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.

1 August 2025: The World Bank Board of Executive Directors has approved the Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation (ASCENT) in Ethiopia Program-for-Results (PforR), an initiative to bring clean and reliable electricity to nearly six million people in Ethiopia. The program is supported by a $400 million credit from the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA)* and a $24 million grant from the Government of Denmark.

The Government of Ethiopia (GoE) has taken significant steps to expand electricity access through substantial investments in power generation, grid and off-grid solutions, and the launch of ambitious national programs. While these initiatives are noteworthy, further progress is needed to fully meet the country’s growing needs.

Preliminary findings from the 2025 World Bank Multi-Tier Framework Survey indicate that Ethiopia’s Tier 1+ access rate stands at 44 percent. This means that close to 71 million people, primarily in rural and peri-urban areas, are still living without a sufficient level of access to this essential service. Consequently, millions of families continue to rely on polluting fuels for lighting and cooking, children struggle to study after dark, health clinics operate without reliable power, and economic opportunities remain limited, perpetuating cycles of poverty and constraining social and economic development across the country.

“The ASCENT Ethiopia program reflects our dedication to supporting Ethiopia’s pursuit of universal energy access. By prioritizing underserved and low-income communities and making energy accessible and affordable, we are enabling nearly six million additional people to gain electricity connections, improving essential services, and supporting Ethiopia’s climate and development goals,” said Maryam Salim, World Bank Division Director for Eritrea, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Sudan.

Building on the achievements of existing programs including Ethiopia Electrification Program (ELEAP) and the Access to Distributed Electricity and Lighting in Ethiopia (ADELE), the ASCENT Ethiopia program aims to expand on-grid electrification by connecting new households, non-residential customers, and towns near the medium-voltage network over the next five years. The program will also enhance policies and institutional frameworks to promote equitable access, including revisions to the National Electrification Program and grid connection policies; improve utility performance through digitalization and enhanced customer service; and strengthen institutional capacity in areas such as fiduciary management, environmental and social risk management, citizen engagement, and gender inclusion, thereby supporting the government in establishing robust systems and frameworks for sustainable energy access.

The strong collaboration with Denmark will expand and promote inclusive energy access for low-income groups, women, and other underserved communities in Ethiopia, by reducing connection costs for 480,000 new customers. As the program evolves, ASCENT Ethiopia will leverage additional partnerships and incentivize the private sector to broaden affordable electricity access, secure additional funding, and promote innovation. Together, these efforts are expected to accelerate progress toward universal access, ensuring that no one is left behind in Ethiopia’s energy future.

The implementation of ASCENT Ethiopia will be led by the Ministry of Water and Energy in collaboration with the Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU). The project adopts the Program-for-Results (PforR) approach, which ties funding directly to tangible, measurable outcomes. This people-centered strategy encourages all stakeholders to prioritize meaningful change, while promoting transparency, and accountability. The program is also aligned with Mission 300, the joint World Bank Group and African Development Bank initiative which aims to connect 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa to electricity by 2030. By aligning with this ambitious goal, ASCENT ensures that progress achieved in Ethiopia will not only benefit local communities but will also contribute to the broader vision of universal energy access across the continent.

29 July 2025: The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group has approved a loan of $144.27 million to Niger forthe first phase of a program that will reform energy sector laws and address the country’s critical power shortage.

Niger’s Energy Sector Governance and Competitiveness Support Program is expected to address governance challenges by strengthening public financial management systems, particularly tax revenue mobilization and tax revenue control system. It will also support the clearance of domestic arrears, public-private dialogue, and the adoption of an industrial and commercial policy to bolster support for Nigerien businesses.

“This program represents our commitment to supporting Niger’s economic recovery and energy independence,” said African Development Bank Director General for West Africa Lamin Barrow. “By improving access to energy and strengthening governance frameworks, we are helping to lay the foundations for sustainable growth that will benefit all Nigeriens, particularly the most vulnerable populations.”

By improving access to energy and strengthening governance frameworks, we are helping to lay the foundations for sustainable growth that will benefit all Nigeriens.

The Bank’s support will underpin ambitious energy objectives, including increasing national electricity access from 22.5% to 30% by 2026 while boosting manufacturing’s contribution to GDP from 2.5% to 3.8%. A key component focuses on the renewable energy capacity development framework and includes plans to generate 240 MW of solar energy by 2030, with 50 MW coming onstream before December 2026.

