Leveraging Productive Use of Energy for Economic Growth and Employmenthttps://africanclimateactionpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/pexels-hyrlf-meng-317253942-18328908-scaled-e1764938497938.jpg25601058JamieJamiehttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4fb9f10e5393d67b0ee34ff87e5169450a2d31291a1f6bcb2bc0ea2692084456?s=96&d=mm&r=g
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.
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.
Unlocking Synergies: Private Sector Partnerships for Universal Energy Accesshttps://africanclimateactionpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/american-public-power-association-513dBrMJ_5w-unsplash-scaled-e1764938221351.jpg2560922JamieJamiehttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4fb9f10e5393d67b0ee34ff87e5169450a2d31291a1f6bcb2bc0ea2692084456?s=96&d=mm&r=g
Unlocking Synergies: Private Sector Partnerships for UniversalEnergy 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.
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.
Empowering Communities: Policy & Governance for Sustainable Mini-Gridshttps://africanclimateactionpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/david-ouma-U13RrgO6f7g-unsplash-2-scaled-e1764937807921.jpg2560970JamieJamiehttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4fb9f10e5393d67b0ee34ff87e5169450a2d31291a1f6bcb2bc0ea2692084456?s=96&d=mm&r=g
Empowering Communities: Policy & Governance for SustainableMini-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.
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.
Fair Returns, Fair Access: Regulation for Inclusive Mini-Gridshttps://africanclimateactionpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/pexels-pixabay-433308-scaled-e1764937514341.jpg2560960JamieJamiehttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4fb9f10e5393d67b0ee34ff87e5169450a2d31291a1f6bcb2bc0ea2692084456?s=96&d=mm&r=g
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.
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.
Best Practices in MV & LV Design & Maintenance in Mini-Gridshttps://africanclimateactionpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/pexels-pixabay-356036-scaled-e1764937286105.jpg25601160JamieJamiehttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4fb9f10e5393d67b0ee34ff87e5169450a2d31291a1f6bcb2bc0ea2692084456?s=96&d=mm&r=g
Best Practices in MV & LV Design & Maintenance in Mini-Grids
Overview
Expanding access to electricity is critical for improving health, education, and livelihoods in rural communities. Yet delivering reliable power in these areas, especially through mini-grids, comes with many challenges, from high costs and difficult terrain to limited data and maintenance capacity. This brief outlines practical guidance for developing and managing Medium-Voltage (MV) and Low-Voltage (LV) networks in rural mini-grids. It covers key areas including how to forecast energy demand, size and design network components, plan village electrification, ensure long-term maintenance, address operational challenges, minimise environmental impact, and prepare for repairs. The aim is to equip practitioners and Rural Electrification Agencies (REAs) with clear, actionable insights to help build resilient, efficient, and sustainable mini-grids that truly serve communities.
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
Making Mini-Grids Work: Practical Approaches to Economic & Financial Analysishttps://africanclimateactionpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/pexels-pixabay-163317-scaled-e1764932459869.jpg2560956JamieJamiehttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4fb9f10e5393d67b0ee34ff87e5169450a2d31291a1f6bcb2bc0ea2692084456?s=96&d=mm&r=g
Making Mini-Grids Work: Practical Approaches toEconomic and Financial Analysis
Overview
Access to electricity is essential for reducing poverty, improving health and education, and supporting jobs, especially in rural areas. But true access means more than just having power; it must be reliable, affordable, and useful. This brief explores how households, businesses, and public services use electricity differently, and how their needs can be met through solutions like mini-grids, solar home systems, and shared energy services. It highlights the importance of understanding local demand, choosing the right technologies, and planning for both technical and financial sustainability. The brief also explains funding options, like loans, grants, and investments, and how clean energy projects can reduce emissions and support climate goals. Overall, it offers practical guidance for delivering inclusive, sustainable energy to underserved communities.
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.
Aligning SDG 7 with NDCshttps://africanclimateactionpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2.png1600900JamieJamiehttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4fb9f10e5393d67b0ee34ff87e5169450a2d31291a1f6bcb2bc0ea2692084456?s=96&d=mm&r=g
Powering Climate Action: Aligning Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 with Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
Energy access remains a major development challenge in Africa, efforts to expand access often operate in isolation from climate goals, missing key opportunities for alignment and financing. The webinar explored how SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) aligns with the goals of the Paris Agreement, and how these frameworks could be leveraged to drive the deployment of clean energy solutions. It unpacked the linkages between SDG 7 and climate action, highlighting the role of renewable energy in reducing emissions, and examining how countries can better align clean energy initiatives with national climate targets.
The first presentation was done by Minky Groenewald from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Regional Collaboration Centers (RCC) for East & Southern Africa (EASA). She provided a clear introduction to the Paris Agreement and its role in global climate governance, emphasisng the shift toward country-led commitments through COP negotiations. She explained the importance of NDCs and Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategies (LT-LEDS) as tools for setting and achieving climate mitigation targets, highlighting how these frameworks enable countries to align with global goals, attract climate finance, and promote sustainable development. Crucially, she underscored the need to integrate energy access into NDCs and LT-LEDS, especially in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, by prioritising renewable energy, clean cooking solutions, and inclusive strategies that support a just transition and equitable growth.
