Bright Days Ahead: How Spark Opens Up Energy Access with Backing from Carabus and Atradius DSB

In many parts of the world, access to electricity is a given. However, reliable power remains out of reach for millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa. For families and small businesses, this lack of electricity means closing shops early, paying high prices for kerosene, and even walking miles just to charge a mobile phone.

This is where Spark comes in. A Dutch social enterprise with a mission to bring clean, affordable energy to the 600 million people still living without access to power, Spark has already reached 1.5 million people across 21 countries. With the support of Carabus and Atradius Dutch State Business (DSB) and now the Lendahand crowd, Spark is scaling up its impact - one solar-powered home and business at a time.

"I remember visiting a village in Nigeria where more than 100 households were using Spark products. It was evening, and I could see firsthand how access to energy had transformed the community," shares Shagun Jain, Commercial Director of Spark during a chat with Lendahand. "One woman who ran a pharmacy told me how she used to close her shop at 5:30 p.m. because it wasn’t safe. Now, with Spark, she stays open until 8 p.m., serving more customers and safely returning home with her torchlight."

 

The Spark Model: More Than Solar Kits

Spark isn’t just another solar company. While many companies sell standalone solar home systems, Spark operates as an ecosystem creator, working with local distributors to provide modular, scalable energy solutions tailored to the needs of low-income households and small businesses.

Instead of a fixed system, Spark's customers start with an entry-level solar home kit—providing light and phone charging. Depending on their credit history and repayment behavior, they can gradually upgrade by adding batteries, panels, or appliances like fans and televisions. This unique approach allows families and businesses to grow their energy capacity without replacing their existing systems, making Spark’s solutions both affordable and sustainable.

"Imagine a shopkeeper who once had to close at sunset," says Shagun. "Now, with a Spark solar kit, they stay open later, earn more income, and eventually expand their business. By financing distributors who serve these customers, we enable entire communities to move up the energy ladder."

From the Netherlands to Africa: How Spark Operates

At its core, Spark is a Dutch company with a global reach. Its headquarters in Breda, Netherlands, houses the operations, finance, and product development teams that design and refine Spark’s solar solutions. The manufacturing takes place in China, where supply chain and logistics teams ensure cost-effective production and direct shipment to Africa.

"We would love to manufacture everything in the Netherlands," Shagun explains, "but pricing is crucial for people living on $5 a day. The reality is that most components come from China, so it makes economic sense to produce there and ship directly to our distribution partners in Africa."

Shagun tells us more about Spark in the video interview with Lendahand. Watch here! 

 

Why Lendahand Investors Play a Key Role

One of the biggest challenges in scaling clean energy solutions is access to financing—not just for end customers, but also for the local distributors who bring Spark’s products to the communities. That’s why Spark created a financial support program, offering distributors flexible payment terms aligned with their customer repayments.

Through this model, Spark has already deployed $25 million to finance energy access across Africa. But now, with the backing of Atradius DSB and the opportunity for Lendahand investors to participate, Spark can accelerate its impact even further.

"Normally, investing in clean energy can be risky," explains Shagun. "But through Lendahand, investors have the chance to fund projects that are backed by Atradius DSB. This is a truly unique opportunity."

Beyond Energy: Creating a Circular, Sustainable System

Spark isn’t just focused on selling solar kits—it’s committed to long-term sustainability. The company has set up reverse logistics systems to ensure that old batteries and solar components don’t end up as e-waste.

"When a battery reaches the end of its life, our distributors collect it and send it to e-waste recyclers, ensuring proper disposal without harming the environment," says Shagun. "We also design our batteries so that only the internal cells need replacing, keeping plastic waste to a minimum."

 

What’s Next for Spark?

With Spark’s goal to electrify 10 million people by 2030, the company is actively expanding into DR Congo, Zimbabwe, and Mali. New projects are always in the pipeline, and the company continues to refine its products and business model to maximize impact.

"We are always looking at new ways to reach more people," says Shagun. "The combination of innovative products, flexible financing, and strong local partnerships is what makes Spark different."

How to Invest in Spark with Lendahand

For investors looking to make a meaningful impact while benefiting from a structured and secure investment thanks to the financing structure with Carabus and Atradius DSB, Spark presents a rare opportunity. Find the projects of borrower Carabus named Spark Energy on our projects page, and invest in guaranteed clean energy projects, directly supporting businesses and households across Africa.

"This is a special investment opportunity," Shagun concludes. "We hope it brings light to many more people. At Spark, we always say: Bright days ahead."