delivery to underserved communities.
The $3 million pre-seed round was backed by a mix of local and international investors who believe in the potential of technology to address Africa’s energy gaps. According to Rana Energy’s CEO, the funding will be used to scale operations, enhance the AI capabilities of their platform, and roll out pilot programs in key African markets, including Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya.
Rana’s approach blends AI with distributed energy resources such as solar microgrids and battery storage systems, creating a more decentralized and resilient power infrastructure. This model not only reduces dependency on national grids but also supports sustainability goals by focusing on renewable energy.
“Energy is a fundamental right, not a privilege,” said the CEO. “Our platform is designed to democratize energy access and give communities the tools to generate, manage, and pay for power in smarter ways.”
With Africa’s rapidly growing population and increasing demand for electricity, innovative solutions like Rana’s are critical. As the continent races to meet climate goals and energy needs, the combination of digital technology and renewables offers a promising path forward.
The successful raise signals growing investor confidence in cleantech innovation tailored for emerging markets. If Rana Energy’s model proves effective, it could redefine how utilities operate across Africa — making clean energy both accessible and intelligent.
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