• New analysis highlighted in the plan shows strong government demand for minigrids — connecting more than 115 million people — under the Mission 300 initiative, but rapid and decisive action is required by all stakeholders between 2026 and 2028.

26 January 2026: Today, leading minigrid company CEOs operating across Africa issued a 17-step action plan for funders, governments and industry to urgently align ambition with the scale, speed, and structure of capital mobilisation and regulatory reform required to meet Africa’s electrification targets. These companies have endorsed a Mission 300 Industry Position Paper setting out 17 priority actions to ensure minigrids can catalyze electrification at the scale envisioned.

Mission 300, led by the World Bank and the African Development Bank, seeks to connect 300 million people to electricity by 2030. So far, the banks have signed Energy Compacts with 29 African governments. An analysis of the Compacts, released with the position paper for the first time, demonstrates a strong desire by governments for the minigrid industry to play a central role. Governments expect to serve over 115 million people, equivalent to 23 million connections, by the end of the decade.

Core industry messages

Mission 300 is achievable, but only with a step change in delivery.

Delivering 23 million minigrid connections in less than five years implies unprecedented scale and coordination. The sector is ready to deliver, but success depends on immediate action across capital deployment, regulation and institutional execution.

Minigrid companies must have access to both corporate equity and local currency debt to scale.

Accelerating deployment will require ensuring that a combination of corporate equity and appropriately structured local currency debt is available to enable minigrid companies to scale operations within existing markets and expand into new countries. Achieving Mission 300 will require $28–46 billion in total capital, including over $10 billion in equity by 2028.

Mission 300 funders must publish a clear, time-bound capital plan.

It is important that Mission 300 clearly state how much concessional and risk capital will be deployed, how this capital will mobilise private equity at scale, and how approval and deployment timelines will be accelerated to reflect the urgency of the target. Transparent capital mobilisation plans and measurable delivery milestones should form part of Mission 300 performance tracking.

Policy, regulatory and performance standardisation is essential for speed and scale.

Governments and funders must support greater standardisation of policy frameworks, technical standards and industry Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to reduce transaction costs, streamline approvals and build investor confidence across markets.

Minigrids must be allowed to earn appropriate commercial returns.

Governments are urged to enable cost-reflective tariffs, remove import duties and taxes that add over 7% to equipment costs, and allow deployment in commercially viable peri-urban, interconnected and standalone urban settings. Without these conditions, private capital cannot scale at Mission 300 speed.

Mission 300 KPIs must reflect economic impact, not household connections alone.

Perhaps most importantly, Mission 300 should count connections to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and social institutions, not only households as currently stipulated. Including productive and institutional demand in KPIs will enable higher utilisation, stronger economics and more sustainable minigrid systems.

Endorsements

The companies endorsing the paper collectively operate 392 active minigrid sites, have invested over $300 million, and hold a development pipeline exceeding 1 GW, representing a capital requirement of up to $8.2 billion. The sector states that it is ready to deliver, provided the enabling environment moves at the pace Mission 300 demands.

Commenting on the paper, AMDA CEO, Olamide Niyi-Afuye, said:

“Mission 300 has set an ambition that meaningfully confronts the scale and urgency of Africa’s electrification challenge. This paper is the industry’s response. It reflects a rare alignment among minigrid CEOs who are already delivering on the ground and ready to scale. The message is clear: the sector is ready. What is now needed is capital mobilisation with a clear, time-bound plan, and regulatory and institutional systems that move at the same speed as the ambition.”

Manoj Sinha, CEO & Founder of Husk Power, said:

“M300 has enabled more predictable policies, reduced market risk and unlocked more capital. As a result, Husk Power has increased its ambition to 1GW of distributed energy projects in Africa by 2030. However, it is well known that high income, low energy countries do not exist. Governments have spoken on the need for minigrids to power economic growth beyond households. Now a step change in action is needed.”

CEO & Co-Founder of ANKA, Camille André-Bataille, said:

“Mission 300 is not constrained by technology or demand, but by how capital is structured and deployed. Project-level financing remains essential to build minigrid infrastructure, but scaling delivery at the pace M300 requires will depend on increased corporate equity, alongside enabling national frameworks, to strengthen companies’ capacity to grow, execute, and manage portfolios efficiently. No strong companies means no successful projects. This Position Paper brings together practical insights from minigrid companies active across Africa and provides concrete recommendations to help align capital, regulation, and institutional frameworks with the realities of large-scale delivery. It is vital that we all move forward in the same direction.”

Olu Ajala, CEO of Ashipa Electric, added:

“Mission 300 is no longer a question of ambition. It is a test of execution. Governments have made clear their expectation that minigrids will serve over 115 million people by 2030, and companies like ours are already delivering at scale. What will determine success now is whether capital, regulation, and institutional processes move fast enough to match that demand. With access to appropriately structured equity and local-currency debt, cost-reflective tariffs, and standardized performance frameworks, the minigrid sector can deliver reliable power at Mission 300 speed.”

Kenneth Gitonga, Market Development Facility Manager at Camco, said:

“Camco has been committed to the minigrid sector for over a decade, and we’ve seen how it can deliver clean energy and inclusive economic growth. The 17‑Step Action Plan offers the clarity needed to turn early ambition into scalable, bankable projects. With the right enabling conditions, we are ready to deploy catalytic capital and support developers to help Mission 300 deliver sustainable impact for households, SMEs, and communities.”

According to the World Bank, over 600 million people in Africa still lack access to electricity. With less than five years to the 2030 deadline, industry leaders warn that incremental approaches will fall short.

The Position Paper concludes with a clear message: achieving 300 million new connections has massive implications for capital flows, regulatory alignment, and institutional delivery. The minigrid industry stands ready to play a central role, but success will depend on funders and governments matching ambition with execution.

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About AMDA: Africa Minigrid Developers Association (AMDA) is the pan African industry association representing private sector minigrid developers and allied partners, working to make Africa’s minigrid market investable, scalable, and central to universal energy access.

As the unified voice of the sector, AMDA advances the policy, regulatory, and financial conditions for sustainable growth, leveraging sector intelligence, targeted advocacy, capital facilitation, and high impact convening to accelerate scale and position minigrids at the heart of Africa’s electricity and development goals.

22 January 2026: Izili Group, a leading Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) off-grid energy and digital social business, backed by BioLite, its majority shareholder since May 2025, announces the acquisition of Qotto, strengthening its footprint across Africa. With this transaction, Izili will operate in six countries, reinforcing its ambition to scale access to sustainable energy solutions across the continent.

A new step in Izili’s growth journey

This acquisition marks a key step in Izili’s expansion in West Africa and strengthens its position as a major player in off-grid energy access. Qotto has built a strong presence in Benin and Burkina Faso, delivering innovative solar solutions to households and entrepreneurs underserved by traditional energy infrastructure.

By welcoming Qotto into the Group, Izili further reinforces its commitment to making clean, reliable and affordable energy accessible, particularly in off-grid and rural communities.

Financing to support long-term development

In parallel with the acquisition, Izili has secured a fi nancing agreement with the Off-Grid Energy Access Fund (OGEF), an impact investment fund dedicated to expanding access to off-grid electricity in Africa. The fi nancing takes the form of $5 million worth of convertible bonds, to support Izili’s growth strategy. This transaction strengthens the Group’s fi nancial structure, providing additional fl exibility to support the long-term and sustainable development of its off-grid energy activities, with the ambition to distribute more than 170,000 solar solutions and over 120,000 digital products by 2028.

Accelerating access to energy across Africa

The acquisition of Qotto opens a new chapter for Izili Group as it continues to scale its impact across Africa. Through the combination of local expertise, robust distribution networks and innovative fi nancing models, the Group intends to extend its services to additional communities and promote inclusive and sustainable economic development.

