Power Africa contributes to the electrification of sub-Saharan Africa
Sweden supports the Power Africa initiative to bridge the financial gap and double electricity access for millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa. Power Africa is a partnership between the public and private sector that started in 2013. It aims to increase electricity access and solve Africa’s energy crisis.
Universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is one of the Global Goals. This goal is also essential to be able to meet several of the other goals.
One billion people have no access to energy
One billion people across the world live without access to energy. Solving this will require a sharp increase in energy access investments. In sub-Saharan Africa alone, 600 million people, that is 70% of the population, lack access to electricity and clean cooking.
Public funding alone cannot bridge the financial gap and secure universal electricity access. It must be complemented with private financing.
Sida supports innovative methods to mobilise capital
Sweden’s support through Sida has for a long time focused on grant-funded investments in rural electrification, capacity building, and energy sector reform. Since 2015 the strategy includes new innovative methods to mobilising capital for private investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency in sub-Saharan Africa.



Power Africa methods
Sida uses several methods to support development of bankable projects and support renewable energy access-companies to become eligible for long-term debt financing. Different types of capital and funding are used at different stages in their business lifecycle.
Concept papers on selected projects
Examples of partners and programmes
Africa Electricity Grids Explorer
The Africa Electricity Grids Explorer by the World Bank shows electricity access in Africa.
Support private sector efforts to supply energy to rural communities in Africa.
Beyond the Grid Fund for Zambia
Aims to increase energy access to one million Zambians by 2021, improve livelihoods, catalyse economic activity in rural and peri-urban areas.
Private Financing Advisory Network (PFAN)
Provides transaction advice and connects renewable energy ventures with private investors and financiers.
Crowdfunding platforms that arrange working capital debt for renewable energy service providers.
Demo Environment Challenge Fund
Grants for planning and presenting projects in renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Innovations Against Poverty
Challenges the private sector to develop products, services and business models that can combat poverty and climate change.
Private Infrastructure Development Group
Mobilises private investment to help developing countries build infrastructure that boosts economic growth and combats poverty.
Energising Development
Promotes sustainable access to modern energy services for households, social institutions and small to medium enterprises.
Energy Sector Management Assistance Program
Helps low- and middle-income countries reduce poverty and boost growth through environmentally sustainable energy solutions.
International network on gender and sustainable energy
Contributes to ensuring access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy for all. Brings sustainable energy solutions to people in hard to reach communities. Strengthens women-led micro and small businesses that provide energy solutions.
Powering Agriculture
Supports the development of clean energy innovations that increase productivity and stimulate low carbon economic growth in the agricultural sector in developing countries.
EU Electrification Financing Initiative
A financing mechanism to support market development and private sector initiatives for affordable, sustainable, and reliable energy solutions in developing countries.