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Investment Landscape for Off-Grid and Mini-Grid Energy in Kenya and Uganda

Kenya, UgandaRenewable Energy and Distribution36 evidence cards+ Keep watching this4 items to check

The market for blended finance in East African renewable energy is maturing, with official development finance mobilising USD 208.4m of private capital for this sector in 2024. While overall official donor funding is decreasing, targeted bilateral initiatives in off-grid solutions offer clear co-investment and guarantee opportunities. Uganda presents a particularly strong off-grid market due to lower baseline electrification and robust foreign direct investment, though both countries require navigation of corruption risks and physical infrastructure constraints.

Where the risks are

Flood: Flood in Kenya (Green, 2026-09-12)Wildfire: Forest fires in Kenya (Green, 2026-09-02)Flood: Flood in Kenya, Mongolia (Green, 2026-05-03)Flood: Flood in Kenya (Green, 2026-04-22)Flood: Flood in Kenya (Green, 2026-03-18)Flood: Flood in Kenya (Green, 2026-03-04)Flood: Flood in Kenya (Green, 2026-02-17)Flood: Flood in Kenya (Green, 2025-10-28)Flood: Flood in Uganda (Green, 2026-09-20)Wildfire: Forest fires in Uganda (Green, 2026-08-23)Flood: Flood in Uganda (Green, 2026-05-03)Wildfire: Forest fires in Uganda (Green, 2026-01-19)Wildfire: Forest fires in Uganda (Green, 2026-01-16)Wildfire: Forest fires in Uganda (Green, 2026-01-12)Wildfire: Forest fires in Uganda (Green, 2026-01-11)Wildfire: Forest fires in Sudan, Uganda (Green, 2026-01-01)Wildfire: Forest fires in Uganda (Green, 2025-11-17)Wildfire: Forest fires in Uganda (Green, 2025-11-17)Wildfire: Forest fires in Uganda (Green, 2025-11-07)Wildfire: Forest fires in Uganda (Green, 2025-11-07)Flood: Flood in Uganda (Green, 2025-10-29)Drought: Drought in Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda (Orange, 2026-05-21)Drought: Drought in Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda (Orange, 2026-05-21)

21 minor 2 moderate 0 severe · GDACS disaster alerts in these countries, last twelve months (hover for details). Outlines: Natural Earth.

Crises tracked by ACAPS

At a glance

6.9/10Crisis severity, KenyaE29
3/5Access constraints, UgandaE30
1,639.3mUSD of private finance mobilised, 2024E26
4.5%GDP growth projected, Kenya 2026E32
23disaster alerts, last 12 monthsE33
Official funding fell 45% since 2019All official donors in scope, USD millions, gross disbursements
2019: 474.4 (USD millions)47420192020: 302.0 (USD millions)20202021: 473.7 (USD millions)20212022: 317.2 (USD millions)20222023: 242.3 (USD millions)20232024: 262.3 (USD millions)2622024

USD millions

Source: OECD Creditor Reporting System · E18

World Bank (IDA) provides 52% of official fundingShare of all official donors, 2019 to latest year
World Bank (IDA)52%
Japan15%
Germany8%
EU Institutions7%
France6%

Source: OECD Creditor Reporting System · E18

Direct investment led the USD 1,639.3m mobilised in 2024Private finance mobilised by official development finance, 2024, USD millions
Direct investment786.1
Guarantees401.3
Credit lines271.1
Simple co-financing111.0
Syndicated loans58.8
Fund shares11.0

Source: OECD, mobilised private finance for development · E26

Weakest score: control of corruption in Uganda (25/100)Worldwide Governance Indicators, 0 to 100, higher is better; the tick marks 2019

Control of corruption

Kenya32
Uganda25

Regulatory quality

Kenya50
Uganda47

Rule of law

Kenya49
Uganda44

Political stability

Kenya43
Uganda48

Source: World Bank WGI · E34

Private finance mobilisation and donor trends

Private capital mobilisation in this sector is accelerating rapidly across Kenya and Uganda, reaching USD 208.4m in 2024, up from USD 50.5m in 2022 E26. Across all sectors, guarantees and direct investment are the primary mechanisms, mobilising USD 401.3m and USD 786.1m respectively in 2024 E26. This private sector crowding-in contrasts with a broader contraction in direct official aid: total gross disbursements from all official donors in this sector fell 45%, from USD 474.4m in 2019 to USD 262.3m in 2024 E18. The World Bank (IDA) dominates traditional official funding with a 52% share E18, primarily financing large-scale grid expansion and government policy operations E19.

