Multilateral Development Banks
World Bank Group
• “Mission 300” and Concessional IDA Credit Resources: The World Bank will allocate over $30 billion from International Development Association (IDA) resources for energy projects in African countries by 2030.
• Distributed Renewable Energy Facility: In February 2024, the World Bank granted nearly $300 million to the Trade and Development Bank of East and Southern Africa (TDB) to support distributed energy and clean cooking projects in IDA-eligible countries.
African Development Bank (AfDB)
• Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA): A multi-donor fund that provides a mix of grants, equity investments, and concessional loans to stimulate private sector investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency.
• Green Investment Program for Africa (GIPA): A budget allocated for project preparation and attracting large-scale investments aimed at accelerating the deployment of green technologies.
• Partnership with the Global Environment Facility (GEF): The African Development Bank channels grants through its partnership with the GEF for climate change, biodiversity, and land degradation projects in Africa.
Global Climate Funds
Green Climate Fund (GCF):
The largest dedicated climate fund in the world, it has approved nearly 300 projects in developing countries, including African nations, that pursue a combination of greenhouse gas reduction and climate adaptation goals.
Global Environment Facility (GEF):
Independently from its partnership with AfDB, the GEF directly supports African projects focused on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and climate adaptation with an emphasis on biodiversity conservation and sustainable land management.
Bilateral and National Agencies
Germany – KfW Development Bank
• Decentralized Energy Solutions: Through the SDG 7 fund, it provides concessional loans to producers and operators of independent solar systems and mini-grids in West Africa (Senegal, Benin, Burkina Faso).
• Just Energy Transition in South Africa: Financing renewable energy projects and pilot green hydrogen projects while supporting skill training for the workforce during the energy transition.
France – French Development Agency (AFD)
• Green Energy Fund (South Africa): Financing small-scale renewable energy and energy efficiency projects as well as green production schemes in South Africa.
• ARE Scale-Up Facility: In partnership with the European Commission for project preparation and initial financing of renewable energies across Africa.
United States – U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
• Power Africa Program Grants: Requests for proposals (RFA) for local organizations (such as Nigerian entities) to provide off-grid and mini-grid solutions with multi-million dollar budgets.
United Kingdom – Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
• Africa Clean Energy Program (ACE): Financial and technical support for off-grid solar home systems and mini-grids through partnerships with private sector companies.
• ACE Technical Assistance Facility: A four-year program for grant funding and capacity building of private partners under ACE.
• Increased Participation in SEFA: An additional £8.5 million contribution to the SEFA fund in early 2025.
Specialized Funds and Resources
Africa Go Green Fund:
A thematic fund focusing on decarbonizing industries and companies, encouraging local banks and enterprises to invest in greenhouse gas reduction.
ICTWorks Grants:
Information portals like ICTWorks provide a list of grant opportunities (up to $250,000 for non-governmental solar, wind, hydro, and hybrid systems) for community-based clean energy projects across Africa.
