Kigali:Delivering the potential of off-grid solar to connect hundreds of millions of people to reliable electricity by 2030 will require a significant investment of USD 11.4 billion, as estimated by a World Bank report.
According to Wam, this investment will be composed of USD 1.3 billion annually in grants and affordability subsidies, and USD 1.6 billion annually in equity, debt, and receivables financing. The report highlights that this sum represents only a modest portion of the estimated USD 3-5 trillion required annually for the global energy transition by 2030.
The Off-Grid Solar Market Trends Report 2026, released by the World Bank Group's Energy Sector Management Assistance Programme (ESMAP) and GOGLA at the Global Off-Grid Solar Forum and Expo in Kigali, notes a 26% increase in the number of people using off-grid solar products over the past two years, rising from 118 million to 149 million. The report emphasizes that off-grid solar remains the most cost-effective solution for at least 398 million people without electricity access and serves as a vital complement to the grid.
The report also indicates that the off-grid solar sector is a growing source of jobs and income, with 7.4 million people using these solar solutions to power microenterprises and support various income-generating activities. Over the past 15 years, off-grid solar products have generated an estimated USD 28 billion in additional income and savings for users. The sector employs 219,000 people, a 29% increase in the past two years, with most being agents and technicians serving their local communities.