Co-investment and partnership entry points

Several bilateral donors are funding specific off-grid and mini-grid models that present strong partnership opportunities for an impact investor. In Uganda, Sweden disbursed USD 5.2m (2023-2024) for the Beyond the Grid Fund for Africa, a results-based initiative designed to incentivise private sector provision of renewable energy in off-grid areas E22. Germany is also active in Uganda, funding the development of policy and regulatory frameworks specifically to promote private investment in mini-grids E20. In Kenya, the United Kingdom is backing the African SCENe feasibility study, which tests innovative business models for establishing community clean energy hubs in low-income suburban schools E24E25. Additionally, Norway is funding KAM Group AS to study the feasibility of using green hydrogen for power-to-power electrification in Northern Uganda E14.

Operating environment and risks

The economic fundamentals point to Uganda as a high-growth environment for new off-grid development. Uganda's electricity access rate is 55.3%, compared to Kenya's 77.0%, indicating a larger unserved rural market E35. Furthermore, the IMF projects Uganda's real GDP growth at 7.5% for 2026 (against Kenya's 4.5%) E32, and Uganda currently attracts significantly higher foreign direct investment at 6.0% of GDP, compared to Kenya's 0.4% E34. However, operating risks remain notable. Control of corruption is weak in both countries (Uganda scores 25 and Kenya 32 out of 100) E34. Physical constraints, including terrain and poor infrastructure, highly constrain access in Uganda (scoring 3 out of 5) and moderately constrain access in Kenya (2 out of 5) E30. Both countries are also currently facing active drought conditions, which can impact rural household incomes and ability to pay E29E33.

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Off-grid solar and mini-grid development in Kenya and Uganda are shaped by progressive policies, evolving regulatory frameworks, specific economic risks, and diverse investment strategies.

In Kenya, the National Energy Policy 2025–2034 aims for universal electricity access by 2030 and increased reliance on renewable energy. The Energy Act of 2019 provides the overarching legal framework. In July 2024, the Net-Metering Regulations came into force, allowing consumers to export excess solar power to the grid, with caps of 10kW for domestic and 1MW for commercial and industrial systems. Regulations introduced in 2024 also opened transmission and distribution networks to private investment. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) is streamlining regulations for off-grid and mini-grid solutions to support universal access.

Economic risks in Kenya include high electricity prices, driven by inflation and currency depreciation. The cost of capital for clean energy projects remains high, 3 to 7 times more than in developed countries, limiting private investment, especially for smaller off-grid solar firms. Additionally, electricity network losses were estimated at 23% in 2023 due to technical issues, theft, and billing problems. While specific anti-corruption measures were not detailed, the formalization of processes through new regulations and the opening of networks to private investment are intended to enhance transparency.

Major donor strategies in Kenya align with the "Mission 300" initiative by the World Bank and African Development Bank, aiming to electrify 300 million people by 2030. Government grants and loans support rural off-grid solar projects, and the Kenya Off-Grid Solar Access Project (KOSAP) targets remote areas. Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) play a role in de-risking private capital.

Private sector investment trends indicate Kenya is a leading market for off-grid solar, accounting for nearly 74% of solar home system sales in East Africa in 2023. The market benefits from a mature pay-as-you-go (PAYGo) financing ecosystem, with PAYGo sales in East Africa rising 45% in 2025. Captive solar, for self-consumption, represented almost 60% of installed solar capacity by June 2025. Sun King secured $156 million in financing in July 2025 for Kenyan solar access.

