DRC gets the largest mini-grid project in Africa

The World Bank is collaborating with MIGA, IFC, and IDA to support Africa's largest mini-grid project. This is part of a 2022 initiative aimed at achieving universal electrification in Africa by 2030. This ambitious Mini-Grid Strategy focuses on delivering mini-grids at scale in the DRC, providing financial and technical support to Nuru, a renewable energy project. DRC has an electrification rate of just 19%, and the second-highest number of people globally—about 77 million—without access to electricity, trailing only Nigeria. In rural areas, less than 2% are electrified, highlighting the critical need for this initiative

Organizational Contributions:

• MIGA is  providing a $50.3 million guarantee and developed de-risking instruments.

• IFC is financing and supporting project development through feasibility studies and financial model strengthening.

• IDA is Supporting  through the Private Sector Window, emphasizing high-risk, high-reward projects.

People Involved:

• Jessica Stiefler: Senior Underwriter and Distributed Energy Lead at MIGA; has highlighted MIGA's innovation in de-risking investments and commitment to private sector investment and energy access.

• Asenath Mutumbi: Lead Underwriter for the Nuru project at MIGA; is emphasizing  the importance of the clean energy project with battery backup for stable power supply and scalability.

• Federica Dal Bono: Lead for Private Sector Window at the World Bank; has highlighted IDA's role in increasing electrification goals in Sub-Saharan Africa and support for high-risk, high-reward projects.

• Jonathan Shaw: CEO of Nuru;  has acknowledged MIGA’s critical role in securing investment and addressing regulatory and market complexities in Congo.

• Sarvesh Puri: IFC’s Director for Infrastructure & Natural Resources, Africa, has stressed the importance of IFC, MIGA, and IDA's support to Nuru in expanding reliable energy access and setting examples for other private investors.