The program particularly emphasizes social inclusion, with specific measures to support internally displaced persons, women, and youth. With more than 507,000 internally displaced persons nationwide due to security challenges in the Sahel region, targeted interventions will ensure that vulnerable populations benefit from improved economic opportunities.

The Nigerien economy has shown remarkable resilience despite challenges, with GDP growth climbing to 8.8% in 2024, and oil production expected to increase from 20,000 to 90,000 barrels per day by 2026. Still, only 22.5% of the population enjoy access to electricity, one of the lowest rates in West Africa. In rural areas, where 80% of Nigeriens live, only 4.5% have access to electricity, forcing families to rely on biomass for 94% for their energy needs.

Niger’s strategic energy compact, formally adopted by decree, provides the framework to attract $527 million in private sector investment by 2030. The project will establish high-level coordination mechanisms and update national energy policies to create an enabling environment for private participation in mini-grid developments crucial for rural electrification.

The program positions Niger to capitalize on its vast renewable energy potential while building governance systems that support inclusive and sustainable development.

28 July 2025: Sun King, the world’s largest off-grid solar energy company, has closed a landmark $156 million (KES 20.1 billion) securitisation to scale affordable solar across Kenya. The local currency deal will enable an estimated 1.4 million low-income households and businesses to access electricity — often for the first time — and shift away from costly, polluting fuels like kerosene and diesel.

This is Sun King’s second and largest Kenyan-Shilling-denominated securitisation. The deal is the largest securitisation ever completed in Sub-Saharan Africa outside South Africa. Arranged and structured by Citi with Stanbic Bank Kenya Ltd (part of the Standard Bank Group) acting as the placement agent, the securitisation is backed by five international and local commercial banks and three development finance institutions. It builds on the company’s award-winning $130 million securitisation completed in 2023.

Sun King’s pay-as-you-go solar model allows households to access solar products by making small, flexible payments starting from as little as $0.19 (KES 25) per day through mobile money. To date, Sun King has extended $1.3 billion in solar loans to almost 10 million individual customers across Africa. The securitisation enables Sun King to raise long-term local currency debt by converting future customer repayments for financed solar products into investable assets.

“Millions of off-grid households have switched to solar thanks to small ‘pay-as-you-go’ loans. This deal signals a major turning point for green energy finance in Africa,” said Anish Thakkar, Co-Founder of Sun King. “It shows that African commercial banks believe in the power of pay-as-you-go solar and are ready to back it with serious capital. Return-seeking, local capital in local currency is essential to unlocking the scale and speed needed to achieve universal energy access.”

The transaction includes:

• A senior tranche funded by five commercial banks: ABSA, Citi, The Co-operative Bank of Kenya, KCB Bank Kenya Limited, and Stanbic Bank Kenya Ltd; and
• A mezzanine tranche provided by development finance institutions: British International Investment, the Dutch development bank FMO, and Norfund, the Norwegian Investment Fund for developing countries.

Both senior and mezzanine tranches have been privately rated by a credit ratings agency. The funds are raised under Sun King’s Sustainable Financing Framework, which received a Second Party Opinion (SPO) from Moody’s Investor Relations, earning a Very Good (SQS2) score. The securitisation is a private offer in line with Kenya’s capital market regulations.

To date, an estimated 30% of Kenyan homes have access to Sun King solar. With this new funding, solar access is expected to grow significantly. The new securitisation is expected to deliver loans that enable the purchase of approximately 1.4 million solar products and smartphones in Kenya. Together with Sun King’s 2023 securitisation, the two transactions will help deliver an estimated 3.7 million solar products and smartphones.

This second securitisation is part of Sun King’s broader effort to raise local currency capital across Africa. So far, Sun King has raised $450 million across Kenya, Nigeria, and Tanzania. The securitisation shows how appropriate financial tools can mobilise local private capital to solve local challenges, such as energy access and the just transition.

“This securitisation demonstrates the effectiveness of pay-as-you-go business models to reach underserved communities at scale and the role of development finance institutions to mobilise private capital,” said Jorge Rubio Nava, Citi’s Global Head of Social Finance. “Over the last few years, we’ve successfully partnered with Sun King to develop innovative financial tools that bring sustainable and affordable energy solutions to millions of households across Kenya and beyond.”