In Uganda, the Energy Policy 2023 aims for universal energy access by 2040, prioritizing off-grid solar and mini-grids for rural areas. The Electricity Isolated Grid System Regulation 2020 governs mini-grid development. Uganda's first formal net-metering framework, the Electricity (Net Metering) Regulations 2024, was introduced to support distributed solar generation. The Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) approves project-specific cost-reflective tariffs for mini-grids. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development's 2025-2030 Strategic Plan focuses on renewable energy expansion and clean cooking.

Uganda faces economic risks including a significant energy access gap between urban (over 60%) and rural (18-20%) areas as of January 2025. High public debt by mid-2025 has led to a shift towards private capital mobilization. Over 30% of available power goes unused due to poor grid penetration and low consumer affordability. Grid absorption capacity issues led ERA to temporarily suspend new licenses for grid-connected solar PV projects in October 2025, directing investment towards off-grid and mini-grid solutions.

Anti-corruption measures in Uganda, within the broader energy sector, include efforts to formalize artisanal mining to enhance transparency (January 2026). The emphasis on cost-reflective tariffs and clear regulations also aims to reduce opaque dealings.

Major donor strategies involve the Energy Access Scale-Up Project (EASP), which uses donor grants, concessional loans, and commercial capital for off-grid solar, with the AfDB contributing $40 million in July 2025. The Beyond the Grid Fund for Africa (BGFA) provided EUR 3 million in results-based financing in April 2024 for mini-grids and solar refrigerators. USAID and Power Africa provided technical assistance for regulatory updates. The Climate Investment Funds (CIF) has a $50-million plan for Uganda to boost mini-grids and solar PV net-metering.

Private sector investment in Uganda's clean energy increased by 207% to $37.00M in 2024. Pay-as-you-go solar models are prevalent. The government offers tax breaks and incentives to attract private participation. While investment in the off-grid solar sector is growing, the average deal size remains small (USD 7 million), and investors are increasingly looking at commercial and industrial solar due to perceived lower risk compared to residential projects.

Sources

  1. energy.go.ke · official
  2. iea.org · official
  3. sollaykenyanfoundation.org · unverified site, treat with caution
  4. solarfinanced.africa · unverified site, treat with caution
  5. energy-news-network.com · unverified site, treat with caution
  6. mialesolar.com · unverified site, treat with caution
  7. dg-africa.net · unverified site, treat with caution
  8. windows.net · unverified site, treat with caution

Private finance mobilised by official development finance (OECD) E26

Mechanism2022 (USD m)2023 (USD m)2024 (USD m)
Direct investment in companies and SPVs237.6139.0786.1
Guarantees326.450.8401.3
Credit lines19.7151.2271.1
Syndicated loans45.2113.758.8
Simple co-financing34.223.1111.0
Shares in investment funds (CIVs)18.016.611.0
All mechanisms, all sectors681.2494.41,639.3
In this brief's sectors (231, 232, 236)50.512.4208.4
of which by multilateral banks and funds475.5285.5600.7
of which by bilateral donors (DAC)205.7208.91,038.6

OECD, mobilised private finance for development; recipients Kenya, Uganda (combined); current USD millions; retrieved 2026-09-24. Private money that official donors and development banks brought into projects through guarantees, loans, equity and co-financing. Published for groups of providers only, not per institution. Guarantees: Trend: USD 326.4m in 2022 → USD 401.3m in 2024 (+23%); peak USD 401.3m in 2024.

Who else funds this: all official donors (OECD CRS) E18

RankDonor2019 (USD m)2020 (USD m)2021 (USD m)2022 (USD m)2023 (USD m)2024 (USD m)Share
1International Development Association [IDA]202.6108.8314.2188.7113.2153.552%
2Japan151.068.437.718.231.711.515%
3Germany16.614.743.036.137.614.38%
4EU Institutions2.732.638.016.719.032.37%
5France43.938.010.216.52.115.56%
6African Development Fund [AfDF]22.110.79.211.816.59.04%
7Sweden3.54.02.84.37.910.22%
8OPEC Fund for International Development [OPEC Fund]1.24.51.07.73.02.11%
9United Kingdom7.72.43.20.71.13.21%
10United States8.54.81.40.60.22.51%
11Norway5.52.32.82.82.31.31%
All official donors474.4302.0473.7317.2242.3262.3100%

