Connection

popular articles

The global green hydrogen market to reach $19.2bn by 2032
No cyberattack detected after massive power outage in Spain
PureWave Hydrogen strengthens position in Kansas Mid-Continent Rift
EDF delays Flamanville EPR restart for the fourth time
Brazil announces 115 GW of additional energy capacity by 2034

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.
  • [favorite_button]

Please share:

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.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Latest news

Siemens and RIC Energy join forces to develop synthetic fuels in Spain
Verdagy and Mainspring to install hydrogen-powered generator in Moss Landing
Solveo Energies deploys dynamic agrivoltaic system on apricot orchard
European Energy launches e-methanol production and posts strong results
Grenergy to invest €3.5bn to strengthen its storage assets by 2027

Recently published in

Madrid rejects claims of experiment linked to nationwide power outage

Spanish authorities and grid operator REE denied conducting any experiment on the national electricity network prior to the massive outage on April 28, the cause of which remains unknown.
Wood Mackenzie’s tariff scenarios reshape global energy policy
Three trade trajectories projected by Wood Mackenzie show how tariff tensions could shift demand, prices and investment in the global energy sector.
en_1140290949540-15
Wood Mackenzie’s tariff scenarios reshape global energy policy
Three trade trajectories projected by Wood Mackenzie show how tariff tensions could shift demand, prices and investment in the global energy sector.
en_1140290949540-15
The European Union moves closer to 2030 energy targets, says Brussels
The European Commission states the Union is on track to cut emissions by 54% by 2030, following updated national plans.
en_1140290952540-15
The European Union moves closer to 2030 energy targets, says Brussels
The European Commission states the Union is on track to cut emissions by 54% by 2030, following updated national plans.
en_1140290952540-15
South Korea Launches Tenders for 2.25 GW of Renewable Energy
South Korea announces two major tenders totaling 2.25 GW, split between offshore wind and solar, introducing new economic and technical criteria designed to strengthen energy security and attract international investors.
en_1140290960540-14
South Korea Launches Tenders for 2.25 GW of Renewable Energy
South Korea announces two major tenders totaling 2.25 GW, split between offshore wind and solar, introducing new economic and technical criteria designed to strengthen energy security and attract international investors.
en_1140290960540-14

Ember forecasts solar and wind could power 30% of ASEAN data centres

Ember anticipates that a third of ASEAN data centre electricity demand could be met by wind and solar by 2030, without batteries, if appropriate political measures are implemented.
India steps up energy strategy as electricity demand set to triple
A Rocky Mountain Institute report reveals India’s energy ambition, with electricity demand potentially tripling by 2050, backed by an industrial policy focused on renewable energy.
en_1140290956540-14
India steps up energy strategy as electricity demand set to triple
A Rocky Mountain Institute report reveals India’s energy ambition, with electricity demand potentially tripling by 2050, backed by an industrial policy focused on renewable energy.
en_1140290956540-14
Indonesia plans 69.5 GW of new power capacity by 2034
The Indonesian government targets a mixed energy expansion involving coal, gas, renewables, and nuclear, requiring IDR2,967.4tn ($235bn) in investment by the end of 2034.
en_1140290954540-12
Indonesia plans 69.5 GW of new power capacity by 2034
The Indonesian government targets a mixed energy expansion involving coal, gas, renewables, and nuclear, requiring IDR2,967.4tn ($235bn) in investment by the end of 2034.
en_1140290954540-12
Tim Hodgson aims to accelerate permitting to revitalize Canada’s energy sector
Canadian Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson announces reforms to the energy permitting process, aiming to stimulate investments and strengthen relations between the government and industry.
en_1140290944540-12
Tim Hodgson aims to accelerate permitting to revitalize Canada’s energy sector
Canadian Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson announces reforms to the energy permitting process, aiming to stimulate investments and strengthen relations between the government and industry.
en_1140290944540-12

Washington prepares to remove emissions limits for coal and gas power plants

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is finalising a proposal to lift emissions caps for thermal power plants, amid a broader shift toward national energy security.
Pakistan allocates 2,000 MW to AI data centres and Bitcoin mining operations
The Pakistani government is releasing 2,000 megawatts of power to support the development of data centres focused on artificial intelligence and Bitcoin mining, as part of a strategy to attract foreign investment.
en_1140290956540-12
Pakistan allocates 2,000 MW to AI data centres and Bitcoin mining operations
The Pakistani government is releasing 2,000 megawatts of power to support the development of data centres focused on artificial intelligence and Bitcoin mining, as part of a strategy to attract foreign investment.
en_1140290956540-12
China surpasses 26% wind and solar electricity share in April, setting new record
In April, China generated 26% of its electricity from wind and solar, according to Ember, marking a historic first that reflects a rapid rebalancing of its energy mix.
en_1140290971540-4
China surpasses 26% wind and solar electricity share in April, setting new record
In April, China generated 26% of its electricity from wind and solar, according to Ember, marking a historic first that reflects a rapid rebalancing of its energy mix.
en_1140290971540-4
Belgium legalises extension of two nuclear reactors until 2045
Belgium’s federal parliament has adopted a law authorising the extension of Doel-4 and Tihange-3 reactors and allowing new nuclear construction, ending the nuclear phase-out policy established in 2003.
en_1140290956540-11
Belgium legalises extension of two nuclear reactors until 2045
Belgium’s federal parliament has adopted a law authorising the extension of Doel-4 and Tihange-3 reactors and allowing new nuclear construction, ending the nuclear phase-out policy established in 2003.
en_1140290956540-11

