Company background
In 2018, with 70% of Madagascar’s population lacking access to electricity, Axian, Sagemcom, and Norfund joined forces to test a new model to electrify rural areas. Axian brought its market knowledge, Sagemcom offered expertise in mini-grid systems, and Norfund developed a long-term vision for energy access. The project was a success, fostering new businesses, enhancing educational quality, facilitating agricultural product processing, and improvement of health services. Within three years, WeLight electrified 9,000 households.
In 2022, WeLight reached a new milestone: BNI (a Malagasy bank) and three European development banks – the European Investment Bank, ElectriFi, and Triodos – endorsed the company’s expansion in Madagascar. A cumulative €20M were raised to build 120 new sites, positioning WeLight as the first mini-grid operator in the country.
Building on its success in Madagascar, WeLight continued its journey on the international stage. In 2021, the World Bank reported that 570 million people in sub-Saharan Africa do not have access to electricity. WeLight opened its first sites in Mali in 2022 and, quickly became one of the leading energy providers in the country. At the same time, WeLight is expanding into Nigeria, Africa’s largest and rapidly growing market, with the goal of deploying its first mini-grids in 2026.
WeLight aims to become the leading player in rural electrification in Sub-Saharan Africa and is preparing to launch its operations in two new countries by 2027.
Our Founding Partners
WeLight sprang from the united vision of three key economic players dedicated to Africa: Axian, Sagemcom, and Norfund. Axian, with its diverse portfolio from real estate to innovation, and Sagemcom, specialists in network equipment for Sub-Saharan Africa, bring unique expertise to the forefront. Norfund, Norway’s sovereign development bank supporting sustainable businesses in developing countries, further strengthens this collaboration. Together, they have turned the vision of accessible, sustainable electricity in Sub-Saharan Africa into reality.
Mission and commitment
WeLight has both on-field and technological expertise, combining mini-grids and renewable energies. These two ingredients are key to the success of its mission: energy inclusion in villages.
WeLight is committed to supporting meaningful and sustainable socio-economic growth, encouraging environmentally friendly practices and unlocking the potential of Africa’s rural communities.
employees
beneficiaries
produced in 2024
active sites by the end of 2026
Pioneering Sustainable Practices
Beyond mere energy access, WeLight’s fundamental mission is to place social and environmental challenges at the heart of its business model. We work daily to ensure that our activities generate sustainable and significant value for all our stakeholders.
Meet the team
Meet the management team, explore the backgrounds of seasoned leaders with unique expertise
Romain de VILLENEUVE
Romain has 25+ years of experience in Africa and Middle east. He has held executive positions in management and international business development both on operations and infrastructure businesses (Orange, Alcatel and IHS Group). Romain is also the Order of Malta's Ambassador for Africa in charge of the fight against human trafficking.
Claire ALLEGRE
Graduated from EDHEC, after a first experience in the M&A department of BNP Paribas, Claire served in the French Land Forces as an officer before working as a financial auditor for Airbus at KPMG. She then moved to Nigeria where she joined Proparco, an impact finance institution, as an investment officer.
Steven BROCHARD
Graduated from CentraleSupélec Engineering School, Steven has been a driving force at WeLight since its inception. He was involved in the establishment of all operational processes. His commitment to excellence has been instrumental in shaping the company’s strategic direction and ensuring operational success, making him an indispensable asset to the team.
Mandresy RAKOTOARISON
Graduated from Texas A&M University (Economics) and the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management (MBA), Mandresy brings over 7 years of experience spanning public sector leadership, development finance, and international cooperation. He previously served as Director of International Cooperation for the City of Antananarivo, mobilizing international funding and managing relations, and as Technical Adviser to the Prime Minister and to the Minister of Economy and Finance on energy sector coordination. He now leads WeLight Madagascar's strategic partnerships with multilateral organizations, development finance institutions, and the Malagasy government, driving the company's expansion toward 300 mini-grid sites by 2030.
Maximilen von Berg
Maximilien holds 12 years’ experience in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. He has led development projects and field research for multilateral institutions, governments and private companies (the World Bank, UNHCR, IFC, Altai Consulting, Abyrint, Chemonics) in 13 African countries. Maximilien holds degrees from the University of Oxford and the University of Essex.
Innovation
Boldness
Commitment
Partners
Meet the partners at the heart of our mission