Recording of Tuesday, June 23, 2026 | The smarter E Europe Conferences 2026 | Language: English | Duration: 11:18 .

Off-Grid Solar as a Key Electrification Solution in Sub-Saharan Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa faces a critical electricity access issue, with 600 million people currently without power. The population is projected to grow by 25% in the next decade, further intensifying energy demands. Traditional grid expansion is slow and uneven, making off-grid solar solutions not only necessary but pivotal for future energy accessibility. Current projections suggest off-grid solar capacity could increase fivefold by 2035, reaching over 21 gigawatts DC, with Nigeria expected to contribute significantly due to its abundant solar resources and rising diesel costs. The off-grid market is evolving from basic energy products into comprehensive services, enhancing customer value across sectors. In Kenya, the potential market is set to grow to one gigawatt by 2035, while the Democratic Republic of Congo also anticipates a notable spike in solar capacity due to mining-related projects. The overall outlook indicates that the off-grid solar sector will remain a fundamental component in addressing the energy crisis in sub-Saharan Africa.

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Speaker

Sohan Gwalani
Research Analyst
Wood Mackenzie
United Kingdom

Talk of session: Off-Grid: Market Outlook and Lessons Learned

This session provides an overview of current market trends and forecasts in the off-grid sector. Industry experts will be sharing key insights from recent projects, highlighting successes, challenges and lessons learned from real-world implementation. The discussion will offer practical takeaways for stakeholders looking to better understand market dynamics and develop resilient, scalable off-grid energy solutions.

Further Talks of this session:

Welcome & Introduction

Speaker

Dr. Philipp Blechinger
Head of Unit Off-Grid Systems
Reiner Lemoine Institut gGmbH

To Talk

Success Factors for the Sustainable Operation of a Mini-Grid

Speaker

Xenia Rebsam
Chief of Staff
Off-Grid Europe GmbH
Germany

To Talk

Why Mesh-Grids: Lessons From Years in the Field

Speaker

Diogo Costa
Product Manager
Obton A/S
Denmark

To Talk

Community-Led Energy Transitions in Off-Grid Arctic Communities

Speaker

Robert Cooke
Manager, Operations
Northern Energy Innovation, Yukon University
Canada

To Talk

When Engineers Can't Travel: Solar Mini-Grids in Niger

Speaker

Valentin Laroche
Design Engineer
TTA - Trama TecoAmbiental
Spain

To Talk

Q&A Session

To Talk

Partners & Sponsors

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