Australia commits AUD 22.7bn to support its energy policy through 2030

The re-elected Australian government is investing heavily in storage, critical minerals and domestic production to meet its target of 82% renewable electricity by 2030.
US budget proposal threatens tax incentives for renewable energy projects
The US House budget bill outlines a gradual phaseout of tax credits, affecting financing for solar, wind, storage, and clean hydrogen initiatives.
en_1140290975540-2
US budget proposal threatens tax incentives for renewable energy projects
The US House budget bill outlines a gradual phaseout of tax credits, affecting financing for solar, wind, storage, and clean hydrogen initiatives.
en_1140290975540-2
China slows fossil fuel output in April despite higher year-on-year volumes
China's gas, oil and coal volumes remain above last year’s levels, despite a decline in April compared to the record highs of March.
en_1140290979540-3
China slows fossil fuel output in April despite higher year-on-year volumes
China's gas, oil and coal volumes remain above last year’s levels, despite a decline in April compared to the record highs of March.
en_1140290979540-3
Regulator Ofgem forecasts 7% drop in energy bills from July
The UK’s energy price cap is expected to fall to £1,720 ($2,187) in July, according to Cornwall Insight, due to recent movements in wholesale markets.
en_1140290978540-3
Regulator Ofgem forecasts 7% drop in energy bills from July
The UK’s energy price cap is expected to fall to £1,720 ($2,187) in July, according to Cornwall Insight, due to recent movements in wholesale markets.
en_1140290978540-3

European Union cuts Russian gas imports by 98 bcm since 2021

The European Commission releases data on the REPowerEU plan, confirming a sharp drop in Russian fossil fuel purchases and announcing new legislative measures by June.
India signs $500,000 agreement to support clean energy startups
A partnership between the Indian government and GEAPP provides financial and operational support to early-stage climate-tech firms as part of a national energy strategy.
en_1140291012540
India signs $500,000 agreement to support clean energy startups
A partnership between the Indian government and GEAPP provides financial and operational support to early-stage climate-tech firms as part of a national energy strategy.
en_1140291012540
Uzbekistan accelerates energy modernisation with $100mn World Bank loan
A $150mn financing package, including $100mn from the World Bank, will support the modernisation of Uzbekistan’s power grid and integration of renewable energy in key regions.
en_1140291011540
Uzbekistan accelerates energy modernisation with $100mn World Bank loan
A $150mn financing package, including $100mn from the World Bank, will support the modernisation of Uzbekistan’s power grid and integration of renewable energy in key regions.
en_1140291011540
Canada aims to mobilise $1.1tn through major energy projects by 2035
A report from the Public Policy Forum calls for accelerating over 500 energy, critical minerals and infrastructure projects to generate CAD1 100bn in Canadian GDP growth.
en_1140290950540-9
Canada aims to mobilise $1.1tn through major energy projects by 2035
A report from the Public Policy Forum calls for accelerating over 500 energy, critical minerals and infrastructure projects to generate CAD1 100bn in Canadian GDP growth.
en_1140290950540-9

Denmark considers lifting 40-year nuclear ban

The Danish government is assessing the possibility of authorising new nuclear technologies, marking a major regulatory shift in energy policy after four decades of prohibition.
No cyberattack detected after massive power outage in Spain
The Spanish government confirmed no signs of cyberattack were identified after the 28 April blackout that affected much of the Iberian Peninsula.
en_1140290954540-7
No cyberattack detected after massive power outage in Spain
The Spanish government confirmed no signs of cyberattack were identified after the 28 April blackout that affected much of the Iberian Peninsula.
en_1140290954540-7
South Africa calls for a balanced and affordable energy transition
South African authorities are advocating for an approach that integrates economic development and environmental protection, highlighting global imbalances in climate responsibility.
en_1140290954540-6
South Africa calls for a balanced and affordable energy transition
South African authorities are advocating for an approach that integrates economic development and environmental protection, highlighting global imbalances in climate responsibility.
en_1140290954540-6
Brussels wants to impose a six-month maximum for energy permits
The European Commission is considering changing environmental laws to accelerate the granting of permits for renewable energy projects across the European Union.
en_1140290953540-7
Brussels wants to impose a six-month maximum for energy permits
The European Commission is considering changing environmental laws to accelerate the granting of permits for renewable energy projects across the European Union.
en_1140290953540-7

Advertising

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

VERVANT

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS