Shifting the Narrative: Addressing Africa's Energy Poverty Challenge

About this grant

Nearly one in five people globally lack access to electricity, and this is a major development challenge facing the world’s poor, particularly in Africa. Electricity is a key driver of business growth and economic development. If the right policies, financing, and incentives are in place, small and medium- sized enterprises based in Africa could create energy solutions that will yield economic benefits for African communities while not exacerbating climate change impacts. There is an opportunity to influence domestic investment in Africa’s energy sector to ensure that off-grid and mini-grid renewable electricity are prioritized in order to provide access to millions in poor rural communities. With this grant, Oxfam America will develop the research and communications strategy that helps to frame the debate on such energy access issues in Africa.