Close-up of a technician installing solar panels, highlighting the role of sustainable energy solutions in climate finance initiatives and promoting renewable energy sources — UNDP Rome Centre Sustainable Energy

Sustainable Energy

Energy for Growth in Africa Initiative

Overview and objective

Energy for Growth in Africa is an innovative initiative proposed by the Italian Government and implemented by UNDP to accelerate the deployment of international climate finance commitments to projects in Africa. The initiative was endorsed by the G7 leaders at the Apulia summit in 2024 with partners from across the African continent.  The initiative will unlock the deployment of climate finance commitments into clean energy projects that support the economic development of partner countries by leveraging UNDPs experience in working with domestic partners to bring these projects to available capital with the matching risk appetite.  

 

Approach

UNDP-led efforts in partner countries identify a pipeline of clean energy projects that promote economic growth, ranging from renewable energy generation and e-mobility to bioenergy and productive uses like clean cooking and energy access for healthcare. In addition, we build partnerships with financial institutions that are deploying international climate finance, as well as those seeking investment opportunities in Africa’s clean energy sector. By positioning ourselves at the centre of a network that links viable clean energy projects with potential financiers, we aim to accelerate the flow of external capital into Africa and boost both energy investment and economic development.

The approach is tailored to each country’s specific needs, which we ensure through an initial consultation and analysis updated every two years. This ensures alignment with each country’s national strategy and acknowledges contextual challenges in developing a pipeline of investment-grade projects.  

The central coordination through the existing network of UNDP country offices also makes the approach geographically scalable, taking advantage of the network effect that the resulting larger pipeline has on the matching with climate finance institutions with diverse mandates. 

Areas of work 

UNDP Rome Centre Sustainable Energy 2Clean Energy Project Origination & Development: Identify and support a pipeline of clean energy projects in each country of operations that aligns with national energy strategies and international climate commitments. These projects encompass a diverse range of technologies, including mini-grids, solar, hydropower, wind, clean cooking, e-mobility, and bioenergy, all tailored to address the domestic energy priorities of each country. 
UNDP Rome Centre Sustainable Energy 1Technical Assistance & Project Enhancement: Facilitate access to technical support for the improvement of feasibility studies, power purchase agreements, environmental and social impact assessments, and other interventions, as well as mobilizing catalytic funds, concessional finance, guarantees, and insurance to mitigate credit, off-taker, currency and other risks. 
UNDP Rome Centre Sustainable Energy 3Investment Mobilization: Facilitate connections between project developers and international development financial institutions with Africa-focused and energy-specific mandates, such as institutions with a focus on de-risking projects to crowd-in private capital and scale investment. 
Two hands shaking inside a yellow circle, symbolizing partnership or agreement.
Strategic Partnerships & Funding Access: Collaborate with the Italian Climate Fund, IMEES bilateral funds, the EU’s Global Gateway, the European Investment Bank, and G7 partners to mobilize diverse financial instruments for the clean energy sector, as well as support the integration with international initiatives like Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII), Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETPs), and the Rome Process.   

Geographical focus

The Energy for Growth in Africa Initiative is currently active in 10 African countries: Congo Brazzaville, Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mauritania, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Tunisia, and Zambia.   

 

Map of Africa highlighting countries involved in the Energy for Growth initiative.

 

Initial Results

Currently, over a dozen high priority projects (and counting) have been originated across our countries of operation at various stages of development. These projects have immense potential to contribute to addressing energy gaps and encompass a diverse range of interventions, including clean cooking, mini-grids, hydropower, e-mobility, solar, wind, biofuel, and geothermal energy.  

For these projects, we are facilitating access to various technical support systems available within UNDP and externally, whilst also connecting the most bankable of them to international financiers, including Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and private sector investors.  

For more information, please email: energyforgrowth@undp.org  

Infographic outlining the "Energy for Growth in Africa Initiative," detailing project support and geographical focus.

Energy for Growth in Africa Initiative Overview

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