USAid Grants $88.9 Million to Boost Renewable Energy Investment in East and Central Africa

The United States Agency for International Development (USAid) has recently announced a substantial grant of up to $88.9 million to accelerate investment in renewable energy and address electricity access gaps in East and Central Africa. This significant funding aims to directly support the creation of approximately 10 million on- and off-grid electricity connections, ultimately connecting at least 50 million people to clean energy-generated electricity.

In addition to the grant, the American embassy in Nairobi has revealed that the US government plans to mobilize new public and private investments, amounting to $4.7 billion, for renewable energy projects in the region through its renowned 'Power Africa' program. This substantial investment is projected to deliver a remarkable 1,227 megawatts of electricity and develop approximately 1,500 kilometers of new transmission lines, expanding electricity access to more households and businesses across the region.

USAid administrator Samantha Power emphasized that the success of the Power Africa program in driving clean energy investments has paved the way for this new grant to act as leverage in mobilizing further investments in the region's clean energy projects. 

While specific projects benefiting from the grant were not disclosed by the US embassy, Ms. Power hinted at collaboration with Jomo Kenyatta University in Kenya to identify and invest in smaller solar-powered systems that can be transformative for small and medium-sized businesses.

The announcement took place during a press conference held on the sidelines of the African Energy Forum in Nairobi, highlighting the United States' commitment to renewable energy development and addressing electricity challenges in East and Central Africa.

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