AfrElec: Rockefeller Foundation, partners to boost rural electrification in Zambia

The Rockefeller Foundation, an international charity group, and its two partners have launched a new financial mechanism to support mini-grid developers in Zambia.

The Demand Stimulation Incentive, said The Rockefeller Foundation in a release on April 11, supports President Hakainde Hichilema’s decision to accelerate the deployment of mini-grids through the 1000 Mini-Grid Initiative.

The foundation is leading the initiative working jointly with fellow philanthropic groups, Global Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) and Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL).

Their initiative will support rural development by powering productive uses of energy in communities currently lacking access to reliable electricity. Designed as a grant-based subsidy, the incentive seeks to steer mini-grid developers to connect small businesses and public institutions, spurring income generation and economic activity in the communities.

"In its first phase, the incentive will target mini-grid deployments across 100 priority sites, which will positively impact the livelihoods of 30,000 rural Zambians and the welfare of over 100,000 Zambians by electrifying schools, hospitals and other community institutions," said the statement.

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