Worldwide, around 1 billion people currently lack access to electricity, the vast majority in rural areas. A real opportunity exists to now meet this challenge with private sector solutions for off-grid renewable energy, either via solar-battery mini-grids or solar home systems.

In many countries, the production of off-grid electricity from renewables is largely unrecorded, but is believed to be expanding rapidly. This trend has been driven by numerous factors, including falling costs, innovation and supportive public policies.

The Government has borrowed $269 million (Rwf237 billion) from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to invest in sustainable, affordable and reliable electricity services.

Countries have adopted a range of approaches to the development of mini-grids, aiming to extend energy access to underserved areas or communities. Existing regulations, however, have often been inadequate to de-risk and finance such investments.

Kenyans can expect to pay less for electricity upon the inauguration of the region’s largest solar plant next month, in the northeastern part of the country.

Energy and development experts from across Africa and beyond have called for renewed urgency in the drive to light up and power the continent.

Off-grid renewable energy solutions have emerged as mainstream and support the expanding access to modern energy services in a timely and environmentally sustainable manner. Off-grid renewables are able to deliver a wide spectrum of electricity services for households, public services, commercial and industrial uses.

Access to electricity can bring about a transformative change in the economic conditions and growth of any country. It not only helps in improving the living conditions of the society at large, but also provides them with ample revenue opportunities to earn a livelihood.

India’s firm commitment towards the global clean energy transition is evident from its renewable energy (RE) deployment targets as well as the policy measures taken to facilitate RE deployment and its integration at higher shares.

Uganda’s off-grid solar expansion programme has been granted $500,000 (about Shs 1.9 billion) by the US government-funded initiative, Power Africa Uganda Accelerator.

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