The IEA reports that Kenya is one of the few Sub-Saharan African countries on track for near-universal electricity access by 2030, with standalone, distributed rooftop solar playing a central role. The transaction supports the goals of Mission 300 — the World Bank- and African Development Bank-led initiative to connect 300 million people in Africa to electricity by 2030 — which recognises that mobilising local capital is critical to achieving that target. This securitisation is a key example of how return-seeking local finance can help scale clean energy access sustainably.

28 July 2025: The World Bank Board of Executive Directors has approved a $200 million International Development Association (IDA)* grant for the 13th phase of the Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation (ASCENT) Program which is set to provide reliable and sustainable energy services to more than one million beneficiaries in Zambia within the next five years.

The ASCENT Zambia project not only focuses on connecting Zambians living in remote and underserved communities, it also aims to supply reliable and affordable power to businesses and industries in Zambia which will in turn support economic growth and job creation. It will also scale up successful pilot projects, invest in new technologies, and build the capacity of local communities to manage and maintain energy infrastructure.

“The ASCENT Zambia project is a testament of the World Bank’s commitment to supporting sustainable energy access for all Zambians in line with the Zambia National Energy Compact, under the Mission 300 Initiative,” said Yadviga Viktorivna Semikolenova, World Bank Practice Manager for Energy for Eastern and Southern Africa. “We are excited to embark on this new phase and look forward to the positive impact it will have on local communities.”

The ASCENT Program employs a multi-phase approach to support countries across Eastern and Southern Africa to reach the Mission 300 target which aims to provide electricity access to 300 million people in Africa by 2030. The ASCENT Zambia project is the thirteenth phase in the region-wide program.

“Partnerships are key to the success of the ASCENT Zambia project,” said Achim Fock, World Bank Country Manager for Zambia. “We are grateful for the support of all partners and look forward to working together to help foster economic growth in Zambia through the provision of reliable energy to businesses and industries.”

2 July 2025: d.light, a global leader in providing affordable and sustainable solar energy solutions, is pleased to announce a significant expansion of its Brighter Life by d.light receivables financing facility. The expanded facility has the capacity to purchase over USD $300 million of receivables, enabling d.light to further its mission of delivering clean, reliable, and affordable energy to underserved communities across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

With this expanded facility, d.light has now closed securitized financing with a total combined purchasing value of USD$842 million across five separate facilities since 2020.

d.light will use the facility to scale up its PayGo consumer finance offering to make solar-powered products available to more low-income households and communities without access to electricity. The facility is multi-currency and will enable access to reliable, renewable energy for an estimated ten million people across the three countries over the next two years.

Commenting on the news, d.light CEO Nedjip Tozun said, “The expansion of BLd marks a pivotal moment in our journey to provide affordable solar energy to millions. Securitization has been a crucial innovation that has allowed us to scale our consumer financing offering, unlocking affordability and enabling us to reach more households, improve livelihoods, and contribute to a sustainable future.”

d.light has a proven track record of utilizing securitized finance to support consumer financing for its solar-powered household products in sub-Saharan Africa. It has set up a total of five facilities since 2020 covering Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda. The combined purchasing value of these existing facilities plus the expanded new facility is USD$842 million.

In February 2024, d.light announced that its USD$110 million securitization facility, Brighter Life Kenya 1 Limited (BLK1) successfully repaid its entire senior debt in full and ahead of schedule from internally generated cash flows – the first facility in the off-grid solar sector to do so.

The funding to expand BLd was provided by Mirova and the facility was arranged by African Frontier Capital.

“Mirova is proud to continue supporting d.light in their mission to provide clean energy for all. This expansion of Bld, provided through our investment strategy dedicated to energy transition in emerging markets, highlights the effectiveness of securitization vehicles in scaling financing for solar home systems, enabling us to reach more households and contribute to a sustainable future,” said Rim Azirar, Deputy Head of Emerging Markets Energy Transition at Mirova.

“We are proud to continue our partnership with d.light and support their efforts in expanding energy access,” said Eric De Moudt, CEO of African Frontier Capital. “The success of BLd demonstrates the effectiveness of innovative financing models in driving social impact.”

26 June 2025: A team of students from Gulu University, Uganda has won the gold award in the 2025 Efficiency for Access Design Challenge for their innovative hydrogel solar evaporator design, a sustainable solution that purifies contaminated water using solar energy and hydrogel materials. Designed for use in Ugandan refugee camps, the system is eco-friendly and low-cost, helping improve access to clean water and electricity.

