Africa
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Pathways to Accelerate Resilient Rice in Africa 
Pathways to Accelerate Resilient Rice in Africa  2480 1097 Jamie

Defining Pathways to Accelerate Climate-Smart, Resilient Rice Systems in Africa 

Over the past three years, the African Climate Action Partnership (AfCAP) has created a valuable platform for researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and local stakeholders to exchange knowledge and reflect on the state of climate-smart rice systems across Africa. These discussions uncovered shared priorities, including the need to accelerate adoption of climate-smart practices, strengthen enabling conditions for innovation, and enhance collaboration across regions. Building on this momentum, AfCAP convened a joint regional meeting from 17–19 February in Nairobi, Kenya, bringing together researchers, scientists, local stakeholders, policymakers, and representatives from key public and private rice organisations from both Anglophone and Francophone countries.

Photo: AfCAP Secretariat with participating delegates 

The meeting aimed to shift from identifying priorities to defining actionable pathways to scale climate-smart and resilient rice systems across Africa. It provided an opportunity for stakeholders to outline next steps, share best practices, and identify areas for coordinated action that can support countries in achieving both climate and agricultural development objectives. 

Photo: Delegates during group discussion 

Across the workshop sessions, participants examined current mitigation approaches and techniques to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, while also unpacking regional efforts to advance Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) through the East African Community (EAC) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). In addition to this, the meeting provided space for organisations and country teams to share how CSA is being implemented in local contexts. Presentations covered a range of themes—from opportunities supported by the African Development Bank to mechanisms for national policy coordination. Building on earlier AfCAP engagements that focused on identifying existing CSA technologies and methods, this meeting went a step further by exploring pathways to scale solutions through thematic working groups. 

Photo: Delegate providing insights during one of the sessions 

The agenda was structured to support progressive planning over three days. The first day focused on co-defining climate-smart outcomes, including sessions on technical capacity for mitigation and on regional and national efforts to promote climate-smart agriculture. Day two shifted to implementation, with sessions showcasing innovation and best practices, examining enabling environments, and co-creating pathways for climate-smart rice. The final day focused on defining steps to accelerate adoption, giving delegates an opportunity to co-develop a regional action plan for climate-smart rice.   

Photo: Delegate during the Q&A session

Over the three days, delegates from across Africa engaged in rich discussions, technical exchanges, and collaborative planning to advance climate-smart rice production and strengthen Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) systems. The joint regional meeting highlighted both the challenges and the opportunities ahead, while underscoring a shared commitment to building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agricultural systems. The meeting concluded with a strong consensus: Africa’s rice sector can become a cornerstone of climate-resilient agriculture if countries invest in capacity building, embrace inclusive practices, and strengthen regional collaboration. By aligning technical expertise, policy frameworks, and financial resources, delegates committed to transforming rice production systems into drivers of food security, economic opportunity, and environmental sustainability. 

Download the outcome report below to explore the detailed insights on the challenges and opportunities discussed:

Outcome Report
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Tariffs & Regulatory Framework
Tariffs & Regulatory Framework 1600 900 Jamie

Masterclass – Tariffs & Regulatory Frameworks for Mini-Grid Deployment: A Practical Guide to Affordability, Sustainability & Investment

The African Climate Action Partnership (AfCAP), African Association for Rural Electrification (CLUB-ER), Growing Government Engagement in Energy Access (GGE-EA) Project, funded with UK Aid from the UK government via the Transforming Energy Access platform, in collaboration with the Africa Forum for Utility Regulators (AFUR) co-convened a masterclass entitled: “Tariffs & Regulatory Frameworks for Mini-Grid Deployment – A Practical Guide to Affordability, Sustainability & Investment”.

Access to electricity in Africa remains a major challenge, especially in rural areas where extending traditional girds is costly and complex. Mini-grids offer a practical solution, providing reliable and affordable power to rural communities in Africa. However, pricing and regulation remain critical hurdles. This masterclass brought together leading experts and key stakeholders to explore effective tariff models, supportive regulatory frameworks, and investment strategies that can accelerate mini-grid development across Africa.

Through this masterclass delegates co-explored tariff structures, gained an understanding of regulatory frameworks and discovered how tariffs and policy incentives attracts private sector participation.