OECD Creditor Reporting System, gross disbursements, current USD millions; recipients KEN, UGA (combined); DAC sectors 231, 232, 236; retrieved 2026-09-24. 39 individual donors report in scope. Latest OECD year lags national data. All official donors: Trend: USD 474.4m in 2019 → USD 262.3m in 2024 (-45%); peak USD 474.4m in 2019. International Development Association [IDA]: Trend: USD 202.6m in 2019 → USD 153.5m in 2024 (-24%); peak USD 314.2m in 2021. Japan: Trend: USD 151.0m in 2019 → USD 11.5m in 2024 (-92%); peak USD 151.0m in 2019. Germany: Trend: USD 16.6m in 2019 → USD 14.3m in 2024 (-14%); peak USD 43.0m in 2021.

Governance and investment climate E34

CountryMeasureScoreYearScore 2019
KenyaControl of corruption32202431
KenyaPolitical stability and absence of violence43202448
KenyaRegulatory quality50202449
KenyaGovernment effectiveness46202446
KenyaRule of law49202447
KenyaVoice and accountability51202448
KenyaFDI net inflows (% of GDP)0.42024
UgandaControl of corruption25202426
UgandaPolitical stability and absence of violence48202453
UgandaRegulatory quality47202447
UgandaGovernment effectiveness45202441
UgandaRule of law44202444
UgandaVoice and accountability39202442
UgandaFDI net inflows (% of GDP)6.02024

World Bank Worldwide Governance Indicators (scores 0-100, higher is better; perception-based composites with wide margins of error) and World Development Indicators for FDI; retrieved 2026-09-24. WGI scores rank countries relative to each other; small differences are not meaningful.

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Evidence

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E1 Norwegian disbursements by year · Norwegian development assistance data (Norad open data)
YearDisbursed (NOK)AgreementsShare of all Norwegian aid to these recipients
202123.8 m56.4%
202224.7 m65.0%
202324.1 m64.1%
202414.0 m63.2%
202517.8 m55.3%
Total104.4 m

Kenya, Uganda; DAC sectors 231, 232, 236; 2021–2025. Trend: 23.8 m in 2021 → 17.8 m in 2025 (-25%); peak 24.7 m in 2022.

E2 Largest agreement partners · Norwegian development assistance data (Norad open data)
PartnerTypeDisbursed (NOK)AgreementsYears
UEGCL - Uganda Electricity Generation Company LimitedPublic sector in developing countries37.4 m22021–2023
WWF NorgeNGO Norwegian23.9 m22021–2025
ERA - Uganda Electricity Regulatory AuthorityPublic sector in developing countries22.5 m12021–2025
Kam Group ASNorwegian private sector9.6 m22023–2025
Uganda Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic DevelopmentGovernments/Ministries in developing countries7.5 m12022
PATS - PA Technical Services Ltd.Private sector in developing countries2.5 m12024
Makerere UniversityPublic sector in developing countries930 k12021–2023
Stiftelsen SINTEFNGO Norwegian37 k12025

Kenya, Uganda; DAC sectors 231, 232, 236; 2021–2025. Agreement partner labels as recorded; not resolved organisation identities.

E3 Channels: who receives the funds · Norwegian development assistance data (Norad open data)
Partner typeAssistance typeDisbursed (NOK)ShareAgreements
Public sector in developing countriesBilateral60.8 m58%4
NGO NorwegianBilateral24.0 m23%3
Norwegian private sectorBilateral9.6 m9%2
Governments/Ministries in developing countriesBilateral7.5 m7%1
Private sector in developing countriesBilateral2.5 m2%1

Kenya, Uganda; DAC sectors 231, 232, 236; 2021–2025.

E4 What the money is for (sub-sectors) · Norwegian development assistance data (Norad open data)
Sub-sectorDisbursed (NOK)Agreements
10 - Energy policy and administrative management46.4 m3
20 - Hydro-electric power plants37.4 m2
30 - Electric power transmission and distribution (centralised grids)10.0 m2
10 - Energy generation, renewable sources – multiple technologies9.6 m2
81 - Energy education/training930 k1
82 - Energy research37 k1

Kenya, Uganda; DAC sectors 231, 232, 236; 2021–2025.

