With SADC having a <50% energy access rate it is imperative that government and investors consider both central and decentralised energy solutions. Africa has, for too long, been married to immediate power generation (generators) which were meant as a stepping stone to cheaper, longer-term solutions. However, these temporary solutions quickly became the norm with consumers, paying ultra-high tariffs to maintain energy supply, for lack of alternative options.

• Should home solar be similarly considered a stepping stone to more reliable and scalable energy infrastructure and what programmes are available to grow communities out of poverty?
• Update on rural energy needs and current programmes to electrify disconnected communities
• Growth regions and how to promote job creation through energy access solutions
• Supporting supply chain and regional industrial capacity building
• Reaching the ‘tipping point’ – linking energy access programmes to wealth and job creation