The Efficiency for Access Design Challenge is a global competition that invites teams of university students to design affordable and energy efficient appliances and technologies that can help accelerate energy access for underserved communities in low-income countries. Now in its sixth year, the Challenge has engaged over 700 students from 40 universities across 17 countries, generating more than 115 project ideas that contribute to SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy.

This year’s silver awards were presented to Makerere University, Uganda, for their eco- solar cassava flash dryer, and Aston University, United Kingdom, for their solar-powered sanitary pad vending machine. Bronze awards went to another team from Makerere University, Uganda, for a smart solar-powered poultry feeding system; Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria, for a solar-powered irrigation system; University of Rwanda, for a solar-powered fishpond aerator; and Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, India, for a smart irrigation and fertiliser system. An additional team from the University of Rwanda won the People’s Award for their solar-powered tea leaf harvester.

Jolanda van Ginkel, Head of Portfolio, IKEA Foundation, said: “The ingenuity and commitment shown by these young innovators is exactly what the world needs to accelerate a just energy transition. By focusing on decentralised renewable energy, grid decarbonisation, and productive use of renewables, their solutions empower communities to thrive. At the IKEA Foundation, we are proud to support initiatives that increase energy efficiency and affordability—because access to renewable energy is not just a climate solution, it’s a pathway to opportunity and resilience.”

Throughout the year, the Efficiency for Access Design Challenge team ran webinars, networking and other interactive events for students, which aimed to enhance their understanding of the off-grid appliance sector. Student teams were also paired with industry mentors who provided them with structured guidance to create their projects.

The Challenge is delivered by Energy Saving Trust, co-Secretariat of Efficiency for Access, in collaboration with Engineers Without Borders UK, and is funded by UK aid from the UK government via the Transforming Energy Access platform and the IKEA Foundation.

Following the Grand Final on Thursday 26 June 2025, the Challenge will enter a strategic pause to assess its future direction and ensure alignment with the evolving needs of the energy access sector. Having successfully developed globally responsible design skills in university students around the world, the delivery team is now focused on enhancing its impact by more closely reflecting workforce demands in the off-grid appliance sector.

Emilie Carmichael, Head of International, Energy Saving Trust, commented: “As we mark six years of the Efficiency for Access Design Challenge, it’s inspiring to see how student-led innovation continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in clean energy access. Each year, we’ve seen young people bring forward practical, inclusive solutions that respond to real needs in underserved communities. We’re proud of the Challenge’s achievements– and hopeful about the continued impact of the students and ideas it has helped to nurture.”

To provide sustainable energy for all, we urgently need to enhance the efficiency and affordability of solar-powered appliances. Globally, 750 million people live without electricity, and many more lack reliable access. Solar-powered appliances can help improve lives and livelihoods and help vulnerable communities build climate resilience. However, less than 2% of the current demand is being met. Rapid innovation and investment are essential to close this gap and achieve universal energy access by 2030.

26 June 2025: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Africa Minigrid Developers Association (AMDA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in accelerating the deployment of sustainable minigrids across Africa. The MoU was signed on 19 June during the Africa Energy Forum (AEF) held in Cape Town, South Africa.

The partnership supports the Africa Minigrid Program (AMP), a USD 50 million technical assistance initiative funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented together with RMI and the African Development Bank, designed to increase investment in solar-battery minigrids and expand energy access in underserved communities.

Under this partnership, UNDP and AMDA will work together across five key areas: technical assistance, capacity building, data and digital innovation, policy advocacy, and resource mobilization. By combining UNDP’s global reach and policy expertise with AMDA’s deep technical knowledge and private sector network, the partnership aims to accelerate the scale-up of minigrid solutions and improve enabling conditions for both developers and governments.

“We know that minigrids are one of the most practical and cost-effective solutions for rural electrification in Africa. But to scale, we must bridge the gap between ambition and bankability,” said Mateo Salomon, Head of Climate Change Mitigation at UNDP. “This partnership with AMDA helps us do exactly that— aligning the development community, government and private sector to turn potential into reality.”

“AMDA is pleased to formalize this collaboration with UNDP, a critical partner in advancing sustainable development across the continent. This MoU underscores our shared commitment to scaling minigrid deployment through data-driven policy advocacy, catalytic financing, and capacity building,” said Olamide Niyi-Afuye, Chief Executive Officer of AMDA. “By aligning our strengths, we aim to create a more enabling ecosystem for minigrid developers and accelerate progress toward universal energy access in Africa.”

