On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, ENGIE Energy Access hosted a landmark dinner in Lusaka, Zambia, uniting stakeholders from across sectors to advance energy access in Africa. The event, celebrated the company’s alignment with Mission 300, an ambitious initiative to connect 300 million Africans to clean, affordable, and reliable electricity by 2030. This vision aligns with ENGIE’s goal to impact 30 million lives by 2030, driving progress toward universal energy access.
The dinner followed a walk-through event on September 11, 2025, in Petauke, Eastern Province, where stakeholders observed ENGIE’s transformative solar mini grid operations firsthand. With 17 years of expertise across nine Sub-Saharan African markets, ENGIE delivers tailored off-grid pay-as-you-go solutions, including solar home systems, productive use technologies, and mini grids ranging from 20kW to 600kW. The company has provided reliable energy to over 16 million people, supported by a network of over 10,000 sales agents and 1,600 dedicated employees, with 52% of its managers being women, reflecting a strong commitment to gender diversity.
In Zambia, since launching operations in 2017, ENGIE has impacted over 2.5 million lives through solar home systems and operates 30 solar mini grids (50kW to 100kW) in the Eastern Province, with plans to scale to 71 mini grids by 2027. To date, ENGIE has installed over 45 megawatts of clean electricity, reducing 100,000 tons of CO2 emissions since 2021. The 59 operational mini grids demonstrate the potential of decentralized renewable energy solutions.
The Lusaka dinner highlighted the power of partnerships, with initiatives like the European Union’s IAEREP project and the Nordic Environment Finance Corporation’s BGFA program empowering rural households, strengthening livelihoods, and creating new income opportunities through productive energy use.
Key Highlights – Global Impact: Over 16 million people reached across nine markets, with 45MW of clean energy installed. – Zambia Milestone: 2.5 million lives transformed, 30 operational mini grids, and a network of 61 outlets and 1,000 agents. – Environmental Benefit: 100,000 tons of CO2 emissions reduced since 2021. – Diversity Commitment: 52% of managers are women, promoting gender equity. – Future Growth: Expansion to 71 mini grids in Zambia by 2027.
Challenges and Opportunities Scaling energy access faces challenges like high upfront costs in remote areas and limited local financing with high interest rates, requiring reliance on international partners. Zambia’s dispersed rural population adds logistical hurdles, but its rich renewable resources, combined with partnerships and innovative financing, create opportunities for sustainable growth. Regulatory reforms, such as deregulating mini grids up to 5MW, are promising, though clearer frameworks balancing flexibility and consumer protection are needed.
Quotes
-“Through initiatives like Mission 300 and partners like the Rockefeller Foundation & SE4All, we can ensure energy access is a universal right that unlocks Africa’s full potential.” – ENGIE Energy Access Representative, Lusaka Dinner, September 10, 2025
– “Our 52% female leadership reflects our belief that diversity drives innovation in the energy sector.” – ENGIE Energy Access Country Director Helen Zulu, Lusaka Dinner, September 10, 2025
ENGIE Energy Access is a leader in off-grid solar solutions, operating in nine Sub-Saharan markets with a mission to eradicate energy poverty. Its work aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and supports initiatives like Mission 300 to transform Africa’s energy landscape.