E5 Where Norway spends in this sector (recipients) · Norwegian development assistance data (Norad open data)
RecipientDisbursed (NOK)Rank among countries
Global Unspecified8,550.1 m—
Ukraine7,761.4 m1
Moldova776.8 m2
Mozambique415.3 m3
Africa Regional402.4 m—
Nepal387.7 m4
Tanzania286.6 m5
Eastern Africa, regional228.8 m—
South of Sahara Regional204.1 m—
Uganda97.6 m6
Kenya6.8 m25

All recipients; DAC sectors 231, 232, 236; 2021–2025. 54 recipients in scope. Regional and unallocated lines (e.g. Global Unspecified) are shown but not ranked.

E6 Policy markers (share of disbursements tagged significant or principal) · Norwegian development assistance data (Norad open data)
MarkerShare
Gender equality6%
Climate adaptation8%
Climate mitigation75%
Disability inclusion0%

Kenya, Uganda; DAC sectors 231, 232, 236; 2021–2025. Donor-reported OECD policy markers; not outcome evidence.

E7 Largest agreement: UEGCL Institutional Support for Hydropower O&M Excellence · Norwegian development assistance data (Norad open data)

Agreement UGA-18/0001 — "UEGCL Institutional Support for Hydropower O&M Excellence" in Uganda. Partner: UEGCL - Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited (Public sector in developing countries). Sector: 20 - Hydro-electric power plants. Active 2019–2023; 39.9 m NOK in the selected years; 70.0 m NOK 2015–2025 total. Description: Support to UEGCL Hydropower Operation and Maintenance Excellence (HOME) Programme. Expected impact: Improved socio-economic development in Uganda through higher availability and access to electricity. The expected effects of the Programme for the target group are (Outcome): i. UEGCL established as a professional operator of its large hydropower plants ii. Increased competence level of UEGCL operation and maintenance staff

E8 Largest agreement: NVE Capacity Building for Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) · Norwegian development assistance data (Norad open data)

Agreement UGA-20/0002 — "NVE Capacity Building for Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA)" in Uganda. Partner: ERA - Uganda Electricity Regulatory Authority (Public sector in developing countries). Sector: 10 - Energy policy and administrative management. Active 2021–2025; 22.5 m NOK in the selected years; 22.5 m NOK 2015–2025 total. Description: Financial support for Technical Assistance by the Norwegian Water and Energy Directorate (NVE) for Uganda's Electricity Regulatory Authority 2021-24, for safe, efficient, reliable, and sustainable electricity supply in Uganda. The program is primarily aimed at capacity building based on institutional cooperation, through transfer of electricity sector expertise and experience. Planned Outcomes: i) Improved, more effective, transparent and predictable power system; ii) Improved electricity power system operations and quality of supply, with a higher degree of transparency; iiii) Reduction in negative environmental and social impacts of power production and power systems, and improved natural resource sustainability; iv) Awareness of measurements and possibilities for more effective power system.

E9 Largest agreement: Africa Energy Transition - regional coordination (hosted in Uganda) · Norwegian development assistance data (Norad open data)

Agreement QZA-20/0240-1 — "Africa Energy Transition - regional coordination (hosted in Uganda)" in Uganda. Partner: WWF Norge (NGO Norwegian); implementing: WWF - local office. Sector: 10 - Energy policy and administrative management. Active 2021–2025; 17.2 m NOK in the selected years; 17.2 m NOK 2015–2025 total. Description: The programme aims to drive a just transition from coal and charcoal to renewable energy and clean cooking solutions in three African countries, by: • Addressing national policy and regulatory frameworks for energy • Accelerating regional cross-border trade in renewable energy on and off grid • Facilitating the divestment of African and Chinese financial institutions from coal fired power plants and increasing financial flows to renewable energy, including women-led renewable energy enterprise. The project promotes the green energy transition including reduced use of fossile coal.