For further information, kindly find attached the webinar presentation below:

Masterclass Presentations

For those who couldn’t attend or wish to revisit the live presentations, you can access the recording here: Masterclass: Tariffs & Regulatory Frameworks for Mini-Grid Development – A Practical Guide to Affordability, Sustainability & Investment
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African Rice & Climate Action:
African Rice & Climate Action: 1666 940 Jamie

African Rice Paddies and Climate Action: New Frontiers in Emission Reduction 

Rice is a key staple crop and major source of food security in many African countries. However, practices such as continuous flooding and suboptimal nitrogen management result in rice cultivation having a significant contribution to global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, particularly Methane (CH₄) and Nitrous Oxide (N₂O). 

Recognizing this challenge, the African Climate Action Partnership’s (AfCAP) Rice Community of Practice (CoP) has released a working paper titled “African Rice Paddies and Climate Action: New Frontiers in Emission Reduction.” 

This paper reviews technological, agronomic, genetic, and policy innovations aimed at reducing GHG emissions from rice cultivation while maintaining or enhancing productivity. Key mitigation practices include water-saving irrigation techniques such as Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) and Mid-Season Drainage (MSD), optimized nitrogen application, biochar amendments, and crop-livestock integration. Additionally, advances in plant breeding, including the development of low-emission rice cultivars and improved root traits, offer complementary strategies to curb emissions. The role of microbiome manipulation is also examined as a frontier area in sustainable GHG reduction.  

The paper further analyses the integration of rice mitigation strategies into national climate policies, the challenges of Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV), and the potential of incentive-based mechanisms such as carbon credits. Drawing from African and Asian case studies, the paper emphasizes the importance of enabling environments, particularly policy alignment, capacity building, and inclusive institutional support, to scale climate-smart practices. The findings underline the need for integrated approaches that combine technological innovation, farmer engagement, and climate policy frameworks to transform rice systems into engines of climate resilience and sustainability. 

Download the full paper below to explore the detailed insights and recommendations:

Download Paper
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Powering Progress: Practical Insights for Mini-Grid Development
Powering Progress: Practical Insights for Mini-Grid Development 1600 900 Jamie

Powering Progress: Practical Insights for Mini-Grid Development

The Growing Government Engagement in Energy Access (GGE-EA) Project has launched six new knowledge briefs to strengthen understanding of key themes in energy access and governance across Africa.  

The knowledge briefs showcase the core insights and learning in terms of the crucial aspects of planning and implementing mini-grid projects. The briefs are intended to provide governments, policymakers, and practitioners with accessible overviews of the critical topics shaping the energy sector. They serve as practical guides for decision-makers seeking to expand reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy access in Africa. 

The six knowledge briefs focus on: 

  1. Economic and Financial Analysis – tools for evaluating and financing energy projects. 
  1. MV & LV Electrical and Mechanical Study – technical foundations for grid and off-grid systems. 
  1. Regulation – frameworks for compliance, innovation, and consumer protection. 
  1. Policy & Governance – strategies for effective governance and alignment with development priorities. 
  1. Enabling Private Sector Collaboration in Energy Access – partnership models to mobilise investment. 
  1. Productive-Use of Energy and Job Creation – linking energy access to livelihoods and economic growth. 

These knowledge briefs highlight the interconnected nature of energy access, from the economics of project financing to the technical design of electrical systems. This underscores the role of regulation and governance, the importance of private sector engagement, and the transformative impact of energy on livelihoods and job creation. 

These knowledge briefs were created using content from a series of Small Private Online Courses (SPOCs) developed under the GGE-EA project. These SPOCs hosted as part of the project run periodically throughout the year offering participants with a unique blend of learning materials specific to the context of rural electrification in Africa. If you are interested in attending future occurrences of the SPOCs contact us here.  

These knowledge briefs have been funded by UK Aid via the Transforming Energy Access (TEA) Platform; however the views expressed do not necessarily reflect the UK government’s official policies.
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Leveraging Productive Use of Energy for Economic Growth and Employment
Leveraging Productive Use of Energy for Economic Growth and Employment 2560 1058 Jamie

Leveraging Productive Use of Energy for Economic Growth and Employment

Overview:

Solar mini-grids are expanding reliable, affordable electricity access in rural areas, supporting local businesses, households, and essential services. Their long-term success depends on strong community engagement, flexible financing models, and supportive policies that attract private investment and promote local ownership. Coupling these systems with the Productive Use of Electricity (PUE) transforms energy access from a basic service into a catalyst for inclusive economic growth and social development. PUE refers to activities that utilise energy (electric or non-electric) to improve income and overall well-being. In rural settings, these activities commonly occur in sectors like agriculture, small-scale enterpreises, healthcare, and education. By powering irrigation, milling, refrigeration, and small enterprises, PUE boosts productivity, creates jobs, and improves livelihoods, especially for women and youth. This brief explores how integrating PUE within mini-grid projects can unlock economic potential, strengthen system sustainability, and drive rural transformation. It highlights practical strategies, financing innovations, and partnership models that enable communities to turn electricity access into long-term, low-carbon prosperity.

