Written By: Faith Jemosop
1. BlueNova Energy (South Africa)
- Specialty: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄) batteries
- Use Case: Residential, commercial, telecom backup
Why it’s top:
South Africa’s leading lithium battery maker, BlueNova offers durable, locally manufactured energy storage solutions designed for harsh African conditions. Known for high cycle life and safety, they are widely used in homes and small businesses across Southern Africa.
2. Hubble Lithium (South Africa)
- Specialty: Modular lithium battery systems (LiFePO₄)
- Use Case: Off-grid solar, telecom, residential
Why it’s top:
Hubble Lithium focuses on scalable, intelligent battery packs suitable for homes, farms, and remote facilities. Their systems are compatible with top inverters like Victron and Deye, making them a favorite among installers.
3. Freedom Won (South Africa)
- Specialty: High-voltage and low-voltage lithium-ion batteries
- Use Case: Utility-scale, residential, EV
Why it’s top:
Freedom Won is known for its large-format battery solutions, including energy storage for mini-grids and electric vehicles. Their Freedom Lite range serves off-grid and hybrid solar systems across Southern and East Africa.
4. Solar MD (South Africa)
- Specialty: Lithium-ion battery modules with BMS (Battery Management Systems)
- Use Case: Home and business storage
Why it’s top:
Solar MD integrates data intelligence into energy storage. Their lithium systems come with real-time monitoring dashboards, making them ideal for smart homes and industrial use.
Also read: Global Wind Day Highlights South Africa’s Aurora Wind Farm Success
5. GZ Industrial Supplies (Nigeria)
- Specialty: Lead-acid, lithium-ion, and AGM batteries
- Use Case: Inverters, solar storage, UPS systems
Why it’s top:
While not a pure battery manufacturer, GZ Industrial assembles and distributes large volumes of energy storage systems. Its hybrid offerings (lithium + inverter packages) are popular among Nigerian households and SMEs.
6. Chloride Exide (Kenya)
- Specialty: Automotive, deep-cycle solar, and inverter batteries
- Use Case: Solar systems, backup power
Why it’s top:
Chloride Exide is East Africa’s most established battery brand. Though traditionally known for lead-acid batteries, they are expanding into lithium-ion and hybrid storage for rural and peri-urban energy needs.
7. Bentu Lithium (Rwanda)
- Specialty: Lithium battery assembly for clean energy start-ups
- Use Case: Mini-grids, e-mobility, off-grid kits
Why it’s top:
A fast-rising Rwandan start-ups, Bentu Lithium is assembling batteries locally to power rural mini-grids and electric motorcycles. Its localized approach helps reduce import costs and improve sustainability.
8. Maringa Energy (Nigeria)
- Specialty: Lithium-ion storage systems for commercial applications
- Use Case: Industrial solar storage
Why it’s top:
Maringa Energy designs custom BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems) for Nigerian industries dealing with erratic grid power. Their modular systems are gaining traction in logistics hubs and agro-processing zones.
9. Alpha ESS Africa (South Africa)
- Specialty: Hybrid storage systems, smart BESS
- Use Case: Residential, commercial, schools
Why it’s top:
While Alpha ESS is headquartered in China, its Africa branch assembles and supports storage solutions across the continent. It collaborates with local installers and EPCs to roll out hybrid solar+battery systems.
10. Tesla SA Partners (South Africa & Egypt)
- Specialty: Tesla Powerwall and Megapack support
- Use Case: Premium home storage and grid-scale storage
Why it’s top:
Tesla’s African footprint is still small, but its certified partners now import and integrate Powerwall systems in South African homes and businesses, especially in areas affected by load-shedding.
Trends Driving Battery Manufacturing in Africa (2025)
- Local Assembly over Full Manufacturing:
Most African companies import battery cells but assemble and integrate locally, reducing costs and creating jobs. - Shift to Lithium Technologies:
Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) dominates due to its safety and longevity, ideal for African climates and unreliable grids. - Rising Demand from Solar + Mini-Grids:
The rise of decentralized solar power in rural areas fuels demand for scalable, low-maintenance storage. - EV Battery Demand Emerging:
With electric motorcycle adoption rising in Kenya, Rwanda, and Nigeria, local battery makers are exploring new markets.
Also Read: Top 10 Battery Storage Makers Shaping the Continent’s Future
Africa’s battery manufacturing landscape in 2025 is rapidly evolving. While South Africa leads in innovation and scale, countries like Kenya, Nigeria, and Rwanda are growing hubs for battery assembly and hybrid systems. As the continent electrifies, these manufacturers are not just building batteries, they’re powering opportunities.