E10 Largest agreement: KAM Group AS Green fertiliser Uganda feasibility · Norwegian development assistance data (Norad open data)

Agreement UGA-23/0005 — "KAM Group AS Green fertiliser Uganda feasibility" in Uganda. Partner: Kam Group AS (Norwegian private sector). Sector: 10 - Energy generation, renewable sources – multiple technologies. Active 2024–2025; 8.1 m NOK in the selected years; 8.1 m NOK 2015–2025 total. Description: Norad will support financing of KAM Group and Westgass's feasibility studies to investigate the potential to utilise excess hydropower for production of clean hydrogen to b used in the production of fertiliser, with a pilot in Northern Uganda. The studies will involve techno-economic assessments, an environmental and social impact assessment, legal an regulatory processes and engagement with relevant authorities, academia, civil society and vendors / suppliers.

E11 Largest agreement: Electrification of Refugee Settlements in Northen Uganda · Norwegian development assistance data (Norad open data)

Agreement UGA-18/0007 — "Electrification of Refugee Settlements in Northen Uganda" in Uganda. Partner: Uganda Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (Governments/Ministries in developing countries); implementing: Uganda Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development. Sector: 30 - Electric power transmission and distribution (centralised grids). Active 2018–2022; 7.5 m NOK in the selected years; 42.5 m NOK 2015–2025 total. Description: Agreement with Uganda Government (Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning) regarding electrification of refugee settlemts in Koboko, Yumbe and Adjumani districts in Northern Uganda.

E12 Largest agreement: Africa Energy Transition - Kenya · Norwegian development assistance data (Norad open data)

Agreement QZA-20/0240-2 — "Africa Energy Transition - Kenya" in Kenya. Partner: WWF Norge (NGO Norwegian); implementing: WWF - local office. Sector: 10 - Energy policy and administrative management. Active 2021–2025; 6.8 m NOK in the selected years; 6.8 m NOK 2015–2025 total. Description: The programme aims to drive a just transition from coal and charcoal to renewable energy and clean cooking solutions in three African countries, by: • Addressing national policy and regulatory frameworks for energy • Accelerating regional cross-border trade in renewable energy on and off grid • Facilitating the divestment of African and Chinese financial institutions from coal fired power plants and increasing financial flows to renewable energy, including women-led renewable energy enterprise

E13 Largest agreement: Powerline upgrade Kigwabya Hydro Power Plant · Norwegian development assistance data (Norad open data)

Agreement UGA-24/0001 — "Powerline upgrade Kigwabya Hydro Power Plant" in Uganda. Partner: PATS - PA Technical Services Ltd. (Private sector in developing countries). Sector: 30 - Electric power transmission and distribution (centralised grids). Active 2024–2024; 2.5 m NOK in the selected years; 2.5 m NOK 2015–2025 total. Description: PA Technical Services LTD (PATS) has applied for and been awarded Norad financial support for powerline upgrade work required for evacuation of power from Kigwabya Hydro Power Plant under construction in Uganda.

E14 Largest agreement: KAM Group AS feasibility study hydrogen P2P Uganda · Norwegian development assistance data (Norad open data)

Agreement UGA-22/0006 — "KAM Group AS feasibility study hydrogen P2P Uganda" in Uganda. Partner: Kam Group AS (Norwegian private sector). Sector: 10 - Energy generation, renewable sources – multiple technologies. Active 2023–2024; 1.5 m NOK in the selected years; 1.5 m NOK 2015–2025 total. Description: Norad will support financing of KAM Group and Westgass's feasibility studies to investigate the potential for power-to-power through green hydrogen electrification, with a pilot in Northern Uganda. The studies will involve a techno-economic assessment, an overview of regulatory ans safety measures of the West Nile region of Uganda, and assess the needed resources.

E15 Largest agreement: Support to Renewable Energy Business Incubator (REBI) · Norwegian development assistance data (Norad open data)

Agreement UGA-16/0012 — "Support to Renewable Energy Business Incubator (REBI)" in Uganda. Partner: Makerere University (Public sector in developing countries). Sector: 81 - Energy education/training. Active 2017–2023; 930 k NOK in the selected years; 7.7 m NOK 2015–2025 total. Description: Vocational training to develop entrepreneurial skills and foster business development and entreneurship within the renewable energy value chain.

