With tens of billions of dollar’s worth of projects under its belt, Sun Africa is at the center of Africa’s push to meet growing energy needs sustainably. EnergyNet spoke to CEO Adam Cortese about projects in Nigeria and Angola, the company’s unique development model, and how it has already been championing an America First approach.
We are keen to know more about your projects in Nigeria and Angola – how are these progressing?
Our projects in Nigeria and Angola are progressing well. In Nigeria, we are developing a 1GW utility-scale project that aligns with the Nigerian government’s objectives to expand energy access and drive industrial growth. We are working closely with both federal and state governments to ensure seamless execution, leveraging advanced solar and battery storage technologies to provide reliable, clean energy. All of the technical work is complete and the financiers are ready. The turnkey package is in front of the Government of Nigeria and the ball is presently in their court to take advantage of the unique opportunity in front of them.
In Angola, our utility-scale solar projects are helping to diversify the country’s energy mix. We are implementing a phased approach, ensuring that each stage delivers immediate benefits to local industries, businesses, and communities. Our focus is not just on generating power but also on creating an energy ecosystem that supports long-term economic growth. Phase I, two utility-scale installations in Malanje and Luanda, has reached financial close and construction has begun. Phase II, 64 mini-grids across the four southern provinces of the country, has received loan approval and is nearing financial close. We hope to move swiftly here as the social and economic impact of this phase will be extraordinary.
Sun Africa has a unique development model, and you do things differently! Can you tell us more about this?
Sun Africa operates differently from conventional renewable energy developers. Our fully integrated approach includes development, financing, and execution, ensuring end-to-end efficiency. We don’t just build projects—we deliver solutions tailored to each country’s unique energy and financial landscape.
A key differentiator is our ability to absorb all the development costs of each project, at no risk or obligation to the sovereign, alongside organizing highly competitive financing terms, enabling African nations to accelerate the buildout of their power infrastructure without the typical financial roadblocks.
We also emphasize speed and scale. Our ability to coordinate Tier 1 U.S. technology, engineering, and project execution ensures that we can deploy large-scale projects faster and more efficiently than traditional developers.
You are already championing an America First approach, and expanding US exports to the continent – how does this work?
At Sun Africa, we see Africa’s energy transition as a unique opportunity to strengthen U.S.-Africa trade relations. By prioritizing American-made technology and solutions, we support U.S. exports, create American jobs, and promote a sustainable economic partnership with Africa.
We achieve this by:
•Sourcing high-quality U.S. equipment (solar panels, inverters, battery storage) and integrating it into our projects.
•Working with U.S. financial institutions to structure innovative, government-backed financing packages for African energy infrastructure.
•Building long-term partnerships between U.S. businesses and African governments, ensuring mutual economic growth.
What did you see as the importance of this summit for Africa?
The Powering Africa Summit (PAS) is a critical platform for driving investment and collaboration in Africa’s energy sector. This year, it’s more important than ever, as governments and private sector leaders seek innovative ways to finance and implement large-scale energy projects.
For Africa, the summit provides an opportunity to:
•Attract international investment and secure financing for energy infrastructure.
•Leverage cutting-edge technologies that will drive the continent’s energy future.
•Forge strategic partnerships to accelerate energy access and industrialization.
What conversations are you most looking forward to having at PAS?
I’m particularly looking forward to discussions on:
•Financing African Energy Projects – How to unlock large-scale capital from U.S. and international sources to drive energy access and economic growth.
•Technology Partnerships – Strengthening U.S.-Africa cooperation in renewable energy, battery storage, and grid modernization.
•Energy for Industrialization – Exploring ways to use renewable energy to power industrial growth, job creation, and economic diversification in Africa.
PAS is where action happens—real deals, real commitments, and real progress for Africa’s energy future. Sun Africa is proud to be at the forefront of that movement.