“The acquisition of Qotto marks an important milestone in Izili’s journey, not only for our expansion in West Africa, but above all for the people it brings together. We are truly proud and excited to welcome the Qotto teams into the Izili Group. Together, we share the same commitment to impact and the same belief that access to clean energy can transform lives. By joining forces, we will be able to go further, reach more communities, and build a stronger future for the off-grid energy sector, ” said Kolawole Osinowo, CEO of Izili Group.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for Qotto to join forces with Izili and BioLite to build a leading player in rural electrifi cation across Sub-Saharan Africa. This merger is the fi rst concrete step of a strategy to create a strong impact in renewable energy access. It empowers our teams to continue – and amplify – our mission: bringing sustainable electricity to those who need it most. We are immensely proud of what this human adventure achieved so far, and we are even more excited about what lies ahead. Picture this: combine committed, competent and passionate teams to provide millions of households with access to electricity, and future generations inheriting a fairer world. That is our mission. And today, we have the means to achieve it on an unprecedented scale. Let’s make it happen!” said Jean Baptiste Lenoir, Co-founder of Qotto.

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About Izili: Formerly Baobab+, Izili is a purpose-driven last-mile distributor of solar energy systems and digital tools in Africa. Since 2015, we have empowered over 2.5 million people through accessible fi nancing and hands-on support, ensuring that clean energy and digital solutions reach even the most remote communities.

About Qotto: Qotto is an innovative and digital-ready essential services provider to rural and underserved consumers in West Africa. Qotto’s vision is that decentralized energy and digital infrastructure will empower African populations and unlock development opportunities. Operating in Benin and Burkina Faso, Qotto has equipped more than 150.000 people with affordable solar solutions, empowering families and entrepreneurs.

21 January 2026: JIVO Energy has successfully completed the installation of Solar PV + BESS hybrid systems at 39 health facilities in Liberia.

Financed by the World Bank and having the Rural and Renewable Energy Agency as implementing agency, the project installation period lasted for 18 months and is having 2 years of Operations & Maintenance services ahead.

With systems capacities ranging from 2kWp/15kWh to 18kWp/70kWp the project is providing self sufficiency to the health facilities power demand, which were operating off-grid and relying on generators before JIVO Energy’s intervention.

The remoteness of some locations represented a challenge for the delivery of the equipment and the installation, but at same time increased the positive impact of the project by providing a reliable ecofriendly source of power.

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About JIVO ENERGY: JIVO Energy (formerly RIC Energy Africa) has been engaged in renewable energy business in Africa & Asia since 2018 focused on Project Development, EPC, O&M, and investing in renewable energy projects, including provision of technical services related to renewable energy to several clients.

In addition, JIVO Energy provides EPC solutions and technical services related to renewable energy to project developers and investors in Europe.

JIVO Energy currently operates in 15+ countries in Africa across East, West, and Southern Africa, with offices & teams in India, Mauritius, UAE, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Senegal, Burkina Faso and Cape Verde.

JIVO Energy is an affiliate of RIC Energy Group operating in Asia, Africa and Europe (formerly known as RIC Energy Africa, and rebranded as JIVO Energy in 2025)

JIVO Energy has now successfully implemented projects in Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Malawi, Cape Verde, Sao Tome, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, Liberia and Zambia.

As of today, JIVO Energy has constructed (or has under construction) more than 80MWp of Solar PV and more than 50MWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), with another 200MWp+ of Solar PV and 50MWh+ of Battery Energy Storage Systems under development across 12 countries in Africa.

• This acquisition marks the first exit of early-stage investors from an operational mini-grid platform in Madagascar, demonstrating the growing bankability of the mini-grid asset class and developers. Structured as a project finance acquisition while retaining ANKA as a long-term minority shareholder and operator, the deal sends a strong signal and paves the way for further investment into the sector.

15 January 2026: CrossBoundary Access, Africa’s first blended finance platform for mini-grids, and ANKA, a pioneering mini-grid developer, have completed the acquisition of an asset company owning four operational mini-grid projects developed, built, and operated by ANKA in Madagascar. The acquired portfolio comprises 1.7MW of solar PV and 5.6MWh of battery storage, serving thousands of customers across the Atsimo-Andrefana region.

The acquisition is the first phase of the US$20 million partnership announced by Access and ANKA in June 2025. Together, Access and ANKA will finance, build, and operate mini-grids to provide power to over 62,000 people across Madagascar, aligned with national energy priorities and the Mission 300 Initiative. CrossBoundary Access becomes new majority shareholder alongside ANKA which remains a shareholder of the asset company. ANKA and CrossBoundary Access aim to demonstrate that decentralized infrastructure can reach scale, liquidity, and profitability — all while delivering universal energy access and complying to the highest technical standards.

“This acquisition demonstrates our confidence in Madagascar’s mini-grid market and ANKA’s proven track record. It shows that best-in-class mini-grids developers, working with supportive government policies and donor support, can deliver both impact and commercial returns.” - Gabriel Davies, Managing Director, CrossBoundary Access.

This transaction enabled a profitable exit for early-stage investors — Kalinka Invest, Realize Impact, and Ground Squirrel Ventures — and proves that blended finance and long-term commitment can unlock real value and reinvestment potential. While structured as a project finance transaction, this deal carries broader significance: it demonstrates that developers who structure, operate, and scale high-performing portfolios can now be trusted counterparts to platform investors.

“This milestone validates the initial investment thesis behind our engagement with early stage mini-grids and infrastructure projects in Madagascar specifically, but also across Africa. It confirms that high-quality mini-grid projects can reach operational maturity and attract long-term infrastructure capital. We are proud to see this portfolio enter a new phase of growth, marked by this successful exit.” - Brian Shaw, Manager, Ground Squirrel Ventures, (Asset Company’s exiting Shareholder).

Madagascar presents a compelling investment opportunity for mini-grid infrastructures. With a national electrification rate of 36%, and a rural electrification rate of 15%, and clear regulatory framework, the Malagasy market has established the foundations for private sector energy access solutions.

This transaction contributes to paving the way for more developers and investors to structure sustainable, scalable partnerships. It offers a replicable example of how to align early-stage venture capital, concessional funding, project cashflows, and local developer capacity — unlocking the full financing stack.

“This transaction is more than an exit — it’s a market signal. It supports the business model of developers, and shows that when execution meets ambition, the developer itself becomes investable. This is what the sector needs to grow: unlocking corporate finance for developers who can replicate these successes across multiple geographies.” - Camille André-Bataille, Founder & CEO, ANKA.

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About CrossBoundary Access: CrossBoundary Access is Africa’s first blended finance platform for mini-grids. CrossBoundary Access uses an innovative blended finance approach to invest in mini-grids and provide 24/7 grid-quality power to households and businesses in rural Africa. CrossBoundary Access reached first close in 2022 with $25 million from ARCH Emerging Markets Partners Limited, Bank of America, and Microsoft Climate Innovation Fund. In 2023, the platform secured an additional $10 million from AfDB’s Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA). CrossBoundary Access continues to raise and deploy a total of $150 million of blended project finance over the next three years to bring clean energy to one million people in Africa. CrossBoundary Access is a member of the CrossBoundary Group.

About ANKA: ANKA is an impact- and innovation-driven group, composed of operating companies and dedicated financial vehicles, active in the renewable energy infrastructure sector. Since its inception, it has pioneered high-quality integrated solutions for electricity production and distribution with solar technology, combining technical and financial services for achieving universal access to electricity and supporting business competitiveness. ANKA deploys its expertise to commercial and industrial clients, as well as to governments for the electrification of cities and villages that are not connected to the national grids, using mini-grids and complementary energy access solutions.

