Africa is well positioned to lead the global renewable energy transition, given its abundant solar, wind, and hydropower resources. However, despite this potential, the sector continues to face significant structural barriers. One of the most critical challenges is access to climate finance, with African renewable energy projects currently attracting only about 2% of global climate finance flows. This financing gap limits the ability of many developers to scale their projects and participate competitively in international energy markets.
Kili Technologies, founded in 2023 in Johannesburg, South Africa, is a fully Black-owned and managed clean-tech startup focused on addressing this challenge. The company empowers African renewable energy producers through a locally developed, proprietary Internet of Things (IoT)-based platform that enables the generation of tradable, internationally recognised Renewable Energy Credits (I-RECs). The platform was created to bridge a long-standing gap that has historically prevented many African clean energy projects from competing on the global stage. More information about the company and its solutions is available at https://www.kilitech.co.za
By leveraging trusted energy generation data, Kili Technologies enables renewable energy producers to access new revenue streams through the trading of I-RECs on a U.S.-based environmental attributes spot exchange. These certificates verify that one megawatt-hour of electricity has been generated from renewable sources, allowing producers to monetise their clean energy output in international markets.
According to Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Mfanafuthi Dube, the absence of credible and verifiable green energy data has long excluded African renewable energy developers from lucrative global markets. “Without trusted data attributes, many African producers have been locked out of I-REC markets and other international revenue opportunities,” Dube explains.
Kili Technologies addresses this challenge by capturing, verifying, and authenticating energy generation data in real time. This high-integrity data meets international standards and provides the transparency required by global investors, certificate registries, and sustainability-focused buyers.
At the core of Kili Technologies’ solution is its IoT-enabled platform, which connects directly to solar, wind, and hydropower installations. The platform supports producers by enabling:
- Verified Generation Data: High-quality, tamper-proof data that meets international verification standards.
- I-REC Participation: The ability to generate and trade internationally recognised renewable energy certificates, unlocking USD-denominated revenue streams.
- Compliance and Reporting: Support for regulatory compliance, carbon disclosure requirements, and sustainability reporting.
- Operational Insights: Data analytics that help producers and commercial users improve operational efficiency and energy performance.
Beyond its technology, Kili Technologies is distinguished by its strong community-driven approach. While its solutions are aligned with global standards, the company remains deeply rooted in township and local communities, ensuring that innovation responds directly to African contexts and needs.
The company’s strategic direction is supported by Non-Executive Chairman Mr. Mavuso Msimang, whose leadership experience contributes to strong governance and long-term growth.
Kili Technologies has also participated in the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and Empire Partner Foundation (EPF) Tech Fund programmes, which support early-stage ventures in refining their products and business models. These programmes have played a key role in moving the company from concept to commercial readiness.
While the journey has not been without challenges, including early resource constraints, structured ecosystem support has strengthened Kili Technologies’ market positioning and execution strategy.
As Africa’s renewable energy sector continues to expand, overcoming barriers related to finance, data credibility, and market access will be essential. By combining IoT technology, verified energy data, and access to global trading platforms, Kili Technologies is helping to unlock Africa’s clean energy potential and attract much-needed investment.
“Our mission is simple yet vital,” Dube concludes. “We aim to provide Africa with the data and financial tools required for a fair, transparent, and inclusive energy transition.”
