Powering Mobile Internet Connectivity in Sub-Saharan Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) remains the region with the largest potential for telecom impact and growth, yet it still faces significant barriers to mobile internet connectivity. According to the State of Mobile Internet Connectivity 2024 report, 13% of people living in the region still lack mobile internet access.  The absence of renewable energy infrastructure, unreliable grids, and untrained personnel contribute to this challenge.

To address this challenge, Energy Vision is leveraging its expertise in telecom, renewable energy, and the unique challenges of SSA. By partnering with Tower Companies (TowerCos) and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) we ensure reliable power, even in challenging rural off-grid areas.

Getting Internet to Hard-to-Reach Places

According to GSMA, millions of people in rural, poor, and sparsely populated areas remain without mobile connectivity.  Geographic isolation, challenging terrain, and limited infrastructure are contributing barriers.  Closing this gap requires more than just technology—it requires investment in people, infrastructure, and innovative renewable energy solutions.

To address this, Energy Vision invests in the development of local talent, both men and women, and integrates advanced telecom energy solutions for optimal performance.  In Nigeria, we partnered with a leading telecom operator, 9mobile, to manage Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) and Media Gateways (MGW). Our Energy-as-a-Service model integrates modular hybrid power systems, monitored in real-time through our remote management system at the in-country Network Operations Center.

This dual investment in local job creation and renewable energy ensures that telecom operators can rely on us as their trusted long-term energy partner.

Powering Mobile Networks, So They Don’t Go Down

Frequent power outages are a major challenge for mobile networks often leaving communities with no connectivity at all.  These outages are caused by unreliable grids and legacy infrastructure.

To solve this for our customers, we modernize and rapidly deploy renewable energy solutions tailored to the terrain.  Our automated process of seamlessly optimizing and switching between solar, battery, and generator keeps power running and people connected.

In Gabon our hybrid energy solution has achieved 99.9% SLA in off-grid and on-grid telecommunication sites over the last 4 years, demonstrating reliability and efficiency. Additionally, energy usage and CO2 emissions were reduced by 70%, helping the operator meet its ESG goals.

A Concentrated Effort

At Energy Vision, we help improve EBITDA and take on the CAPEX burden for our strategic partners, so they can focus on their core business of expanding mobile internet connectivity in SSA.

We achieve this through our long-term Master Service Agreement, which incorporates EnVision™, our proprietary BI optimization platform. EnVision™ integrates data from multiple management systems and provides virtual simulations, analytics, and actionable insights that enhance performance.

This framework lets us optimize renewable energy management so our customers can benefit from our energy-efficient systems and seamless experience.

Building the Infrastructure People Need

Bringing internet access to everyone in Sub-Saharan Africa requires significant investment—around $418 billion.  To achieve this, TowerCos and MNOs increasingly collaborate with infrastructure management partners like Energy Vision.

We are playing a role in Ethio Telecom’s 2025 goal of connecting all citizens by providing hybrid power solutions that enhance reliability in rural and off-grid areas. These systems integrate solar and diesel power to ensure uninterrupted service. The 24/7 Network Operations Center in Addis Ababa monitors these systems in real-time, optimizing power use and ensuring consistent. In Nigeria, Energy Vision scalable design supports a major TowerCo providing colocation services to mobile network operators and meet the increasing demand for mobile connectivity.

Boosting the Economy

Ultimately, closing the mobile internet gap in SSA could add $3.5 trillion to the global economy by 2030.

As strategic partners, Energy Vision solves energy challenges while easing the burden for telecom providers.  By powering mobile towers, our partners can connect people to education, healthcare, and job opportunities.

About us: With nearly four decades of Telco and TowerCo expertise, Energy Vision has led Sub-Saharan Africa’s ESCO market since 2014. We are bridging the mobile internet gap with renewable energy solutions for telecom.   Our pureplay model maximizes renewable energy utilization and guarantees reliable uptime through SLA commitments. With a dedicated team of about 400 employees and a track record managing 11,000+ sites, Energy Vision is revolutionizing renewable power solutions for emerging markets.