15 January 2026: JIVO Energy has successfully concluded the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) of a 1.2 MWp Solar PV grid connected plant in São Tomé and Príncipe.

Financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and having the Energy Transition and Institutional Support Programme (ETISP) as implementing agency on behalf of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Environment (MNREE), the project got commissioned in May and is having 3 years of Operations & Maintenance services ahead.

São Tomé is mostly relying on diesel generators for supplying the required load, with active operational capacity falling below the peak load demand at the moment, leading to temporary load-shedding to manage the existing constraints on the supply side. Having these 1.2 MWp adding to the grid is an important contribution to the current power scenario in the island.

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About JIVO ENERGY: JIVO Energy has been engaged in renewable energy business in Africa & Asia since 2018 focused on Project Development, EPC, O&M, and investing in renewable energy projects, including provision of technical services related to renewable energy to several clients.

In addition, JIVO Energy provides EPC solutions and technical services related to renewable energy to project developers and investors in Europe.

JIVO Energy currently operates in 15+ countries in Africa across East, West, and Southern Africa, with offices & teams in India, Mauritius, UAE, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Senegal, Burkina Faso and Cape Verde.

JIVO Energy has now successfully implemented projects in Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Malawi, Cape Verde, Sao Tome, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, Liberia and Zambia.

As of today, JIVO Energy has constructed (or has under construction) more than 80MWp of Solar PV and more than 50MWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), with another 200MWp+ of Solar PV and 50MWh+ of Battery Energy Storage Systems under development across 12 countries in Africa.

18 December 2025: Ignite Energy Access today announced the launch of the largest procurement tender ever issued in the distributed renewable energy (DRE) sector, initiating a process to source more than 1 million DRE systems that will empower over 5 million people across Africa. This historic tender marks a new milestone in the continent’s energy-access landscape and reflects Ignite’s accelerating growth as one of the world’s leading providers of affordable, sustainable energy solutions.

With operations spanning 12 African countries, a footprint serving more than 20 million people, over 650 active points of sale across Africa, and a diverse product portfolio that includes solar home systems, hybrid inverters, productive-use appliances, mini-grids, C&I systems, and solar-powered connectivity, Ignite is uniquely positioned to deliver large-scale electrification with both speed and efficiency. This tender represents the next phase of Ignite’s expansion, enabling the company to meet rapidly growing demand and continue its mission to power every household and business, everywhere, at extremely affordable prices.

Our mission to deliver power to everyone, everywhere, at a price people can truly afford has always been clear. This tender is another step toward that goal and strengthens Africa’s electrification.” - Yariv Cohen, Ignite Energy Access CEO

The tender will source a wide range of high-quality distributed renewable energy systems designed for last-mile deployment across diverse geographies, customer segments, and energy needs. By consolidating purchasing power at an unprecedented scale, Ignite aims to further reduce costs for end-users, strengthen supply chains across the Global South, and accelerate national electrification efforts in partnership with governments, financiers, and development institutions.

Distributed renewable energy has become the recognized go-to solution for massive-scale electrification, particularly in frontier and underserved markets. With its technology-led operations, advanced digital MRV systems, and deep local presence across Africa, Ignite is positioned to deliver reliable, scalable energy access faster than ever before, meeting the moment as energy demand surges across the continent.

“This tender is a turning point for Ignite, and for the entire distributed renewable energy sector,” said Yariv Cohen, CEO of Ignite Energy Access. “By procuring more than one million systems in 2026, we will unlock new levels of scale and affordability. Our mission to deliver power to everyone, everywhere, at a price people can truly afford has always been clear. This tender is another step toward that goal and strengthens Africa’s path toward universal electrification.”

The tender also aligns with Ignite’s broader strategy to deepen partnerships with technology providers, manufacturing ecosystems, and financial institutions, creating a platform capable of delivering impact at a rate never before seen in the sector. With its global headquarters in Abu Dhabi, one of the world’s leading hubs for sustainability and climate innovation, Ignite is leveraging new regional collaborations to enhance supply-chain stability, digital innovation, and operational excellence.

Over the coming weeks, Ignite will evaluate proposals from global and regional suppliers to identify partners capable of meeting the company’s strict requirements for quality, affordability, durability, and transparency. The systems procured through this tender will be deployed beginning in 2026 as part of Ignite’s road to connecting 100 million people by 2030.

Additional information can be found on Ignite’s website: www.igniteaccess.com.

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About Ignite Energy Access: Ignite Energy Access is Africa’s largest-footprint provider of distributed renewable energy solutions, serving customers in 12 countries with solar home systems, hybrid inverters, productive-use appliances, mini-grids, C&I systems, and solar-based internet access. Ignite delivers reliable, sustainable, and affordable energy to underserved communities, driving economic growth and accelerating the clean energy transition across the Global South.

20 November 2025: EDP will support, for the first time, an energy access project in Brazil through the A2E Fund. The initiative involves a solar pumping system developed by the Puxirum Institute, which will ensure continuous access to drinking water in an Amazon community. This will be one of nine projects selected across four other countries under the 7th edition of the Fund, with total financing of one million euros.

The projects are announced during the week of COP30, held in Brazil, where EDP is actively participating. The initiatives in this edition, which rely on decentralized solar and energy storage solutions, will improve access to healthcare, clean water, and education for more than 330,000 people directly and about 840,000 indirectly.

From over 200 applications received, eight non-profit organizations and one for-profit entity were selected, with projects aimed at combating energy poverty and promoting sustainable development in Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Brazil.

“A just energy transition is a global cause and one of EDP’s top priorities. With the A2E Fund, we reinforce our commitment to reducing energy poverty, which still affects around 660 million people worldwide. We have already brought clean energy to communities in eight countries, improving the living conditions of more than nine million people, and we want to continue expanding this impact ensuring that no one is left behind in the transition to a more sustainable and inclusive future,” says Vera Pinto Pereira, EDP Executive Board Member and President of the EDP Foundation.

The projects selected in this edition

The nine supported projects focus on energy, health, education, and access to clean water, sharing a common goal: the use of decentralized solar solutions to improve quality of life in vulnerable communities across five countries.

In Mozambique, ADPM will enhance the capacity of the Monapo Health Center by installing photovoltaic, water purification, and internet systems, ensuring stable energy and digital connectivity for remote medical consultations.

In Kenya, the Aga Khan Hospital Mombasa will equip three health units, two medical centers, and one physical rehabilitation center with solar systems, reducing dependence on the electricity grid and fossil fuels and ensuring continuity of clinical services.

Also in the country, PV Tech will install a hybrid solar power system at the Chulaimbo Hospital, providing uninterrupted electricity for critical services and medical training, while Fundación GFM Renovables will bring clean energy to St. John of God Hospital, strengthening emergency services and patient safety through a resilient solar photovoltaic system.

In Malawi, two projects will transform energy access in the health sector: Direct Relief will expand the solar and storage capacity of the Area 25 Community Hospital — one of the country’s largest — improving maternity and neonatal services; and Sopowerful will enhance the energy autonomy of the Trinity Hospital and Nursing School, ensuring continuous electricity for healthcare and education.

In Nigeria, the Retech Foundation will implement the Power2Schools project, bringing clean and reliable solar energy to 10 secondary schools without grid access in Edo and Delta states. Three hundred computers (30 per school) will be installed to improve education quality and foster digital skills, while the solar system will also power water supply systems, ensuring constant and safe access for students, teachers, and local communities.

Also in Nigeria, the Save the Slum Initiative will solarize 50 existing water points, providing clean and reliable water to 10 schools, 20 health centers, and 20 communities through 1.5 kW solar systems and storage tanks adapted to local needs.

