Mainstream Renewable Power forms US$1.9 billion Africa investment vehicle

February 17, 2015
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Mainstream Renewable Power and private equity firm Actis have established a US$1.9 billion investment platform for the African market.

Lakela Power will develop between 700 and 900MW of projects across the continent by 2018. The majority will be wind with 360MW of already procured in South Africa and a 225MW project in Ghana approaching financial close. Projects have also been awarded to it in Egypt’s recent procurement round.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Other African project’s from Mainstream’s 17GW development pipeline will also transfer to Lakela.

“In addition to Mainstream's extensive portfolio of projects in South Africa we are also developing projects in Ghana as well as pursuing exciting opportunities in other parts of Africa,” said Barry Lynch, managing director, onshore procurement, construction and operations. 

“An improvement in the regulatory regime in many African countries has opened up the sector for further investment,” said Lucy Heintz, partner, head of renewable energy, Actis. “Drawing on our deep understanding of the renewable energy sector, we are looking forward to unlocking the country’s formidable renewable resources and meeting some of the urgent demand,” she added.

The opportunities and challenges for PV in East Africa will be under discussion at Solar Energy East Africa, organised by PV Tech’s publisher, Solar Media. The event will be held in Nairobi on 10-11 March. Further details are available here.

Read Next

March 27, 2026
New system-level modelling from the Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics (ACAP) has revealed that achieving ultra-low-cost solar targets could create a 2,000GW-scale solar PV market in Australia.
March 27, 2026
Australia's DCCEEW has launched an approach-to-market seeking an administrator to deliver the National Solar Panel Recycling Pilot.
March 26, 2026
French independent power producer Qair has signed a power purchase agreement with Brazilian LPG distributor Ultragaz for the Bom Jardim solar PV project.
March 26, 2026
SMA Solar has posted losses of €65.4 million in 2025, which it attributed to a series of “one-time items”, including muted market demand.
March 26, 2026
More than 70% of global solar manufacturing facilities exhibited “major” or “critical” defects in 2025, according to a new report from Intertek CEA.
March 26, 2026
Global investment firm Brookfield Asset Management has acquired Canadian independent power producer (IPP) Boralex for C$9 billion (US$6.5 billion).

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
April 15, 2026
Milan, Italy
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA
Solar Media Events
October 13, 2026
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
Solar Media Events
November 3, 2026
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
November 24, 2026
Warsaw, Poland