USAID grants $1.1 million to increase Senegal's solar access and economic resilience

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has unveiled a $1.1 million grant to empower local solar technology firms and renewable energy developers, aiming to amplify access to solar solutions, stimulate small business productivity in off-grid zones, and enhance the livelihoods of rural communities in Senegal. Under the Scaling Up Renewable Energy (SURE) initiative, USAID will distribute grants to notable solar tech companies, including Ibriz, FlexNRJ, BONERGIE, Tysilio, SolarX, Kossam SDE, Jokosun, and Africa Green Tec.

The grants will be allocated as follows:

1. Solar Water Pumps for Women: Up to $375,000 for Ibriz, FlexNRJ, and BONERGIE to expand access to solar water pumps for women in Niayes, Casamance, and Eastern Senegal. This initiative aims to empower women farmers, enhance livelihoods, and create jobs in rural areas.

2. Solar Solutions Expansion: Up to $475,000 for Tysilio and SolarX to support the expansion of solar solutions in agriculture, fisheries, and commercial ventures. These grants will foster strong relationships between local financiers, renewable energy developers, and their customers, promoting investment in renewable energy projects and creating financial products responsive to energy sector needs.

3. Energy-as-a-Service Models: Up to $290,000 for Kossam SDE, Jokosun, and Africa Green Tec to support energy-as-a-service models in solar cooling, electric-powered transportation, and other solar applications for small businesses. This model allows buyers to purchase only the energy, making it more accessible to rural and coastal customers.

USAID Mission Director Alyssa Leggoe highlighted the climate-friendly nature of solar power, emphasizing its role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transforming the lives of rural communities. The SURE Senegal program, leveraging falling solar and battery costs, is set to mobilize an additional $1.4 million in private capital, enhancing stability, reducing electricity costs, and boosting productivity for small businesses, especially benefiting women in rural areas. This initiative aligns with USAID’s commitment to clean energy expansion and climate resilience in economic sectors sensitive to climate change.