Nairobi, Kenya — The Global Off-Grid Solar Forum and Expo (#GOGSFE24) kicked off today at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), with a clear message resonating throughout the halls: Collaboration and investment are the cornerstones to powering 1 billion lives by 2030.
The opening plenary set the tone for an ambitious agenda. Sarah Malm, Executive Director of GOGLA, joined forces with Dr. Qimiao Fan, World Bank Country Director for Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, and Uganda, to emphasize the pressing need for tailored financial solutions. Their joint call for increased subsidies and local currency financing was loud and clear — these are not just nice-to-haves, but essential mechanisms to drive energy access and unlock the full potential of the off-grid solar sector.
The latest Market Trends Report (#MTR24), presented by Jake Maughan, provided the data to back this up. Developed by GOGLA and The World Bank’s Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP), the report highlighted trends that show a growing off-grid solar market. But it also underscored key barriers that need addressing, including the high cost of capital and the need for innovative financing models to ensure scalability.
In a critical discussion moderated by Daniel Alexander Schroth from the African Development Bank Group, industry leaders took the stage to debate the collaborations necessary to meet Africa’s growing energy demand. Panelists including Anish Thakkar of Sun King, Eric De Moudt of African Frontier Capital, Jones Ntaukira of Zuwa Energy, and Tarisai T. Mureriwa of Natfort Energy explored the financial models and partnerships that can propel the sector forward.
“Scaling up the off-grid solar sector will require not just financing, but partnerships across the value chain, from manufacturers to local distributors,” said Thakkar. The panel agreed that cross-sector collaboration and blended financing solutions are vital to overcoming hurdles and driving progress.
On the policy front, Emmastella Gakuo, Founder of Savanna Circuit Tech, highlighted the importance of creating supportive frameworks at the national and regional levels. “Without enabling policies, even the most innovative technologies won’t reach the people who need them most,” she stressed, calling on governments to develop regulations that promote the adoption and scaling of solar energy solutions.
A major highlight of the day was a session on Mission 300 (#M300), a bold initiative to electrify 300 million Africans by 2030. Spearheaded by global heavyweights like the Rockefeller Foundation’s Andrew Herscowitz, SEforALL’s Damilola Ogunbiyi, and The World Bank’s Yadviga Semikolenova, the session inspired attendees with the sheer scale of what’s possible — but also the hard work ahead. “It’s not just about reaching a number,” Ogunbiyi said, “it’s about transforming lives and creating sustainable futures.”
The official opening of the Forum by Hon. James Opoyo Wandayi, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, was a moment of pride for the host nation. “Kenya has positioned itself as a leader in off-grid energy solutions,” he declared, “and we are committed to driving energy access across Africa.”
As Day One comes to a close, one thing is clear: the global energy community has its sights firmly set on collaboration and investment to meet the ambitious #Power1BillionLives2030 target. The conversations and partnerships that began today will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of energy access on the continent.
The forum continues tomorrow, and the excitement is palpable. Stay tuned for more insights, innovations, and inspiring discussions from the forefront of the off-grid solar revolution.
