Citizen Energy Zambia - Promoting off-grid solutions in Zambia

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Core problem Almost 60% of the African population, that is more than 600 million people, have no access to electricity. Of Zambia's approximately 17.7 million inhabitants, on average only around 27% are currently connected to the national electricity grid. The urban areas (47% access) are far better supplied than the rural population (3-4% access). This means that around 1.7 million households and therefore over nine million people are without electricity. In order to achieve the universal/Zambian National Electrification Strategy goal of access to electricity for all by 2030, significant investments in energy generation and distribution are necessary. In addition to expanding the electricity grid, the expansion of decentralized electricity supplies is also necessary, especially where grid construction in sparsely populated areas does not make economic sense. Module objective Support the expansion of decentralized, off-grid energy supplies through renewable energies and thereby contribute to improving access to electrical energy, especially for remote population groups, and to reducing greenhouse gases. Key outputs Private providers of off-grid energy solutions receive financial support to enable them to operate in a long-term, economically viable manner. GHG emissions are avoided. Parts of Zambia's population gain access to renewable, decentralized electrical energy. Target group By paying results-based grants (viability payments), BGFA supports private companies that sell or operate solar home systems (SHS) and minigrids (MG) to the population in peri-urban and rural regions of Zambia. The project supports the Zambia window of the Beyond the Grid Fund for Africa (BGFA). The indirect target group is the (rural and peri-urban) population of Zambia, who thus gain access to electrical energy. The direct target group are sustainably operating providers of off-grid solutions in Zambia. Contribution to the national implementation of Agenda 2030 The FC module supports Zambia in achieving the goals set out in the National Electrification Strategy: SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy) and SDG 13 (climate protection).