E16 Largest agreement: Norec, FK Norway, personnell exchange · Norwegian development assistance data (Norad open data)

Agreement FK-146401 — "Norec, FK Norway, personnell exchange" in Uganda. Partner: Stiftelsen SINTEF (NGO Norwegian). Sector: 82 - Energy research. Active 2025–2025; 37 k NOK in the selected years; 37 k NOK 2015–2025 total. Description: Feasability study to map areas for exchange of personell and collaboration for learning.

E17 Related project (semantic match): Equity Group Foundation Kenya · Norwegian development assistance data (Norad open data)

Agreement KEN-17/0008 — "Equity Group Foundation Kenya" in Kenya. Partner: Equity Group Foundation (Private sector in developing countries). Sector: 20 - Agricultural development. Active 2018–2024; 45.7 m NOK 2015–2025 total. Description: Financial Access to SME and rural population in agriculture using technolgy. The project will focus on encouraging women to participate in the program activities in the various parts of the agricultural value chain where women are a significant part of the labour force and should have better access to productive resources such as land, credit and education/training.

E18 Who else funds this: all official donors (OECD CRS) · OECD DAC Creditor Reporting System

Open the source ↗

RankDonor2019 (USD m)2020 (USD m)2021 (USD m)2022 (USD m)2023 (USD m)2024 (USD m)Share
1International Development Association [IDA]202.6108.8314.2188.7113.2153.552%
2Japan151.068.437.718.231.711.515%
3Germany16.614.743.036.137.614.38%
4EU Institutions2.732.638.016.719.032.37%
5France43.938.010.216.52.115.56%
6African Development Fund [AfDF]22.110.79.211.816.59.04%
7Sweden3.54.02.84.37.910.22%
8OPEC Fund for International Development [OPEC Fund]1.24.51.07.73.02.11%
9United Kingdom7.72.43.20.71.13.21%
10United States8.54.81.40.60.22.51%
11Norway5.52.32.82.82.31.31%
All official donors474.4302.0473.7317.2242.3262.3100%

OECD Creditor Reporting System, gross disbursements, current USD millions; recipients KEN, UGA (combined); DAC sectors 231, 232, 236; retrieved 2026-09-24. 39 individual donors report in scope. Latest OECD year lags national data. All official donors: Trend: USD 474.4m in 2019 → USD 262.3m in 2024 (-45%); peak USD 474.4m in 2019. International Development Association [IDA]: Trend: USD 202.6m in 2019 → USD 153.5m in 2024 (-24%); peak USD 314.2m in 2021. Japan: Trend: USD 151.0m in 2019 → USD 11.5m in 2024 (-92%); peak USD 151.0m in 2019. Germany: Trend: USD 16.6m in 2019 → USD 14.3m in 2024 (-14%); peak USD 43.0m in 2021.

E19 Other donors' largest projects in scope (OECD CRS, 2023 to 2024) · OECD Creditor Reporting System (project-level records)

Open the source ↗

DonorProjectChannel of deliveryRecipientDisbursed (USD m)
International Development Association [IDA]Kenya Green and Resilient Expansion of Energy ProgramRecipient GovernmentKenya80.3
International Development Association [IDA]Electricity Access Scale-up Project (EASP)Recipient GovernmentUganda64.0
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development [IBRD]Fiscal Sustainability and Inclusive Green Growth (FIGG) Development Policy OperationRecipient GovernmentKenya50.0
International Development Association [IDA]Fiscal Sustainability and Inclusive Green Growth (FIGG) Development Policy OperationRecipient GovernmentKenya50.0
International Development Association [IDA]Uganda Grid Expansion and Reinforcement Project (GERP)Recipient GovernmentUganda31.5
GermanyMezzanine Finance in Biogas power plantsOther non-financial corporations (in third country)Kenya30.2
GermanyLong term debt in Hydro-electric power plantsOther non-financial corporations (in recipient country)Uganda29.9
Islamic Development Bank [IsDB]132kV Mirama-Kabale Transmission Line and Distribution ProjectCentral Government (recipient govt.)Uganda23.1
EU InstitutionsOLKARIA I GEOTHERMAL EXTENSIONCentral Government (recipient govt.)Kenya21.8
African Development Bank [AfDB]UGANDA RURAL ELECTRICITY ACCESS PROJECTRecipient GovernmentUganda20.2
JapanKampala Metropolitan Transmission System ImprovementRecipient GovernmentUganda19.5
GermanySteam Field Development Bogoria-Silali BlockCentral Government (recipient govt.)Kenya19.5

