KAMPALA, Uganda — The Energy Access Investment Forum (EAIF) marked its 10th anniversary in Kampala from April 8-10, 2025, drawing over 500 participants globally to focus on expanding decentralized renewable energy (DRE) solutions across Africa.
Hosted by the Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE) and co-organized under the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative, EAIF 2025 served as a platform for business deals, policy discussions, and networking.
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Irene Bateebe, Permanent Secretary of Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, noted the forum’s significance in exchanging ideas for the future of energy, emphasizing the importance of turning these ideas into implementable initiatives.
The event occurred as over 600 million people in Africa lack electricity and coincided with the EU’s Mission 300 Initiative and the broader EU-Africa Global Gateway Investment Package, which has allocated €150 billion for Africa between 2021 and 2027.
EU Ambassador to Uganda Jan Sadek stated the forum has been a catalyst for action and innovation, reaffirming the EU’s commitment to supporting sustainable development in Uganda and the wider region.
The World Bank announced plans to invest up to USD 30 billion in energy access and generation in Africa by 2030. The Africa-Europe Green Energy Initiative (AEGEI) also aims to deploy at least 50 GW of new renewable energy capacity.
CEI Africa and the EU jointly committed USD 4.5 million to support energy solutions for refugee centers.
Over 500 matchmaking meetings facilitated connections among attendees.
ARE CEO David Lecoque highlighted the forum’s role as the unifying voice for the DRE sector, showcasing its growth, innovation, and collaborative spirit.
Key announcements included the launch of “DRE Impact Stories,” backed by €155 million from EU development finance institutions; a paper on gender equality in the renewable sector with Schneider Electric; a joint ESG Guidance Initiative by the African Development Bank (AfDB), International Finance Corporation (IFC), and ARE; a publication on productive renewable energy use in Benin, Cameroon, and Madagascar by ARE and ADEME; and a new MoU between ARE and GSMA to promote DRE for commercial and industrial players.
The event featured over 50 exhibitors displaying innovations in off-grid solar, battery solutions, and AI-powered mini-grid technology. Official delegations from India, Madagascar, and Lesotho also attended.
Lecoque emphasized that the DRE movement is becoming central to Africa’s energy future, focusing on equity, empowerment, and economic growth.
The forum concluded with a message highlighting its role as a launchpad for Africa’s clean energy revolution.