Download the brief here

This material has been developed by the GGE-EA project and funded by UK International Development from the UK Government; however the views expressed do not necessarily reflect the UK government’s official policies.
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Unlocking Synergies: Private Sector Partnerships for Universal Energy Access
Unlocking Synergies: Private Sector Partnerships for Universal Energy Access 2560 922 Jamie

Unlocking Synergies: Private Sector Partnerships for Universal Energy Access

Overview:

Energy access is a critical driver of sustainable development, poverty reduction, and improved quality of life, particularly in rural areas where lack of electricity hinders healthcare, education, and economic opportunity. Despite global progress, a significant portion of the global population still lacks access to electricity and clean cooking fuels. Renewable energy solutions, such as solar micro-grids, biogas digesters, and micro-hydro plants, have transformed communities in countries like Bangladesh, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania,, enhancing productivity, empowering women, and improving health and education. This brief shows how the private sector plays a vital role in expanding energy access by identifying market needs, deploying innovative technologies like pay-as-you-go solar and mini-grids, and leveraging hybrid financing models that blend public, philanthropic, and private capital. De-risking strategies, including community engagement, transparent tariffs, and policy incentives, help attract investment and ensure long-term sustainability. Governments and Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) support this ecosystem through regulatory frameworks, guarantees, and investor outreach.

Download the brief here

This material has been developed under the GGE-EA project and funded by UK International Development from the UK Government; however the views expressed do not necessarily reflect the UK government’s official policies.
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Empowering Communities: Policy & Governance for Sustainable Mini-Grids
Empowering Communities: Policy & Governance for Sustainable Mini-Grids 2560 970 Jamie

Empowering Communities: Policy & Governance for Sustainable Mini-Grids

Overview:

Rural electrification across Africa is advancing through a combination of policy reform, public-private collaboration, and community-led initiatives. Governments and regional networks are working to expand energy access by sharing best practices and promoting inclusive, sustainable development. This brief showcases how supportive regulatory frameworks and streamlined procurement processes are helping to attract private investment and align energy projects with national priorities. Incentive programmes and blended finance models are unlocking local and international investment, while stakeholder engagement ensures community ownership and long-term impact. Mini-grids are increasingly recognised for their role in improving livelihoods and driving progress in sectors like health, education, and agriculture. Underpinning these efforts are principles of equity and inclusion, guided by global frameworks such as the United Nations Leave No One Behind (LNOB), and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), which help manage risks, build trust, and position decentralised energy systems as a cornerstone of resilient development.

Download the brief here

This material has been developed under the GGE-EA project and funded with UK aid from the UK government via the Transforming Energy Access platform; however the views expressed do not necessarily reflect the UK government’s official policies.
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Fair Returns, Fair Access: Regulation for Inclusive Mini-Grids
Fair Returns, Fair Access: Regulation for Inclusive Mini-Grids 2560 960 Jamie

Fair Returns, Fair Access: Regulation for Inclusive Mini-Grids

Overview:

Access to electricity remains a major global challenge, with around 770 million people, mostly in rural areas, still living without it. Mini-grids offer a practical solution by using local renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and biomass to provide reliable power. These systems can work independently or alongside national grids, improving energy access and resilience. However, strong regulatory frameworks are essential to ensure safety, fair pricing, and investor confidence. This brief showcases how regulations help maintain quality standards, encourage private investment, and support sustainable development by promoting clean energy. A well-structured approach to mini-grid regulation includes licensing, tariff setting, procurement processes, and technical standards. Successful examples from countries like Senegal, Benin, and Cameroon show how clear rules can attract investment and expand electricity access. Moving forward, adaptive policies, innovation, and collaboration between governments and private sectors will be key to scaling mini-grids and achieving universal, sustainable energy access.

Download the brief here

This material has been developed under the GGE-EA project and funded with UK aid from the UK government via the Transforming Energy Access platform; however the views expressed do not necessarily reflect the UK government’s official policies.

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