SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

AFD and Watt For Change finance three energy projects in Africa

The Watt For Change Foundation and the French Development Agency are joining forces to support three initiatives aimed at improving access to renewable energy in Benin, Mauritania, and Madagascar. A €860,000 three-year partnership dedicated to assisting local associations.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

SUBSCRIBE - 99$/year

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

On February 10, 2025, the Watt For Change Foundation and the French Development Agency (AFD) signed a partnership agreement to fund initiatives that improve access to renewable energy in three African countries. This three-year program, named SCALE UP, allocates a budget of €860,000 to support local associations in implementing energy solutions tailored to the needs of rural populations.

A structured and targeted financing approach

The SCALE UP program is based on financial and technical support for the three selected associations. Each organization will receive €150,000 over three years, along with technical assistance to strengthen their skills in impact measurement, reporting, and fundraising.

The AQAFI association, active in Mauritania, plans to install solar-powered pumps to supply water to 45 hectares of agricultural land, ensuring access to irrigation for local farmers. In Madagascar, CODEGAZ will set up 81 biodigesters to produce biogas and biofertilizers for agricultural use. In Benin, INTI is developing an improved cookstove industry using biofuels, while also structuring a distribution network for solar-dried food products.

A public-private commitment to rural electrification

The Watt For Change Foundation, created in 2024 by the VALOREM endowment fund, positions itself as a key player in funding energy projects with a social dimension. Its partnership with AFD reflects a commitment to combining public and private resources to address energy access challenges in Africa.

According to Stéphanie Lanfranchi, Director of the Mobilization and National Partnerships Department at AFD, this initiative aims to provide solutions adapted to local communities while generating tangible economic and social impacts. The implementation of energy solutions improves working conditions and fosters income-generating activities in rural areas.

Future prospects for the program

Beyond the initial funding, SCALE UP aims to create sustainable models for its partner associations. The technical support includes training beneficiaries in equipment maintenance, ongoing project monitoring, and active fundraising to ensure long-term viability.

Rural electrification remains a major challenge in several African regions, and locally adapted solutions can maximize efficiency. Through this collaboration, AFD and Watt For Change are supporting decentralized energy infrastructure while enabling the development of associated economic activities.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
AfDB grants $7.41mn to Liberia to complete hydroelectric power plant
South Korea under pressure from the IEA to liberalise its electricity market
Iberdrola launches a public offer to acquire 100% of Neoenergia in Brazil
KEPCO and ENEC strengthen alliance on nuclear and artificial intelligence
Iberdrola sells 757 MW of French onshore assets to Technique Solaire
Post-CfD renewable assets expose investors to increased market risk
The gradual exit from CfD contracts is turning stable assets into infrastructures exposed to higher volatility, challenging expected returns and traditional financing models for the renewable sector.
Canada reforms Energy Efficiency Act to align policy with digital markets
The Canadian government introduces major legislative changes to the Energy Efficiency Act to support its national strategy and adapt to the realities of digital commerce.
Quebec maintains sole carbon price at the pump despite federal tax repeal
Quebec becomes the only Canadian province where a carbon price still applies directly to fuels, as Ottawa eliminated the public-facing carbon tax in April 2025.
India invests $872mn to locally produce rare earth permanent magnets
New Delhi launches a 72.8 bn INR incentive plan to build a 6,000-tonne domestic capacity for permanent magnets, amid rising Chinese export restrictions on critical components.
Long-term contracts reshape electricity market risk over 30 years amid volatility
The rise of CfDs, PPAs and capacity mechanisms signals a structural shift: markets alone no longer cover 10–30-year financing needs, while spot prices have surged 400% in Europe since 2019.
Berlin plans to acquire 25.1% of TenneT Germany by early 2026
Germany plans to finalise the €5.8bn ($6.34bn) purchase of a 25.1% stake in TenneT Germany to strengthen its control over critical national power grid infrastructure.
Ghana restructures its power sector around domestic gas to contain deficit
The Ghanaian government is implementing a reform of its energy system focused on increasing the use of local natural gas, aiming to reduce electricity production costs and limit the sector's financial imbalance.
Suriname targets 220,000 barrels per day in oil strategy by 2028
On the 50th anniversary of its independence, Suriname announced a national roadmap including major public investment to develop its offshore oil reserves.
China’s installed power capacity reaches 3.75 bn kW, up 17.3 %
China's power generation capacity recorded strong growth in October, driven by continued expansion of solar and wind, according to official data from the National Energy Administration.
Trump revives US offshore with 34 lease sales planned between 2026 and 2031
The 2026–2031 offshore programme proposes opening over one billion acres to oil exploration, triggering a regulatory clash between Washington, coastal states and legal advocacy groups.
The Mozambique centralises its gas infrastructure to secure the Beira–Rompco corridor
The government of Mozambique is consolidating its gas transport and regasification assets under a public vehicle, anchoring the strategic Beira–Rompco corridor to support Rovuma projects and respond to South Africa’s gas dependency.
NESO launches national consultation to plan regional energy infrastructure
The British system operator NESO initiates a consultation process to define the methodology of eleven upcoming regional strategic plans aimed at coordinating energy needs across England, Scotland and Wales.
COP30 locks in adaptation, avoids fossil phase-out and opens a climate regulatory front
The Belém summit ends with a technical compromise prioritising forest investment and adaptation, while avoiding fossil fuel discussions and opening a climate–trade dialogue likely to trigger new regulatory disputes.
Asian Development Bank commits $700mn to support Kyrgyz Republic’s energy strategy
The Asian Development Bank and the Kyrgyz Republic have signed a financing agreement to strengthen energy infrastructure, climate resilience and regional connectivity, with over $700mn committed through 2027.
UK urged to choose between carbon capture and aviation fuels
A study from the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies finds that energy-from-waste with carbon capture delivers nearly twice the climate benefit of converting waste into aviation fuel.
Sipperec renews electricity concession contract with EDF and Enedis
Signed for 25 years, the new concession contract between Sipperec, EDF and Enedis covers 87 municipalities in the Île-de-France region and commits the parties to managing and developing the public electricity distribution network until 2051.
The CRE assesses the gradual restart of retail energy markets
The French Energy Regulatory Commission publishes its 2023–2024 report, detailing the crisis impact on gas and electricity markets and the measures deployed to support competition and rebuild consumer trust.
Over 80 countries push for roadmap on fossil fuel phase-out at COP30
Gathered in Belém, states from Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe support the adoption of a timeline for the gradual withdrawal from fossil fuels, despite expected resistance from several producer countries.
Europeans tighten the noose around Iran with targeted IAEA resolution
The E3 and the United States submit a resolution to the IAEA to formalise Iran's non-cooperation following the June strikes, consolidating the legal basis for tougher energy and financial sanctions.
UK creates taskforce to strengthen energy resilience after Heathrow outage
The United Kingdom launches a taskforce led by the Energy Minister to strengthen the security of the national power grid after a full shutdown at Heathrow Airport caused by a substation fire.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

START - 99$/year

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.