Publication database

This research features first-hand insights and lessons learned from 13 last mile distributors (LMDs) that have experience of testing or selling productive use of energy (PUE) products. These kinds of products – from solar pumps and mills, to fridges and freezers – can be transformational for last mile consumers. But ensuring consumers are able to realise income and productivity gains from using these technologies is complex. The learnings presented in this report, in GDC members’ own voices, are not exhaustive; they are intended to help other LMDs to navigate various complexities on their own PUE journey. This report was produced as part of a project in partnership with Solar Sister, and financed by EEP Africa.

Last mile distributors (LMDs) are primarily dedicated to getting beneficial products, including solar lights, water filters, nutrition products and improved cooking solutions to underserved areas. However, they face difficulties in reaching last mile consumers. The“Last Mile Distribution: State of the sector report” presents data and insights and provides tangible recommendations for stakeholders on how to engage with and support the sector.

UNDP ‘s Ecosystem Development Approach provides a tried-and-tested methodology for bringing stakeholders together around a shared objective. Pilots in Lesotho, Senegal and Uganda show that the approach effectively enables collaboration, e.g. for more inclusive tourism, access to energy or mobile money, even beyond the end of the program. We documented the pilots and insights – so others can replicate the approach.

While the struggle of rural communities to access quality health services has long been a critical issue, the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the essential role that electricity plays in rural health care facilities. Against this emergency background, DRE solutions offer a clean and cheap opportunity to electrify rural health care facilities. Showcasing 16 case studies from ARE Members, this publication aims to demonstrate the ability of DRE solutions to quickly deliver sustainable, reliable power to rural health care facilities and to serve as inspiration for new DRE projects.

As power supply in Nigeria´s electricity grid is unreliable, Lumos, an off-grid solar company provides access to affordable and reliable electricity to homes and businesses in Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire through its solar home systems. The report focuses on Lumos' customers. Especially, their experiences with the electricity grid before accessing solar home systems, their educational and financial backgrounds, if they are using solar power privately or for business and their feedback on possible improvement of Lumos' power supply.   

At the GOGLA Forum in Nairobi six active lenders to PAYG companies - SIMA, SunFunder, responsAbility, OIKO credit, Lendahand and CDC Group - shared their lessons learned and provided an outlook on the sector. This short report is a structured summary and reflection on the key points that came up.

This evidence review assesses the impact of electricity on development outcome in emerging economies. It considers the evidence of impact in macroeconomic, microeconomic, social, and environmental areas to help investors maximise impact across investments in power.

The off-grid solar energy industry is generating thousands of jobs across East, West and Central Africa as well as South Asia. GOGLA's latest report Off-Grid Solar. A Growth Engine for Jobs estimates the sector currently supports 370,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs across these four regions. With investments and the right policies, the off-grid solar sector could create 1.3 million FTE jobs across East, West and Central Africa as well as South Asia by 2022.

This report addresses the opportunity for the private sector to play a role in developing digital payment systems. It highlights various sectors where these opportunities are largely untapped and where global companies can leverage their networks to help bring consumers into the digital economy.