In Brazil, the Puxirum Institute will implement the Puxirum d’Água project in the Tupé Sustainable Development Reserve (Manaus), ensuring continuous and safe access to drinking water through the rehabilitation of the supply system and installation of a solar pumping system, which strengthens the community’s energy autonomy, local management, and climate resilience.

A commitment to universal energy access

Since its creation in 2018, the A2E Fund has supported 56 projects in eight countries — seven in Africa and one in Latin America — with a total investment of €5.5 million. These initiatives have already benefited over 855,000 people directly and more than nine million indirectly, reinforcing EDP’s commitment to a just, inclusive, and sustainable energy transition that promotes access to clean, safe, and affordable energy for communities around the world.

The initiative is part of the global EDP Y.E.S. – You Empower Society strategy, which aims to foster social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and equitable access to clean and safe energy.

For more information on the projects and the impact of the A2E Fund, visit edp.com.

13 November 2025: Berhane Berhe Water Works Construction, based in Ethiopia, has joined the Futurepump distributor network – a move that underscores the company’s commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture through solar-powered irrigation.

As fuel subsidies are phased out and the cost of fossil fuel pumps continues to rise, solar pumps offer a cleaner, more affordable alternative for the millions of smallholder farmers across the country. This partnership aligns with Ethiopia’s national goal to install 35,000 solar or wind water supply schemes by 2030.

Designed, tested, and manufactured in India, Futurepump solar pumps are low-cost, versatile, and high-quality. They are compatible with hosepipes, drip and mist irrigation and sprinklers. They are surface water pumps, suitable for pumping from shallow wells, rivers, streams or lakes making them ideal for making efficient use of Ethiopia’s extensive surface water resources.

All Futurepump solar pumps are simple to set up, with suction hoses and solar panels included, but what really sets them apart is the manufacturer backed 10-year warranty. All spares and repairs over the 10 years after purchase are free of charge, meaning reliability and assurance of supply for a decade.

Helen Yapp, Managing Director at Futurepump said “Less than 5% of surface water in Ethiopia is currently used but farmers are crying out for irrigation, especially through the dry seasons. Futurepump solar pumps are designed to withstand tough field conditions to meet this need for decades to come.”

Berhane Berhe Water Works Construction is now ready to supply solar pumps directly in Ethiopia, driving forward a reliable irrigation solution whilst also eliminating an expensive dependency to petrol pumps.

31 October 2025: ElectriFI, the EU-funded Electrification Financing Initiative managed by EDFI Management Company, has announced a EUR 2.5 million equity investment in Sawa Energy, a growing renewable energy company operating in Uganda and Rwanda. This strategic investment, allocated through the Uganda Country Window of ElectriFI, aims to catalyse the expansion of solar photovoltaic (PV) and Backup Energy Storage Solutions (BESS) for commercial and industrial (C&I) clients across Uganda.

H.E. Jan Sadek, Ambassador of the EU Delegation to Uganda: “The European Union, through the ElectriFI initiative, is proud to support Sawa Energy’s mission to deliver sustainable and affordable solar energy solutions in Uganda. This investment not only underscores our commitment to promoting renewable energy in East Africa but also highlights our dedication to empowering local enterprises, reducing carbon emissions, and driving industrialisation growth in the country”

Founded in 2021, Sawa Energy finances, builds, and operates solar and battery projects tailored to the unique consumption needs of businesses. By offering long-term contracts (10-25 years) at discounted rates compared to traditional grid tariffs, Sawa Energy enables clients to access reliable, affordable, and clean electricity. The company also provides comprehensive operations and maintenance services to ensure optimal system performance throughout the contract duration.

Rodrigo Madrazo, CEO of EDFI Management Company stated: “By supporting Sawa Energy’s expansion in Uganda and Rwanda, we are helping to accelerate the transition from polluting diesel generators to reliable, affordable solar power for businesses, creating lasting economic and environmental benefits across the region.”

The equity funding from ElectriFI is designed to unlock an efficient capital structure, attracting additional institutional lenders and investors to support Sawa Energy’s ambitious growth plans in Uganda. This investment will enable Sawa Energy to scale its portfolio, replacing polluting diesel generators with sustainable solar and battery solutions and delivering significant environmental and economic benefits.

Samuel Kaufman, CEO and Co-founder, Sawa Energy added: “At Sawa Energy, our mission is to make clean, affordable energy accessible for businesses across East Africa. This partnership with ElectriFI enables us to scale our impact, helping more companies reduce emissions, lower energy costs, and improve productivity. We believe in building a sustainable model that benefits our clients, our team, our investors, and the entrepreneurs we serve.”

Sawa Energy’s services help businesses reduce CO₂ emissions by shifting to renewable energy sources, lower energy costs through discounted solar tariffs, decrease reliance on unstable grid infrastructure, minimize production losses caused by power outages, thus improving productivity, and support business growth and profitability by providing reliable power supply.

ElectriFI’s commitment underscores the EU’s dedication to propelling clean energy access and championing private sector-driven climate action in Africa. This effort aligns seamlessly with the Africa-EU Green Energy Initiative, a cornerstone of the EU’s Global Gateway Africa-EU Investment Package.

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About Sawa Energy: Sawa Energy is a renewable energy group operating in East Africa, focused on providing fully financed, tailored solar PV and energy storage solutions to commercial and industrial clients, with a mission to drive the transition to clean energy.

About EDFI Management Company: EDFI Management Company (EDFI MC) is a multilaterally owned impact asset manager which delivers innovative development finance solutions that enable European DFIs, development banks and private sector investors to increase the scale and impact of their work. The company focuses on business models, technologies and geographies where other investors have not been able to operate at the desired scale given their resources and investment criteria.

About ElectriFI: The Electrification Financing Initiative – ElectriFI, managed by EDFI Management Company, is an impact-first investment facility, funded by the European Union. ElectriFI is investing in early-stage private companies and projects that increase or improve access to and supply of sustainable energy in developing countries.

29 October 2025: CrossBoundary Energy EVx (CBEVx), a new offering under CrossBoundary Energy, and Ampersand Energy today announced commercial operations of a solar-powered battery charging facility, strengthening Ampersand Energy’s emerging e-mobility network that provides renewable energy to electric two-wheelers (E2Ws). This comes after CBEVx financed 150 batteries and charging infrastructure for the energy tech company in 2024.

The facility will supply solar power to charge Ampersand Energy’s batteries for E2Ws that operate taxi and delivery services in the Kitengela area. E2Ws depend on reliable, low-cost energy, and CBEVx has financed the batteries, charging infrastructure, and a 36.9 kWp solar PV system that will produce 51,500 kWh annually, facilitating approximately 200 battery swaps per day. The project demonstrates how financed renewable energy can effectively power the growing electric mobility sector and reduce operational costs for E2Ws, even in contexts with limited grid access or high electricity costs.

Tombo Banda, Managing Director of CrossBoundary Energy EVx, said, “By leveraging CrossBoundary Energy’s expertise in financed, distributed renewable energy solutions, CBEVx is providing a model that makes electric mobility both economically viable and environmentally sustainable for everyday users. It has been a pleasure to work with Ampersand on our first pilot project to demonstrate the scalability of this model.”

Brady Grimes, Chief Strategy and Growth Officer at Ampersand, said, “Ampersand Energy’s mission has always been to make electric mobility the most affordable and reliable way to move. By working with CrossBoundary Energy EVx, we’re ensuring that every swap station we deploy can operate reliably, sustainably, and with renewable energy sources.”

The project has also secured a first-of-its-kind solar-to-charging station license, establishing a regulatory precedent that will benefit the entire e-mobility sector.

Dr. Eng. Joseph Oketch, Director of Electricity & Renewable Energy at the Energy Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), said, “EPRA welcomes this private sector initiative that directly supports our public mandate to foster sustainable energy solutions. The solar electric charging license issued for this project represents our commitment to creating an enabling environment for innovative energy service models. We look forward to continued collaboration with companies like CrossBoundary Energy EVx and Ampersand as we build Kenya’s clean energy future together.”

