Our Vision for Ethiopia’s Solar Revolution

Dr Jibril Mohamed Ahmed

As a young founder with a passion for sustainability, I have had the privilege of leading SahanTech Solutions, a solar energy manufacturing startup born in 2024. In just under a year, we’ve reached milestones that once felt like distant dreams: a $1.6 million valuation, entry into the seed funding stage, and a prestigious listing in the ENF Solar global directory. These achievements are the culmination of relentless effort, unwavering belief in our mission, and a collective commitment to innovation.

SahanTech’s journey is a testament to the resilience and vision that comes with building a company in an emerging industry. As we transitioned from the early days of ideation to our current stage, one of the most important steps was entering the seed funding stage. This phase is crucial for validating our product market fit and conducting deeper market research. As the founder and CEO, I take immense pride in the journey so far. I want to express heartfelt gratitude to our friends and family whose support made this possible. “Passing this pre-seed stage would have been impossible without you!” I shared, a sentiment I’ll always carry with me.

Our Co-founder & Chief Technical Officer, Dr. Kassahun Delene, couldn’t have put it better when he spoke about our plans for the future: “As we introduce SahanEase Panels and the Eco Hydroponics fodder-growing machine, we look forward to collaborating with industry leaders and partners, and invite Ethiopian investors to join us in this venture.” Our products not only aim to provide renewable energy solutions but also offer sustainable farming solutions that align with our broader mission for a sustainable future. With these initiatives, we are addressing key challenges in agritech and renewable energy, vital sectors for Ethiopia's future.

A significant milestone was the independent valuation conducted by Nimbo, which assessed SahanTech Solutions at $1.6 million using the Berkus Method. This valuation is not just a reflection of our financial worth but a recognition of our innovative approach to both the renewable energy and agritech sectors. We’re driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and the desire to make a real impact. “This valuation reflects SahanTech’s progress in the renewable energy and agritech sectors, supported by strong leadership and growing market interest,” I commented on the development.

Additionally, our inclusion in the ENF Solar directory has helped elevate our global profile, placing us alongside industry leaders and allowing us to connect with potential partners worldwide. This visibility plays a crucial role in positioning SahanTech as a formidable player in the solar energy space.

But the real reward comes from knowing that our efforts go beyond simply numbers or accolades. At SahanTech, we are focused on delivering sustainable solutions that will create a lasting impact, not just in Ethiopia, but globally. Our flagship products, such as the SahanEase Panels and the Eco Hydroponics fodder-growing machine, are designed to tackle pressing issues in energy and agriculture, addressing the world’s growing demand for clean energy and sustainable farming practices.

The commitment from AAY Investments Group, with their pledge of $5 million in Series A funding, has been a huge boost. This investment will allow us to ramp up production and take our innovative products to market at full scale. With this financial backing, combined with the growing demand for solar and agritech solutions, SahanTech is poised to scale rapidly and make a significant impact.

As I reflect on the progress we’ve made, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of pride and anticipation for what’s ahead. SahanTech’s success story is a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and the drive to innovate for the greater good. As we continue to develop cutting-edge solutions in solar energy and agritech, our goal remains clear: to create a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come.