The 8th Mini Grid Action Learning Event held in Lusaka, Zambia, brought together energy regulators, developers, and mini-grid experts to explore how effective policies, and regulatory frameworks can accelerate mini-grid deployment across Africa. Organised by the World Bank’s Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP), the Africa Mini Grid Developers Association (AMDA), and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the event provided a platform for stakeholders to share their experiences and address solutions to challenges facing mini-grid development in the region.
Among the key sessions featured was the ‘Aligning Regulatory Frameworks for Mini Grid Expansion’ which focused on the emerging best practices in mini-grid regulation.
Experts from the African Forum for Utility Regulators (AFUR), A4&T Power Solutions, GET.transform, ARSE, and the Energy Regulation Board of Zambia discussed issues related to mini-grid licensing, tariffs, technical standards, and the implementation of regulatory frameworks for mini-grids. GET.transform set the tone for the discussion presenting its collaboration with AFUR in developing the African Model Mini-Grid Regulations Tool. The tool offers adaptable templates that countries can customise to fit their specific needs, acting as a platform for creating tailored mini-grid regulations that can stimulate investment and encourage mini-grid development.
The tool thus answers to the key need the panelists agreed on of having flexible and adaptable regulations that can be customised to suit the diverse country needs.
AFUR is set to launch the African Model Mini-Grid Regulations Tool in the coming months.