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About CrossBoundary Energy EVx: CrossBoundary Energy EVx (CBEVx) is being developed to provide the growing e-mobility sector in Africa with a one-stop shop solution for scaling charging infrastructure. Working primarily in the electric two-wheeler market, CBEVx partners with e-mobility providers to deliver the clean PV solar to power swap stations and finance the batteries and charging infrastructure within them. This solution supports operators to rapidly expand their charging infrastructure, saves energy costs for drivers and reduces their range anxiety, and enables a pathway to interoperability for the wider sector. CBEVx is a subsidiary of CrossBoundary Energy, a leading provider of distributed renewable energy solutions that develops, owns, and operates projects for the private sector in Africa.

About Ampersand Energy: Ampersand is Africa’s leading EV energy tech company, cutting carbon emissions & driving clean economic prosperity, by making our EV energy technology and infrastructure accessible to the mass market. Ampersand’s proprietary battery fleet and charging infrastructure powers more than 7,000 zero emission e-motorcycles in Rwanda and Kenya. These motorbikes cost the same to buy and 35% less to run compared to the heavily polluting petrol motorcycles that make up half of all road traffic in Africa. That savings translates to an increase in net take home income of 50-100% for most of Ampersand’s customers. All while cleaning up air quality and improving people’s health. The company is further scaling its climate-led innovation and customer-centric services to more businesses and markets. Ampersand is reshaping how Africa moves.

21 October 2025: Formerly known as Baobab+, Izili marks a major milestone in its development as it celebrates its 10th anniversary. As leading Pay-As-You-Go player in off-grid energy access and digital inclusion across Africa, Izili reaffirms its mission: to make energy and technology accessible to all — even in the most remote areas.

A new name, a continued mission

Founded in 2015 within the Baobab Group, Izili was born from a strong conviction: access to energy and digital solutions are essential drivers for unlocking the potential of African households and entrepreneurs, and for fostering community development.

In April 2025, the Group entered a new phase of growth as BioLite, a renowned manufacturer of off-grid solar solutions, became its majority shareholder. This vertical integration strengthens Izili’s ability to deliver high-quality, durable, and locally adapted products at affordable prices.

10 years of innovation and impact

Active in four African countries — Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Madagascar, and Nigeria —, Izili distributes solar, digital, and productive-use solutions through fl exible fi nancing options and an extensive distribution network, including last-mile.

Alongside key partners such as MFIs (Baobab, Lapo, Nim, etc.) and Telco operators (MTN, Orange, Moov Africa, etc.), Izili has already distributed more than 700,000 products and improved the lives of more than 2.5 million people across the continent. Its solutions enable households to access reliable energy, empower entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, and contribute to a more connected, inclusive, and sustainable Africa.

“For ten years, we’ve been working to improve our customers’ daily lives. With Izili, we are reaffi rming our mission: to bring access to solar energy and digital solutions to everyone, everywhere. We are Izili. We energise lives. We connect communities.” said Kolawole Osinowo, CEO of Izili Group.

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About Izili: Formerly Baobab+, Izili is a purpose-driven last mile distributor of solar energy systems and digital tools in Africa. Since 2015, we have empowered over 2.5 million people through accessible fi nancing and hands-on support, ensuring that clean energy and digital solutions reach even the most remote communities.

15 October 2025: In 2024, energy access-related crowdfunding continued to demonstrate adaptability, with new financing models and growing investment in commercial and industrial (C&I) solar projects reshaping the market. Whilst crowdfunding volumes fell to $42 million (a 13% drop from 2023), pioneering innovations, such as Lendahand’s government-guaranteed export insurance loan and Trine’s profit-share model, opened fresh opportunities for both borrowers and investors.

Debt crowdfunding

Between 2019 and 2023, average volumes in debt crowdfunding hovered close to $50 million annually. Whilst debt crowdfunding has remained the most relevant financing mechanism for energy access projects, accounting for 94% of funds raised, volumes dipped to $40 million in 2024. This contraction was driven by reduced activity across several major platforms, though others, such as Goparity and Klimja, saw significant fundraising growth.

By sector, the most striking trend in 2024 was the continued rise of commercial and industrial (C&I) projects, which now dominate the energy access crowdfunding landscape, comprising 67% of funds raised (up from 62% in 2023). Projects in e-mobility followed, accounting for 12%, while volumes in sectors with robust historic activity fell significantly: solar home systems (SHS) to 6%, household energy projects to 14%, and clean cooking to just 3%. Two platforms – Ecoligo and Trine – accounted for 56% of total funds raised with most campaigns funding C&I projects in middle-income countries. The swing towards C&I reflects the tough macro-economic environment, putting platforms under pressure to offer investors stronger risk-adjusted returns while still delivering climate impact.

The regional balance of crowdfunding shifted further in 2024. Sub-Saharan Africa’s share of debt volumes declined from 50% to 42%, while Asia increased from 30% to 39% and Latin America from 18% to 20%. Platforms cite the relative maturity of Asian and Latin American markets, where C&I borrowers often present more attractive investment profiles than their African counterparts.

Innovation spotlight

In 2024, Crowd Power lent valuable support to game-changing initiatives that boosted the dynamism of the sector:

• Lendahand introduced a first-of-its-kind 100% government-backed guarantee structure which enables investors to fund Spark Energy’s solar kits with full principal and interest protection under export insurance provided by the Dutch government. The model proved highly popular, with campaigns in Nigeria and Zimbabwe funding in hours rather than weeks.
• Trine launched a profit-share loan product that tailors repayment to borrower cashflows while offering investors higher returns of 9–13% p.a., compared to the previous 6–8% range. Campaigns under this structure completed funding at more than twice the speed of conventional loan structures.

These innovations highlight how platforms are pivoting in response to global economic challenges while enhancing the appeal of their terms.

Equity crowdfunding

Equity crowdfunding remained modest in scale, raising $2.4 million in 2024. All campaigns came from repeat crowdfunders, reflecting the significant time, effort and regulatory hurdles involved in preparing a raise. However, Swiss company MPower Ventures scored a major win with a $1.9 million raise on the Republic Europe platform.

Outlook

Debt crowdfunding remains the backbone of energy access finance, but the dip in 2024 volumes signals potential headwinds. The sector’s resilience will depend on sustaining investor confidence and broadening the range of borrowers. Nevertheless, innovative models demonstrate that platforms have a strong capacity to evolve, which will be critical to ensuring crowdfunding continues to fund energy access projects delivering lasting impact for underserved communities.

2 October 2025: Today, World Resources Institute’s Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) awarded $3.8 million in grants and technical assistance to 14 climate startups across Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia. This funding will help these early-stage businesses grow breakthrough solutions — from clean cooling systems in Vietnam to water-absorbing pavers in Indonesia, and solar-powered dryers for agricultural crops in Kenya — making them investment-ready to accelerate green growth in emerging markets.

Mobilizing climate finance is one of the most urgent priorities of our time. Achieving this requires unprecedented investment in innovative solutions that can rapidly reduce emissions, build resilience and support a just transition for communities around the world. Yet in emerging markets, startups with promising solutions often face steep barriers to growth.

While graduation rates from early-stage funding – commonly known as seed – to their first major investment round (Series A) average 20–30% in developed markets, they drop to around 10% in Latin America and just 5% in Africa. Common challenges include financial modeling, preparing investor documentation and developing effective pitch and marketing materials.

P4G bridges these gaps by pairing startups with nonprofits and technical experts to strengthen their business models, ESG strategies and market positioning. Through its National Platforms – public-private coalitions at the country level – P4G also connects startups with government agencies, facilitates policy dialogues and hosts workshops to foster a more enabling environment for climate businesses.

