Private Sector Mini-Grid Developers Sign Funding Agreements to Fast Track Zambia’s Electrification Efforts

• Over US$1.1 million awarded to OnePower Zambia, Renwasol/Solar23, and Engie Energy Access Zambia (Power Corner Zambia) through ZEDSI programme.

LUSAKA, ZAMBIA | June 25, 2025 ― Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), with support from The Rockefeller Foundation, through a grant to the United Nations Office for Project Service, today announced the first private-sector mini-grid agreements under the Zambia Energy Demand Stimulation Incentive (ZEDSI) programme. Awarding over US$1.1 million to OnePower Zambia, Renwasol/Solar23, and Engie Energy Access Zambia (Power Corner Zambia), this round of funding will support the development and operation of 43 mini-grids, bringing reliable and affordable energy to underserved areas. The overarching aim of the ZEDSI programme is to bring clean, dependable energy to more than 7,000 people, supporting the country’s goal of electrifying 1,000 communities and achieving universal energy access by 2030.

“Our government is laser-focused on delivering electricity to all Zambians. We are committed to making sure no rural district is left behind, said Alex Mbumba, Acting Chief Executive Officer, the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) in Zambia. “Clean, affordable, and reliable power is not a luxury — it’s a right, and it’s the foundation for jobs, business growth, and a better future for every community across Zambia.”

With rural electrification in Zambia at just 34% — and as low as 18% in many parts of Africa, compared to over 80% globally — ZEDSI is tackling the dual challenge of attracting investment to underserved areas and promoting the productive use of electricity. The initiative supports a pipeline of 100 high-impact, solar-powered mini-grids, aiming to directly improve the livelihoods of 30,000 Zambians and benefit up to 100,000 people overall. ZEDSI also supports Zambia’s National Energy Compact under Mission 300, an ambitious initiative led by the World Bank Group and African Development Bank to connect 300 million people in Africa to clean, affordable, and reliable electricity by 2030. The success of this effort depends heavily on strong private sector engagement.

Gillian-Alexandre Huart, CEO of Engie Energie Access, said: “The private sector is essential not only for providing capital but also for driving innovation and delivering sustainable energy solutions across the continent. ZEDSI presents a unique model where it helps developers build a viable business case for off-grid solutions in rural communities while also showing that energy is not just about access ― it’s about lasting impact. ZEDSI is helping make rural electrification bankable and beneficial for both communities and investors.”

ZEDSI incentivizes developers to stimulate energy demand within the rural communities they serve, particularly among small businesses and public institutions, by encouraging the use of productive appliances such as milling machines, refrigerators, irrigation pumps, and power tools. Developers receive performance-based grants tied to actual energy use, ensuring sustained community benefit and long-term viability of the mini-grid systems. ZEDSI grants to local developers are channeled through the Universal Energy Facility, a multi-donor results-based financing platform managed by SEforALL.

“We have a unique and urgent opportunity to transform the energy landscape by advancing bold, collaborative solutions. This Zambia Energy Demand Stimulation Incentive (ZEDSI) programme demonstrates what’s possible when philanthropy, the private sector, and governments work together with a shared purpose,” said Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All, and Co-Chair of UN-Energy. “It’s a critical step in scaling solutions such as the Universal Energy Facility, spurring rural electrification and economic development in Zambia ― especially in the communities that need it most.”

The initiative aims to be additive by developing innovative solutions to support the achievement of Zambia’s broader energy strategies, including the EU-backed Increased Access to Electricity and Renewable Energy Production (IAEREP) programme plus the Rural Electrification Master Plan (REMP) and the Zambia Renewable Energy Financing Framework, as well as Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Transformation (ASCENT) program, one of the visionary World Bank programs that serves as the backbone of Mission 300.

“This milestone in Zambia represents the power of African-led innovation. It demonstrates that when tailored solutions and strong local partnerships meet country-specific realities, we are able to make progress that can and should be replicated across the continent. We hope this project will serve as an example of how African-grown solutions can accelerate access to opportunity.” ― William Asiko, Vice President and Head of The Rockefeller Foundation’s Africa Regional Office

“The ZEDSI programme is more than a grant – it’s a catalyst for change. By supporting mini-grid development in Zambia’s rural communities, we’re not just lighting homes; we’re powering livelihoods, opportunity, and long-term economic growth. We’re honored to be part of this bold step toward universal energy access and a more equitable, sustainable future.” ― Caroline Nijland, CEO of Renewable Energy an Water Solutions Limited (RENWASOL)

“This incentive has the power to transform rural electrification in Zambia. For the first time, developers have a real opportunity to build sustainable, scalable off-grid businesses that serve the communities that need it most. I’m proud to be part of this movement and excited to help turn this vision into reality.” ― Matthew Orosz, CEO of One Power Africa Limited

“At Engie PowerCorner Zambia, we’re committed to transforming rural communities by delivering clean, affordable electricity through smart mini-grids and innovative digital solutions. With support from the UEF initiative, we look forward to unlocking the full potential of Zambia’s rural communities and powering a brighter, more inclusive future.” ― Helen Zulu, Country Director, Engie Energy Access Zambia (PowerCorner Zambia Limited)

Click here to learn more about the ZEDSI incentive, including the application requirements. Only eligible mini-grid developers registered and operating in Zambia may apply.

About The Rockefeller Foundation

The Rockefeller Foundation is a pioneering philanthropy built on collaborative partnerships at the frontiers of science, technology, and innovation that enable individuals, families, and communities to flourish. We make big bets to promote the well-being of humanity. Today, we are focused on advancing human opportunity and reversing the climate crisis by transforming systems in food, health, energy, and finance. For more information, sign up for our newsletter at www.rockefellerfoundation.org/subscribe and follow us on X @RockefellerFdn and LinkedIn @the-rockefeller-foundation.

About Sustainable Energy for All

Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) is an international organization, hosted by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) that works in partnership with the United Nations and leaders in government, the private sector, financial institutions, civil society and philanthropies to drive faster action towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) ― access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all by 2030 ― in line with the Paris Agreement on climate.

We work to ensure a clean energy transition that leaves no one behind and brings new opportunities for everyone to fulfil their potential. For more information, visit us at www.seforall.org and follow us on LinkedIn @seforall.

About the Universal Energy Facility

The Universal Energy Facility (UEF), managed by SEforALL was established to accelerate and scale up energy access across Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond, in line with SDG7 and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. The UEF provides incentive payments to clean energy companies deploying energy solutions and providing verified end-user electricity connections (via mini-grids and stand-alone solar systems) and clean cooking solutions based on pre-determined service standards.

The UEF currently works in six countries: Benin, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Madagascar, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Zambia. To date, the UEF has financed 36 clean energy companies and helped catalyze over USD 17.2 million of commercial capital with over 8,976 electricity connections achieved through decentralized renewable energy projects in unserved communities. Over 40,000 people have benefitted from new or improved access to electricity. Nearly 3,000 businesses and public institutions, including schools and healthcare centres continue to receive reliable electricity, which is crucial for the development of rural communities. For more information, visit us at www.universalenergyfacility.org and follow us on LI @uef-universal-energy-facility.

This press release first appeared in www.seforall.org on June 25th, 2025, and is reposted with permission.