Our programmes
Our programmes are designed to deliver impactful and tangible outcomes, addressing the energy access gap while fostering socio-economic development. Leaving no one behind!
Mini-Grids Programme
Mini-grids provide quick and efficient means of connecting millions of households and businesses to clean, affordable and reliable electricity in hard-to-reach communities. The UEF provides incentive payments (i.e., grants) on a ‘results-based’ approach to eligible organizations that develop and operate mini-grid systems and provide verified electricity connections in selected countries.
Objective 1
Accelerate access to electricity for households, businesses and other productive uses across high-impact countries
Objective 2
Unlock commercial capital for investment to scale mini-grids development
Stand-Alone Solar for Productive Use
The Stand-Alone Solar for Productive Use (SSPU) programme of the UEF is designed to scale up electricity access to households, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The programme offers results-based grants to solar companies for verified end-user connections based on pre-determined standards. Companies using energy-as-a-service or lease-to-own business models are supported under the SSPU programme.
Objective 1
Scale up electricity access for SMEs by supporting sustainable business models that address the challenge of making full upfront payments to purchase solar systems which helps to alleviate the switching costs from polluting energy sources such as fuel generators.
Objective 2
De-risk investments in solar companies by providing grant payments to enable solar companies expand their operations to new market segments and serve as a blended finance mechanism to crowd-in additional private capital.
Zambia Energy Demand Stimulation Incentive
The Universal Energy Facility Launches Financing Mechanism to Expand Energy Access in Zambia
Objective 1
Catalyze President Hichilema's initiative to power 1,000 communities with results-based financing for 100 mini grids.
Objective 2
Boost mini-grid utilization in Zambia and encourage demand stimulation activity
Impact stories
Honorable Oliver Jean-Baptise
Minister of Energy & Hydrocarbons, Madagascar
Romain de Villeneuve
CEO, WeLight Africa
Get involved!
We believe that partnerships are essential for driving progress towards our common objectives.