“Climate startups are powerful engines of innovation and play a key role in accelerating the transition to a low-carbon future,” said Robyn McGuckin, Executive Director, P4G. “From working closely with these entrepreneurs, we’ve seen how targeted funding and hands-on support can unlock their full potential – helping them scale faster, create jobs, boost local economies and deliver climate solutions that the world can’t afford to wait for.”

One of the newly funded partnerships, VOX Cool – ASSIST Vietnam, will use its funds to scale “Cold Battery” technology — an affordable, low-emission cooling solution that stores thermal energy for when it’s needed most. By ensuring reliable, energy-efficient refrigeration, it cuts electricity costs, reduces fossil fuel reliance and prevents food spoilage.

“We are scaling a technology that not only reduces food loss and emissions in Vietnam but can also serve as a model for how emerging markets build more efficient and cleaner cold chain systems,” said Dr. Khoa Le, co-founder and CEO, VOX Cool. “With P4G’s support, we can scale faster, create greater value for farmers and businesses, and demonstrate how innovative cooling can drive both economic growth and climate action.”

Other partnerships receiving funding include:

• Parsons Kinetics – ACOSOL – patented wind turbines inspired by the aerodynamics of the Varasanta tree seed in Colombia.
• ReservoAir – Kopernik – porous pavers that absorb water 100x faster than conventional paver and reduces the risk of flooding in Indonesia.
• Synnefa – Solidaridad – Solar dryers that use smart technology to cut agricultural crop drying time from weeks to just 2–3 days in Kenya.

These startups provide real-world evidence of what works to tackle pressing challenges in food systems, energy, transport and water, helping to attract private sector investment and de-risk the climate innovation space.

Since 2018, P4G-backed partnerships have leveraged this support to raise over $211 million in commercial and non-commercial investments, create over 17,000 green jobs, produce nearly 7.9 million metric liters of clean water, reclaim more than 130,000 metric tons of waste and revitalize over 307,000 hectares of land with climate smart agricultural practices. These outcomes underscore P4G’s long-term commitment to catalyzing green growth and scaling market-based climate solutions in emerging economies.

P4G received 167 applications for this round of funding. An Independent Grants Committee, comprising climate and impact investing experts, evaluated the shortlisted partnerships to select the final recipients. The new partnerships will focus on advancing impact in Colombia, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Kenya, South Africa and Vietnam.

Explore the full list of partnerships here.

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About P4G: P4G helps early-stage climate startups in emerging markets and developing economies become investment ready. We provide startups with grants and technical assistance, and partner them with national level public-private platforms to help navigate the marketplace. Through this approach, P4G strengthens market systems for climate entrepreneurs and accelerates just and resilient country economic transitions. Hosted by World Resources Institute and funded by Denmark, the Netherlands and the Republic of Korea, P4G accelerates food, water and energy partnerships in Colombia, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Kenya, South Africa and Vietnam. For more information, visit www.p4gpartnerships.org.

About World Resources Institute: WRI works to improve people’s lives, protect and restore nature and stabilize the climate. As an independent research organization, we leverage our data, expertise and global reach to influence policy and catalyze change across systems like food, land and water; energy; and cities. Our 2,000+ staff work on the ground in more than a dozen focus countries and with partners in over 50 nations.

October 2025: Evolution III Fund, Inspired Evolution’s dedicated next-generation energy transition fund, has signed transaction agreements committing USD 20 million to Cold Solutions East Africa Holdings Limited (CSEAHL), a leading temperature-controlled warehousing and logistics platform operating across Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania.

The investment will support the development and construction of modern cold-chain infrastructure throughout East Africa, helping to reduce post-harvest losses, strengthen food systems, enhance food security, and drive energy and resource-efficient growth in the region. CSEAHL is an investment vehicle owned by the ARCH Cold Chain Solutions East Africa Fund (CCSEAF), which is managed by ARCH Emerging Markets Partners Limited (ARCH). African Rainbow Capital Proprietary Limited, through its subsidiary ARC Guernsey Limited, is the controlling shareholder of ARCH.

Anthony Ngugi, Investment Director at Inspired Evolution, commented: "It’s been a pleasure to work on this transaction, which aligns with our investment theme of resource efficiency. It’s also highly impactful – contributing directly to improved food security in East Africa by strengthening the region’s cold-chain ecosystem."

Wayne Keast, Managing Partner at Inspired Evolution, added: "Cold Solutions East Africa reflects the type of climate-resilient, scalable platform that embodies Inspired Evolution’s investment philosophy. By driving energy efficiency and sustainability into regional supply chains, this initiative tackles food waste at scale while reinforcing resilience in the face of climate change. For us, this investment is not only about growth; it is about backing businesses that deliver measurable impact — enabling smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable economies across Africa. "This investment reflects Inspired Evolution’s continued focus on climate-resilient infrastructure, food system efficiency, and sustainable development across sub-Saharan Africa.

Suki Muia, Investment Director at ARCH, commented, “We are excited to welcome Inspired Evolution to the Cold Chain strategy and look forward to collaboratively rolling out and growing the cold chain network in East Africa. The USD 20 million additional commitment to the Fund by Inspired Evolution will facilitate the roll out of the remaining 4 facilities in Kampala, Kigali, Dar-es Salaam, and Mombasa, complementing the flagship Tatu City Facility that is already operational.”

Marlene Jennings, CEO at ARCH, added, "This partnership with Inspired Evolution underscores the importance of mobilising climate-smart capital into critical infrastructure for Africa’s food systems. Cold Solutions East Africa is not only addressing post-harvest losses but also enabling farmers, businesses, and consumers to access reliable and efficient cold storage. We look forward to working closely with Inspired Evolution to accelerate the rollout of facilities that will have a lasting impact on regional trade and food security."

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About Inspired Evolution and Evolution III Fund: Inspired Evolution is a pan-African specialised climate investment manager to Evolution I, II, and III funds with over USD 500 million in capital commitments, focusing on clean energy infrastructure, energy access, and resource efficiency investments. Inspired Evolution offers a broad African footprint with strategic regional and country offices in Cape Town, London, Nairobi, Abidjan, and Mauritius.

Evolution III Fund’s investors include the European Investment Bank (EIB), the Dutch Development Bank FMO, the African Development Bank, the Finnish Fund for Industrial Cooperation (FinnFund), the Emerging Markets Climate Action Fund (EMCAF), Swedfund International AG, the Swiss Investment Fund for Emerging Markets (SIFEM), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Mauritius Investment Corporation (MIC), the Development Bank of Austria (OeEB), and several impact-driven HNW individuals, families and foundations. For more information, visit www.inspiredevolution.co.za.

About ARCH Cold Chain Solutions East Africa Fund: ARCH, a subsidiary of the USD 2.7 billion African investment powerhouse African Rainbow Capital, was founded in 2018 as a specialist investment advisor for emerging markets. Our mission is to support the transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient, and sustainable economies across Africa. Authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority, ARCH advises on investments through three key strategies; Renewable Energy, and Cold Chain Solutions and Sustainable Natural Resources.

As an award-winning platform (SuperReturn Africa 2022 & 2024), ARCH operates within a strong governance framework, emphasizing value creation and growth through a risk-adjusted approach. ESG principles are deeply embedded in its investment strategies, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement to drive meaningful global impact.

The ARCH Cold Chain Solutions East Africa Fund (“CCSEAF” or “Fund”) primarily aims to reduce food waste, increase food security, and promote economic development across Africa. According to The Food and Agriculture Organization estimates, post-harvest losses in Sub-Saharan Africa range from 40-60%, largely due to inadequate storage and transportation, with 37% of losses occurring during handling and storage. The Fund is focused on creating state-of-the-art, temperature-controlled storage facilities throughout East Africa, complemented by a fleet of refrigerated trucks to ensure end-to-end cold chain management for both local and long-distance routes.

