World Bank-Backed Solar Financing Programme Aims to Expand Energy Access to 120,000 Zambian Homes
Zambia has launched a new results-based financing initiative designed to accelerate access to clean energy, with a target of delivering solar home systems to 120,000 households across the country.
The facility, established by the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) under the World Bank-supported ASCENT Zambia programme, is intended to encourage private-sector investment in off-grid energy solutions while expanding electricity access to underserved communities.
In addition to solar home systems, the programme aims to support the distribution of clean cooking appliances to 60,000 households.
A future phase of the initiative will also focus on solar mini-grid development, targeting an additional 38,500 household connections.
Under the results-based financing model, private energy service providers are required to install approved solar and clean cooking technologies before submitting claims for reimbursement.
Payments are only made after the installations have been independently verified, ensuring that funding is tied directly to measurable outcomes and completed projects.
The initiative is expected to play a key role in advancing Zambia’s goal of achieving universal access to electricity by 2030.
Government officials believe the programme will help unlock private-sector participation in rural electrification projects, particularly in areas where high operating costs and commercial risks have historically limited investment.
By reducing financial barriers for energy providers and rewarding successful project delivery, the facility seeks to accelerate the deployment of clean energy technologies, improve living standards in rural communities and support economic development through greater access to reliable power.
The call for proposals opened in October, allowing eligible private-sector providers of solar home systems and clean cooking solutions to apply for funding under the programme’s initial implementation phase.
The initiative reflects Zambia’s broader efforts to expand energy access, promote renewable energy adoption and strengthen partnerships between government, development institutions and private investors to address the country’s electrification challenges.