This was followed by a country experience presentation conducted by Esther Wang’ombe, Director Renewable Energy, Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, from Kenya. Wang’ombe offered a comprehensive overview of Kenya’s energy access goals, emphasising the efforts to expand reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy services to underserved communities, with clear targets aimed at achieving universal access. She then outlined the nation’s climate ambitions and NDCs, detailing mitigation and adaptation strategies designed to meet international climate commitments while fostering resilience. Finally, the presentation explored the alignment between SDG 7 and climate objectives, illustrating how integrated policy frameworks and cross-sectoral implementation approaches are being used to advance both agendas simultaneously, ensuring inclusive development and environmental sustainability.
Aimee Tredoux, Project Manager & Research Assistant at SouthSouthNorth (SSN), delivered an engaging presentation on Climate Finance as a Catalyst for Climate Action. She began by defining climate finance and its critical role in enabling low-carbon, climate-resilient development. She highlighted the persistent climate finance gap, underscoring the disparity between available funding and the scale of investment needed to meet global climate goals. The presentation explored the synergies between illustrating how aligned financial flows can accelerate progress on both climate and energy access fronts. Aimee unpacked various financing mechanisms and traced the movement of climate-related funds, using case studies from South Africa and Nigeria to ground the discussion in real-world examples. She addressed practical challenges such as access barriers, institutional capacity, and policy coherence, before concluding with actionable next steps and key takeaways, emphasising the urgency of mobilising finance to unlock transformative climate action.
To view the recording of the webinar and presentations please use the links down below:
The Growing Government Engagement in Energy Access project has been 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.
Insights from SADC Energy Week & the 6th International Off-Grid Renewable Energy Conference (IOREC)https://africanclimateactionpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2025-02-26-06.20.08-1-scaled-e1742208834202.jpg23801416JamieJamiehttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4fb9f10e5393d67b0ee34ff87e5169450a2d31291a1f6bcb2bc0ea2692084456?s=96&d=mm&r=g
Powering the Future: Insights from SADC Energy Week & the 6th International Off-Grid Renewable Energy Conference (IOREC)
The much-anticipated 2024 Southern African Development Community (SADC) Sustainable Energy Week(SADC-SEW) was held in Gaborone, Botswana from the 24th – 28th February 2025. The theme of this year’s SADC-SEW was centred around “Accelerating Sustainable Energy Solutions for an Energy Secure SADC Region” aiming to catalyse the adoption of sustainable energy practices across the region. The conference focused on highlighting key opportunities in the renewable energy, energy efficiency sectors and programmes along the energy value chain and fostered collaboration and innovation in the energy sector.
The five-day event brought together key stakeholders such as high-level international, regional and national officials, as well as representatives from public and private sectors to address the pressing energy challenges faced by the SADC region, as well as, to highlight successful energy initiatives within the region.
In parallel to SADC-SEW, the Botswana government convened the sixth International Off-grid Renewable Energy Conference and Exhibition (IOREC).The conference brought together officials, experts and practitioners from different regions of the world to discuss how off-grid renewables can aid the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) whilst supporting other sustainable development climate goals. The theme of this year’s conference was focused on “Translating commitments to actions: off-grid renewables for socioeconomic development and climate action”. During the conference, discussions were centred around enabling policies, financing schemes, innovative business models and technology applications for scaling up off-grid renewable energy.
During the IOREC conference the Growing Government Engagement in Energy Access (GGE-EA) project co-hosted a side event with Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) and Rocky Mountain Institute’s (RMI) African Mini-Grid Programme (AMP). The event, titled “Mini-Grids as Infrastructure: Barriers, Opportunities, and Lessons Learnt,” explored key challenges and opportunities in the sector.
Photo:Speakers during the panel discussion
The side session featured a panel discussion with speakers from both the public and private sectors. The panellists shared their perspectives on current energy usage and access in rural areas, as well as the measures in place to expand energy availability. During the discussion, they emphasised the need to consider not only energy access itself but also its impact on infrastructure and the opportunities it can create for these communities.
Mr. Gillian-Alexandre, CEO of ENGIE Energy Access, highlighted the need for strategic measures to support off-grid energy solutions. He emphasised the challenges of setting electricity tariffs in rural areas and the importance of raising awareness about clustering projects to attract greater investment.
He explained that setting excessively high tariffs in rural areas could make electricity unaffordable, leading to underutilization. To address this, he suggested a balanced approach, such as establishing a fund that subsidizes rural electricity tariffs using revenue from urban areas.
Additionally, Gillian-Alexandre stressed the need for project clustering to attract commercial investment and increase private-sector involvement. This approach not only reduces potential risks but also makes projects more appealing to a wider range of stakeholders.
Photo: CLUB-ER & RMI’s AMP members during the side session
The second speaker, Mr. Ayodeji Ojo, Senior Associate for the African Energy Programme at RMI, highlighted the importance of well-defined, clear, and consistent policies for effective implementation. He also highlighted the critical need for strong public-private coordination to drive successful energy initiatives.
The session concluded with closing remarks from Kelly Linus Chanda, CEO of the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) in Zambia. She stressed that to secure $9.5 million in private sector investment, the government must be more responsive to the needs of private investors. This responsiveness, she explained, is essential for achieving the goals associated with the funding.
Photo:GGEEA Project team (AfCAP & CLUB-ER) & RMI and AMP representatives
Key takeaways from the discussions magnified the importance of balancing affordability and investment to expand energy access in rural areas, as well as the necessity of clustering projects to attract private-sector engagement. Additionally, the dialogue reinforced the need for clear, consistent policies to ensure the successful implementation of off-grid energy initiatives.
The Growing Government Engagement in Energy Access project has been funded by 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.