The Fund reached final closure in May 2022, and its flagship project, the Tatu City Facility, was completed in July 2023. CCSEAF is actively expanding into other East African countries, including Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania, with plans to establish similar facilities to bolster regional trade and exports. For more information, visit www.archempartners.com.

24 September 2025: RS Group plc (LSE: RS1), a high-service global product and service solutions provider for industrial customers, today announces a new three-year partnership with international development charity SolarAid. Together, RS Group and SolarAid aim to raise £1 million to deliver clean, safe solar lights to 150,000 people living in rural communities across Africa without access to electricity.

The partnership forms a central part of RS Group’s 2030 ESG action plan and champions the shared ambition to “make amazing happen for a brighter world.” By combining corporate donations, matched funding, RS PRO product contributions, employee fundraising, and gifts in kind, RS Group will help accelerate SolarAid’s mission to create thriving solar businesses that tackle poverty and climate change.

Just one solar light benefits every member of the household leading to a 90% reduction in kerosene, candles or torches, with a 95% saving on their energy spend and enabling a child to study safely for the first time after sunset. It also reduces carbon emissions in the transition to renewable energy. A paraffin candle emits three times its weight in CO2 and a kerosene lamp emits over a tonne of carbon over 3 years.

Employee engagement at the heart of the partnership

RS and SolarAid are closely aligned as providers of products and solutions that support the low-carbon transition with a focus on renewables. As a leader in industrial MRO services, the RS team’s expertise will directly support SolarAid’s global and local repair programmes, helping build a circular solar economy in off-grid communities. RS employees worldwide will be encouraged to get involved through skills-based volunteering, fundraising challenges, and awareness-raising activities. Planned initiatives include:

• Skills-based volunteering: RS experts will seek to support SolarAid projects, such as improving its Repair App, which helps communities extend the life of solar lights and reduce waste through simple repairs.
• On-the-ground engagement: Opportunities to visit SolarAid-supported communities in Malawi and Zambia, as well as welcoming SolarAid representatives to RS markets for live demonstrations.
• Night Without Light: An awareness initiative where employees spend a night without electricity, experiencing the challenges faced by off-grid communities.
• Active for Change: A global fundraising challenge where employees raise money by logging physical activity in teams.

RS employees are entitled to two annual volunteering days, and the company aims to inspire 50% of colleagues to use this time to support their communities and the SolarAid partnership.

Bridging ambition with proven impact

SolarAid’s recent remarkable achievement in Kasakula, Malawi underscores the partnership’s potential. On 26 August 2025, 100% of households, all local schools, and the health clinic in Kasakula gained solar access through the Light a Village initiative—highlighting what’s possible when communities, charities, and partners align around a bold, shared goal.

A brighter future through collaboration

Andrea Barrett, Chief Sustainability Officer at RS Group, said: “We are proud to partner with SolarAid on this important mission. Access to clean, safe solar light is a powerful catalyst for education, safety, and opportunity. By combining the passion of our people with the innovation of our customers and suppliers, we can make amazing happen for communities that need it most. The success in Kasakula is a living proof point: achieving 100% access in one of the world’s poorest and most remote regions shows that universal energy access is not just achievable, but scalable.”

John Keane, CEO of SolarAid, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with RS Group. From the very start our shared purpose and alignment has been clear. Like RS Group, we strive to innovate the best solutions for our customers, so that we can deliver sustainable energy access. We are incredibly excited by the huge opportunity we have together, to progress our mission and bring clean, safe light and power to those living in the most remote, hardest to reach communities. Together, we really will make amazing happen for a brighter world”

Driving long-term impact

The partnership builds on RS Group’s track record of impactful collaborations, including raising nearly £1 million for The Washing Machine Project since 2020. By focusing on engagement opportunities for employees, customers, and suppliers, RS Group and SolarAid aim to create a movement of shared purpose and innovation. To amplify the collective impact, RS Group will match donations and funds raised by employees, further reinforcing its commitment to empowering communities.

• Drawing on nearly two decades of last-mile delivery experience across nine African countries, the paper highlights how rethinking funding design could unlock private sector capacity and deliver impact at scale.

16 September 2025: ENGIE Energy Access (EEA), Africa’s leading off-grid solar provider, has released a new White Paper, “Maximising Impact: Transforming Grant Funding for Energy Access”, calling for a fundamental shift in how grant capital is deployed to close Africa’s energy access gap.

Sub-Saharan Africa stands at a critical crossroads. With less than five years to 2030, the goal to ensure affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all is at risk of being missed. At the current pace, over 660 million people will remain unelectrified by 2030. Given energy is a critical enabler for other development outcomes, this threatens progress on health, education, economic development and other closely linked goals.

Off-grid solar and mini-grid solutions can deliver 40% of the needed connections under a least-cost model. However, key challenges are impeding progress, with a current funding gap of $12 billion for standalone systems, and a funding landscape that is fragmented, risk-averse, and at times, misaligned with the realities of operating in frontier markets. This is putting SDG7 out of reach and leaving millions without access to affordable and modern energy.

EEA’s White Paper argues that grant funding, while essential, is not being used to its full catalytic potential. Drawing on nearly two decades of last-mile delivery experience across nine African countries, the paper highlights how rethinking funding design could unlock private sector capacity and deliver impact at scale.

Key recommendations include:

• Reorienting grant targeting toward closing the access gap and “finishing the job” on SDG7
• Tailoring instruments to market segments (households, businesses, and community infrastructure) and risk profiles.
• Scaling up grants, with the public sector strengthening their leadership role.
• Strengthening delivery systems and governance to ensure transparent, efficient, and sustainable implementation.

“Public funding is vital to accelerate universal energy access where affordability remains one of the main drivers. To deliver the highest results without shaking market fundamentals, it must be structured to unlock private investment and delivery capacity. Our White Paper sets out practical ways to maximise its impact, drawn directly from our operational realities in rural areas in Sub-Saharan Africa.,” said Gillian-Alexandre Huart, CEO of ENGIE Energy Access.

This moment, marked by new initiatives like Mission 300 and the phase-out of legacy programs, is a unique opportunity to reset strategy and coordination. If we miss it, the risks are substantial: diluted impact, loss of SDG7 credibility, eroded investor confidence, and disengagement from the private sector.

ENGIE Energy Access calls on policymakers, donors, financiers, and industry stakeholders to engage with the findings and join in advancing solutions that can help close the energy access gap faster, while supporting economic growth, resilience, and climate goals.

The White Paper is available for download here.

3 September 2025: Baobab+ will henceforth operate as Izili, reaffirming its role as a last mile distributor dedicated to extending affordable solar power and digital connectivity to underserved communities across Africa. This change follows BioLite’s acquisition of a majority stake in April 2025 and signals a renewed focus on delivering end user impact.

Izili embodies innovation in distribution, steadfast inclusion and tangible impact. As Izili, we pledge to deepen our reach in Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Madagascar and Nigeria by bringing reliable energy and digital services directly to homes, small enterprises and remote markets. Our agile network of field agents ensures that products and support arrive where they are needed most.

Kolawole Osinowo, Chief Executive Officer of Izili Group, commented “As Izili we remain unwavering in our mission to energise lives and connect communities. The name Izili captures our ambition to light up every home and link every entrepreneur to opportunity. By reinforcing our last mile network we ensure clean energy and digital tools are truly within reach.”

Clients, partners and stakeholders will continue to receive the same high standards of service and technical support under the Izili name. The rebranding will roll out gradually in all operational markets over the coming months.