This agreement marks a major step in advancing energy access by unlocking the potential of minigrids to drive inclusive and resilient development across Africa. According to the third edition of the Benchmarking Africa’s Minigrids report by AMDA, the African minigrid market is expanding, driving up electrification rates and spurring job creation. However, regulatory bottlenecks, funding issues and supply chain problems are hindering the pace of development and driving up costs. The new report calls for governments, investors, and industry stakeholders to intensify efforts to scale minigrids for Africa’s energy future through data-driven insights.

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About UNDP: UNDP works in over 170 countries and territories, helping to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, and build resilience so countries can sustain progress. As the UN’s development agency, UNDP plays a critical role in helping countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. UNDP supports governments in strengthening institutional capacities, creating enabling regulatory environments, and mobilizing finance to expand access to sustainable energy and other essential services. By focusing on the conditions necessary to translate policy ambition into tangible results, UNDP helps countries accelerate their transitions toward a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future.

About AMDA: The Africa Minigrid Developers Association (AMDA) is an industry association formed by private sector minigrid developers and development partners dedicated to improving the political and financial environments for minigrid companies in Africa. AMDA serves as the unified voice for minigrid developers, working to accelerate their path to scale and sustainability in achieving universal access to sustainable, reliable, affordable, and modern energy across the continent. Currently, AMDA has over 56 member companies operating in 24 African countries.

12 June 2025: The Nordic Development Fund (NDF) has approved funding to support the Rural Energy Access Lab (REAL) with a Booster Grant of EUR 500,000 to develop rural pre-grid electrification programmes in 10 African countries.

This grant contributes to the REAL multi-donor facility and will finance preparation activities aimed at scaling sustainable pre-grid electrification projects designed to provide universal energy access. It will support the REAL initiative to launch, develop, seed, scale, and operate these programmes.

As part of its preparation activities, REAL project partners launched pilot projects in Malawi, Senegal, and Sierra Leone to rigorously test key elements of the Energy-as-a-Service model.

Additionally, REAL project partners are actively engaging with government officials in each country to design and prepare for scaling up the pilots and, ultimately, to launch nationwide programmes once the REAL Facility is operational.

The REAL Facility will serve as an umbrella fund to raise capital for country-level facilities. These will co-finance and support asset and operational companies responsible for the management and operation of 10 scalable pre-grid electrification programmes.

The NDF grant will be allocated to three key areas of the preparation activities:

• Pilots and in-country project development
• Setting up the REAL Facility
• Developing REAL activity and stakeholder engagement

In addition to providing financial support, NDF will actively collaborate with REAL, drawing on its extensive experience in launching and scaling facilities. This includes sharing technical insights and lessons learned to strengthen the capacity of the facility and ensure effective implementation.

By 2030, REAL aims to catalyse pre-grid electrification projects in 10 hard-to-reach countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, deploying Tier 1 solar systems to 50 million people who will benefit from access to energy-as-a-service.

“REAL’s pioneering approach to rural pre-grid electrification brings together donors, governments, funders, manufacturers, and local operators in a new model that has the potential to achieve sustainable, universal energy access. We thank the NDF for their commitment to fund REAL’s preparatory work to scale our initiative, help us accelerate progress toward this urgent goal, and ensure no one is left behind,” says John Keane, REAL Founding Partner and CEO of SolarAid.

“Access to reliable energy is a fundamental driver for development and climate solutions. Yet, in many rural communities in Sub-Saharan Africa, it remains out of reach. We’re proud to support REAL with a Booster Grant, supporting their environmentally sustainable model and access to energy through locally-led, innovative solutions. We look forward to seeing the meaningful impact REAL will create in the regions where these activities are needed the most,” says Satu Santala, NDF Managing Director.

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About NDF: The Nordic Development Fund (NDF) is the joint Nordic international finance institution of the five Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. NDF focuses on the nexus between climate change and development in lower-income countries and countries in fragile situations. Since the introduction of the climate mandate in 2009, NDF has built a track record of adding value by financing climate mitigation and adaptation projects in close interaction with its extensive network of strategic partners.

About REAL: The Rural Energy Access Lab (REAL) is an independent not-for-profit initiative launched by SolarAid in collaboration with Easy Solar and Moon. REAL works with governments in sub-Saharan Africa to develop public-private partnerships and scale pre-grid electrification programmes that rapidly connect hard-to-reach households to sustainable energy.