Ignite Energy Access commissions an additional 15 solar mini-grids in Zambia, bringing the total to 30 operational mini-grids

We are pleased to see the completion and commissioning of a further 15 solar mini-grids in Zambia, doubling the total number of operational mini-grids to 30 under the European Union financed Increased Access to Electricity and Renewable Energy Production (“IAEREP”) Programme. This significant milestone has been made possible by a USD 7.5 million debt funding to Power Corner Zambia provided by the Facility for Energy Inclusion (“FEI”) and a EUR 6 million grant from the European Union through the National Authority Office, Ministry of Finance and National Planning – Zambia, in the context of the EU Global Gateway initiative.

The participation of the FEI, managed by Cygnum Capital, reflects continued progress in expanding reliable, affordable electricity to underserved communities. The transaction structured by FEI provided Power Corner Zambia, an Ignite Energy Access company, with the necessary funding and flexibility to construct mini grids as part of IAEREP.

“Doubling our operational mini-grid footprint in Zambia to 30 sites is a strong validation of the model—and of the financing structures that make rapid deployment possible,” said Yariv Cohen, CEO of Ignite Energy Access. “We’re grateful for FEI’s continued partnership, managed by Cygnum Capital, and for the support behind IAEREP. Most importantly, this progress is driven by Zambia Managing Director, Helen Zulu and the Ignite Zambia team, whose execution excellence and community-led approach are turning projects into reliable, long-term infrastructure that powers households, businesses, and essential services.”

Following the creation of Ignite Energy Access in 2025 as the leading provider of end-to-end distributed renewable energy solutions, empowering over 15 million people across 12 countries, we are proud to continue supporting the company as it scales its operations and deepens its impact across the region. Mini-grids play a critical role in advancing energy access, powering households, small businesses, and community infrastructure where grid extension is not feasible.

FEI has been a continued partner to PowerCorner Zambia, and this extended collaboration with Ignite Energy Access reflects our shared commitment to expanding decentralised renewable infrastructure with both development impact and commercial rigour. Together, these projects contribute meaningfully to SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, while supporting local economic growth and resilience in Zambia.

About Ignite Energy Access

Ignite Energy Access is the largest-scale distributed renewable energy platform in Africa, building and operating scalable, commercially viable energy infrastructure. Founded in 2014, Ignite operates across 12 countries and serves 20+ million customers through a diversified portfolio spanning solar home systems, mini-grids, commercial & industrial solutions, and integrated infrastructure. The company partners with governments, development finance institutions, and private capital providers to deploy repeatable models that deliver resilient cash flows alongside measurable development impact, expanding access to reliable, affordable, clean electricity for households, enterprises, and essential community services.

About IAEREP

The Increased Access to Electricity and Renewable Energy Production (IAEREP) programme is a major initiative in Zambia aimed at boosting access to clean, sustainable, and reliable energy in rural areas, primarily funded by the European Union (EU) under the 11th European Development Fund. Running through approximately 2022–2026 (with phases extending from 2016), the project focuses on constructing solar mini-grids, developing regulations, and fostering private sector investment.