The board of directors of the African Development Bank has approved a US$7M grant from the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA), for a new technical assistance initiative meeting the needs of the continent’s fast-evolving renewable mini-grid industry.
The Africa Mini-Grid Market Acceleration Programme (AMAP), which aims to expand private mini-grid investment on the African continent, will include three core components:
- The implementation of a new and standardised framework for national-scale Mini-Grid Acceleration Programmes (MAPs) in four countries;
- the design and enhancement of financial de-risking solutions;
- and support for knowledge, innovation, and skills development activities, including the continuation of the Bank’s Green Mini-Grid Help Desk website.
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“Mini-grids are an integral and increasingly important feature of the energy access solution, not just in terms of providing lights to households, but also in ensuring that underserved populations have access to productive uses of energy to power inclusive and green economic growth,” said Dr Kevin Kariuki, the Bank’s Vice-President for power, energy, climate and green growth.
Dr Kariuki added: “AMAP underscores the African Development Bank’s commitment to strengthening Africa’s mini-grids industry, which we see as a key driver for accelerated energy access, climate resilience, and a green post-COVID-19 recovery.”
Source: EsiAfrica via CrudeMix Africa
