COMESA, World Bank launch Ksh.645B clean energy access initiative

The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the World Bank have launched a USD 5 billion (Ksh645 billion) programme to expand access to clean and sustainable energy across Eastern and Southern Africa, with potential to scale up to USD 15 billion (Ksh.1.9 trillion).

The initiative, dubbed the Access to Sustainable and Clean Energy Transformation (ASCENT) programme, aims to deliver up to 100 million new energy connections, focusing on off-grid and small-scale renewable solutions as well as clean cooking technologies.

Speaking during the launch of a key project preparation facility, COMESA Assistant Secretary General for Programmes Mohamed Kadah said the programme is expected to drive a major leap in energy access across the region.

A core component of the initiative is the Project Preparation Facility (PPF), which will support governments and businesses to develop “bankable” projects that meet financing requirements. This includes assistance in technical design, financial structuring, environmental compliance and risk mitigation.

Kadah noted that weak project preparation has been a major barrier to attracting investment in the energy sector.

The programme will run for five years to 2031 and target about 20 countries, with more than 60 percent already onboarded, including Kenya.

COMESA ASCENT Technical Manager Ahid Maeresera said the facility is designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises that often struggle to access financing.

“Many small companies are unable to secure funding because they lack the technical, financial and environmental capacity required during project preparation,” he said.

Support will include grants, technical assistance and deployment of experts to help firms meet lender requirements. In some cases, specialists may be embedded within companies to strengthen financial and operational capacity.

The programme also targets sectors such as agriculture, where small-scale renewable energy providers face financing challenges despite viable solutions.

Funding will largely benefit International Development Association countries, with a significant portion offered as grants.

The officials say the initiative will help expand electricity access, promote clean energy use and strengthen climate resilience, particularly in underserved communities.