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About Izili: Formerly Baobab+, Izili is a purpose-driven last mile distributor of solar energy systems and digital tools in Africa. Since 2015, we have empowered over 2.5 million people through accessible financing and hands-on support, ensuring that clean energy and digital solutions reach even the most remote communities.

26 August 2025: Traditional Authority Kasakula – one of the poorest and most underserved communities in one of Africa’s least electrified nations, will today, 26th August 2025, become the first community in Malawi to achieve 100% access to solar power through a ground-breaking Energy-as-a-Service model. 8,813 homes, 12 schools, and the one health clinic – will gain access to Tier 1 electricity, as defined by the World Bank’s Multi-Tier Framework. Across Malawi, 84% of the population still live without access to electricity

With no connection to the national grid, 97% of residents living in extreme poverty, and 76% without education beyond primary level, families have relied on kerosene lamps or open flames for light. Many people report house fires, respiratory issues, and barriers to education and productivity as a result.

SolarAid – an international non-profit – chose Kasakula to pilot its model in 2021 to better understand the challenges of achieving universal energy access in one of the world’s poorest regions. Co-developed with the local community, they deliberately selected one of Malawi’s most remote and low-income communities to maximise learnings. The infrastructure now enables solar home systems to be installed in up to 1,000 households per week – with full connectivity reached on August 26th. Nearly 100 local jobs have been created to support installation and maintenance.

“The clock is ticking, and current solutions will not reach the hardest-to-reach in time for the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals. This model shows that universal energy access is possible, and achievable in a matter of years, even in one of the world’s most remote and impoverished communities,” says John Keane, SolarAid CEO.

The Energy-as-a-Service model removes financial and ownership-related barriers to access by allowing customers to pay only for the energy they use, at a price comparable to candles. SolarAid handles installation, maintenance, and servicing, using real-time usage and revenue data to ensure continued access while creating green jobs within the community.

Brino Kambanizithe, whose household received a system in 2023, said:

“I believe our future will be transformed for the better. With light, we can extend our working hours, both on farm produce and with other opportunities. It opens up new possibilities for growth and prosperity. My child will grow up in a house that has lights. He will have more time to read once he starts going to school.”

Eva Roig, Senior Communications Manager at GOGLA (the Global Association for the Off-grid solar energy industry) said, “SolarAid continues to test out innovative solutions to reach the last mile: their work in Kasakula demonstrates that 100% electricity access is achievable even in the poorest communities. The energy-as-a-service model shows potential to be a gamechanger for low-income communities to access life-changing clean energy powering economic transformation.”

This achievement aligns directly with the World Bank’s Mission 300, an ambitious global goal to connect 300 million people across Africa to electricity by 2030. The model is supported by the Rural Energy Access Lab (REAL).

• Solar continues to grow at a steady rate in Africa and now represents 20+ GWp of installed capacity across all segments. And this milestone will be outdated very soon, as over 10 GWp are currently at various stages of construction all over the continent. Whereas new solar installations are slowing down in some parts of the globe, African solar continues to grow and even accelerates it growth.

11 August 2025: In its latest solar projects database update for 2025 H1, AFSIA, the Africa Solar Industry Association, has identified more than 20 GWp worth of operational solar capacity across the continent. The database counts close to 40,000 different projects at various stages of development. The 20 GWp capacity accounts for solar for utility-scale, C&I, mini-grids, SHS (Solar Home Systems). Residential projects for a limited set of countries are now also included in AFSIA’s database.

In its latest solar projects database update for 2025 H1, AFSIA, the Africa Solar Industry Association, has identified more than 20 GWp worth of operational solar capacity across the continent. The database counts close to 40,000 different projects at various stages of development. The 20 GWp capacity accounts for solar for utility-scale, C&I, mini-grids, SHS (Solar Home Systems). Residential projects for a limited set of countries are now also included in AFSIA’s database.

South Africa remains the engine of the African solar industry, accounting for approximately half of all capacity installed in the continent. North Africa also contributes greatly to the tally with Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia completing the Top 4 of African countries hosting the most solar capacity in operation.

This domination of the southern and northern parts of the continent is likely to be maintained going forward. In 2025, new capacity that became operational predominantly came from Southern Africa. While South Africa continues to invest massively in solar, other Southern African countries are now jumping on the bandwagon and have rolled out significant solar capacities in 2025 alone. These include Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Senegal is almost an outlier in this Southern African group with 54 MWp new installed capacity identified YTD. In the northern part of the continent, the main push is expected to come from Algeria. After several years of inaction, the country has indeed decided to move forward with a whopping 3 GW initiative across 20 projects. These projects are at various stages of construction, and several are expected to be commissioned before the end of 2025.

The other remarkable insight from the data is that African solar is on a strong growth trajectory, whereas other regions of the world are witnessing a slowdown of new solar installations. SolarPower Europe recently reported that it expects a solar decline of 1.4% this year, marking a negative annual growth for this first time since 2015. In the US, SEIA reports that solar installations have declined by 7% YoY and 43% between 2024 Q4 and 2025 Q1. Africa however keeps beating its own records year after year, after recovering from the pandemic. Updated AFSIA figures indicate that 2024 saw a 44% increase in new installations, further building on the 22% increase momentum from 2023. And the future holds even greater prospects as more than 10 GWp of capacity has been identified to be under construction. Utility-scale projects currently under construction account for 70%, marking a solid rebound from the post-COVID years during which C&I was the predominant segment in African solar. This capacity under construction is also more spread across the continent. South Africa remains the most active African country, but hosts “only” 28% of the current construction activity. Algeria, Egypt, Angola, Tunisia and Zambia are other hot spots for African solar and account for 75% of all current solar construction activity together with South Africa.

This steady growth of solar will be at the center of discussions at REFA – the Renewable Energy Forum Africa which is to take place in Accra on December 3 & 4. Organized by AFSIA and SolarPower Europe, with the support of GET.invest, this investment forum is the annual meeting place for professionals of the African renewable energy industry, covering all topics including solar, storage, electric mobility and green hydrogen to cite a few.

4 August 2025: Despite persistent global challenges, Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) delivered major results in 2024, mobilizing USD 2.48 billion in financing commitments for clean energy access and transition efforts led in collaboration with partners. The results reflect the growing leadership of countries in the Global South in shaping a just and equitable energy future.

Over the past year, SEforALL helped secure 93 high-level commitments through Energy Compacts, while delivering integrated support in planning, policy, finance mobilization, and capacity-building across 24 countries, including 77 projects and initiatives.

A notable achievement in 2024 was SEforALL’s engagement in the Mission 300 initiative, led by the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank, which aims to halve the number of people without electricity in Sub-Saharan Africa. The initiative is designed to unlock financing, catalyze clean energy markets and scale solutions that could benefit far beyond the 300 million people directly targeted.

Recognizing the foundational role of energy access in driving economic development, SEforALL also advanced local clean energy manufacturing in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, supporting solar PV, battery and electric vehicle (EV) value chains through skills development, industrial policy, enterprise support and investment facilitation.

In parallel, SEforALL launched the Council for Critical Minerals Development in the Global South, in collaboration with Swaniti Initiative and the UC Davis Institute for Transportation Studies. This effort provides tailored support to countries including Brazil, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, and South Africa, essential for building sustainable supply chains critical to the global energy transition.

“Our 2024 results reflect the leadership we’re seeing from countries like Sierra Leone, which launched an Energy Transition and Green Growth Plan, and India, which is innovating in energy efficiency and investment matchmaking,” said Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO of SEforALL and Special Representative to the UN Secretary-General. “These are not just plans, they reflect impactful action that is changing the landscape of global energy leadership.”

To learn more about SEforALL’s 2024 results download the 2024 Annual Report and Annual Monitoring Review.