CAPE TOWN, South Africa: Mini grids and decentralised energy systems will feature in a key discussion at the 19th Africa Energy Indaba, scheduled for 2 to 4 March 2027 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
The panel will examine how decentralised energy solutions can help expand electricity access across Africa, where nearly 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa still live without electricity.
The Africa Energy Indaba is being held under the theme, “African Energy: Pathways to Prosperity: Connectedness and Cooperation.”
Organisers say mini grids offer one of the fastest and most affordable ways to connect communities that remain outside national electricity networks.
World Bank and Energy Sector Management Assistance Programme analysis estimates that mini grids could provide the least-cost electricity connection for up to 380 million people in Africa by 2030.
Achieving this target would require the installation of more than 160,000 mini grids at an estimated total investment of US$91 billion.
Electricity costs could fall to as little as US$0.20 per kilowatt hour, making mini grids the most affordable option for more than 60 per cent of Africa’s unelectrified population.
The discussion will also consider the role of mini grids in the Mission 300 initiative led by the World Bank and the African Development Bank.
The initiative seeks to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030. Mini grids have been identified as a key solution for an estimated 115 million to 116 million people across 29 countries that have signed energy compacts under the programme.
Industry estimates indicate that connecting these communities could require between US$28 billion and US$46 billion in investment. This would include debt, equity financing and targeted subsidies.
Despite the potential of the sector, current deployment remains well below the level required to meet continental energy access targets.
Only about 600 mini grids were commissioned across Africa in 2024. At the current rate of development, approximately 12,000 new systems serving about 46 million people are expected to be operational by 2030.
Meeting the Mission 300 targets would require the installation of about 9,200 new mini grids every year, or more than 760 systems each month.
The panel will explore ways of accelerating investment and deployment through innovative business models, blended finance and simpler regulatory systems.
It will also examine hybrid renewable energy systems, productive uses of electricity and the integration of decentralised power solutions with national grids and regional power pools.
Liz Hart, Managing Director of the Africa Energy Indaba, said mini grids represented a major growth opportunity in Africa’s energy transition.
“Decentralised energy solutions, including mini-grids, represent one of the highest-growth opportunities in Africa’s energy transition,” Hart said.
“With the right policy frameworks, capital mobilisation and partnerships, they can deliver reliable power at scale, drive economic activity in rural and underserved communities, and help close the continent’s energy access gap far faster than traditional approaches alone.”
The 2027 Africa Energy Indaba will bring together African energy ministers, utility executives, independent power producers, investors, technology companies and development finance institutions.
The programme will include high-level plenary sessions, technical discussions, business-to-business matchmaking through B2B Connect and an exhibition of energy technologies and services.
Stakeholders working in decentralised energy have been encouraged to register early and consider exhibition and sponsorship opportunities.
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