Mubarak Popoola (Rana Energy)
Overview
Mubarak Popoola is a prominent Nigerian entrepreneur and engineer, known for co-founding Rana Energy, a trailblazing startup revolutionizing clean energy in Africa. Founded in 2023, Rana Energy operates an AI-powered platform designed to provide affordable, reliable solar power solutions to businesses. Popoola, acting as the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, has played a critical role in advancing clean energy initiatives across the continent, facilitating the transition away from diesel dependency towards more sustainable and economic energy resources.
Recent Developments
- October 2025: Rana Energy successfully raised $3 million in pre-seed funding, consisting of $500,000 in equity and $2.5 million in green debt facility. This funding will support its expansion into new markets such as Ghana and Zambia, as well as enhance its asset base to 10 MW over the next year.
- October 2025: The startup's Virtual Solar Network (VSN), which uses AI to forecast energy demand and manage solar assets, has achieved significant milestones. Within 18 months, Rana Energy deployed 1.3 MW of solar and storage capacity, maintaining a 99.9% uptime and reducing diesel usage by over 80% for its clients.
- August 2024: The company announced ambitious plans to expand its solar capacity to 20 MW within a few years, indicating ongoing discussions with clients to enlarge their project pipeline.
Rana Energy’s model, combining local financing with AI technology, has not only attracted significant investor interest but also demonstrated potential to stimulate substantial economic growth across Africa.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mubarak Babatomiwa Popoola |
| Born | October 1993, England |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Occupation | Engineer, Entrepreneur |
| Known For | Co-founding Rana Energy |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Education | MEng in Electrical Power Engineering (University of Bath) |
Early Life and Education
Mubarak Popoola was born in October 1993 in England and later settled in Nigeria. He developed a keen interest in technology and sustainable energy solutions from an early age. This passion led him to pursue higher education at the University of Bath, where he earned a Master’s degree in Electrical Power Engineering. During his time at university, Popoola gained valuable insights into engineering practices, which laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in the clean energy sector. Post-graduation, he became actively involved in projects that focused on digitizing electricity industries and facilitating a transition to net-zero carbon emissions.
Career and Notable Achievements
Popoola’s professional journey is marked by significant achievements in promoting sustainable energy solutions:
- 2023: Alongside co-founder Abraham Mohammed, Popoola established Rana Energy to address Africa’s energy deficit with AI-powered clean energy solutions.
- 2024: Successfully integrated AI-driven services in the Virtual Solar Network (VSN) to enhance the management and efficiency of distributed solar and storage systems.
- 2025: Raised $3 million in funding to expand Rana Energy’s operations, improving access to clean energy for various sectors, including hospitals and industrial facilities.
Popoola’s efforts have not only advanced technological solutions within the clean energy landscape but also created scalable models for other regions facing similar energy challenges.
Current Work and Impact
Currently, Mubarak Popoola continues to serve as the Chief Technology Officer of Rana Energy, steering the technological innovations that anchor the company’s vision. His leadership in AI application within the energy sector is propelling significant positive changes in energy supply and consumption patterns across Africa. By bridging gaps with sustainable solutions, Rana Energy, under Popoola’s guidance, is enhancing economic development and fostering environmental sustainability.
Conclusion
Mubarak Popoola remains a dynamic force in Asia's energy revolution through his contribution to Rana Energy. His commitment to transforming energy access with innovative, clean technological solutions has had a substantial impact across sub-Saharan Africa. As Rana Energy scales operations and expands its geographical reach, Popoola's work continues to represent a significant stride towards sustainable development goals, positioning him as a pivotal figure in clean tech innovation globally.