Hardest-to-Reach

560 million people in the sub-Saharan region live without electricity and will continue to do so in the foreseeable future without adequate intervention. Investment barriers such as risky and nascent market, hard-to-reach locality, and lack of supporting infrastructure keep traditional off-grid solar companies from investing in projects that could benefit hard-to-reach communities. The unelectrified communities of these countries risk being trapped in energy poverty and climate vulnerability. Delivering clean, affordable, and climate-resilient energy to these vulnerable communities will be a crucial component of climate action not only in the sub-Saharan region, but for the African continent.

The H2R programme aims to provide affordable and green energy access to first-time users in low-income populations in 17 countries in Africa. The programme will support off-grid solar companies to enter and grow in these underserved markets by providing flexible financing that matches the needs of the companies. The programme seeks to mobilise a blend of donor and private finance to deliver off-grid solar solutions to least developed communities via pay-as-you-go financing methods. The goal is to close a historically persistent energy gap in sub-Saharan countries, thereby contributing to a more just and inclusive energy systems transition.

Technical assistance through the GCF Project Preparation Facility (PPF) was deployed to support the Accredited Entity in the development of this project's funding proposal (FP).