OECD CRS project-level records, gross disbursements 2023 to 2024, current USD millions; recipients KEN, UGA; DAC sectors 231, 232, 236; Norway excluded (see the Norwegian data); retrieved 2026-09-24. 268 projects from 41 donors report in scope. Titles and descriptions are donor-reported; a project may cover more than the sector named.

E20 Other donor's project: Promotion of mini-grids for rural electrification (Germany) · OECD Creditor Reporting System (project-level records)

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Donor: Germany. Channel of delivery: Public corporations (donor govt.). Recipient: Uganda. Purpose: Energy generation, renewable sources - multiple technologies. Disbursed USD 0.2m in 2023 to 2024. Description (donor-reported): ContextUganda has great potential for generating power from renewable sources such as solar, hydro, biomass, and wind. However, only about five per cent of the population has access to any kind of electricity, with around 24 per cent of them accessing electricity for more than four hours per day. Outside the cities, where 70 per cent of the population lives, the rate of electrification is a mere 38 per cent. This presents a major barrier to economic development and poverty reduction.The Government of Uganda seeks to promote private investment for mini grids in Uganda, as they offer a viable solution to insufficient access to electricity. Mini grids can supply reliable and grid-like electricity in most villages where grid extension is unaffordable. The policy and regulatory framework for mini grids however still needs to be developed to enable mini grid projects to reach the necessary sca

E21 Other donor's project: Advisor for business development and capacity building in a climate action project in Masaka, Uganda (Austria) · OECD Creditor Reporting System (project-level records)

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Donor: Austria. Channel of delivery: Donor country-based NGO. Recipient: Uganda. Purpose: Energy conservation and demand-side efficiency. Disbursed USD 0.0m in 2024. Description (donor-reported): The advisory assignment is embedded within the Caritas MADDO Carbon Project and aims to enhance the organisation's capacity to develop a sustainable business model based on carbon finance. The advisor will provide guidance and capacity-building support at all levels, ensuring that Caritas MADDO is well-equipped to implement its carbon finance-based initiatives effectively. Caritas MADDO operates the project 'Efficient and Healthy Cooking in Masaka Diocese,' which seeks to replace traditional cooking stoves with energy-efficient alternatives in rural and suburban households across six districts in southwestern Uganda. This initiative directly contributes to reducing firewood consumption, improving indoor air quality, and promoting better cooking and health conditions for local families. Additionally, Caritas MADDO is in the process of establishing a separate eco-friendly business model un

E22 Other donor's project: Beyond the Grid Fund for Africa - Beyond the Grid Fund for Africa - Uganda (Sweden) · OECD Creditor Reporting System (project-level records)

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Donor: Sweden. Channel of delivery: Other multilateral institutions. Recipient: Uganda. Purpose: Energy generation, renewable sources - multiple technologies. Disbursed USD 5.2m in 2023 to 2024. Description (donor-reported): The Beyond the Grid Fund for Africa (BGFA) is a planned expansion and scale up of an innovative, results-based initiative incentivising private sector to provide affordable, efficient, high quality, renewable energy services to underserved people in off-grid rural and peri-urban areas that builds on experience of the Beyond the Grid Fund for Zambia. Sida's proposed support to BGFA includes, Burkina Faso, Liberia, Mozambique, Zambia, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. BGFA aims to reach 5-15 million people with clean, renewable and reliable energy services. BGFA is designed to stimulate and accelerate the emergence of new business models for provision of affordable energy access at scale whilst demonstrating sustainability over time. The BGFA particularly supports the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7), which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, s

E23 Other donor's project: Improving Affordability and Reliability of Energy Access in Uganda with River Turbines (United Kingdom) · OECD Creditor Reporting System (project-level records)

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Donor: United Kingdom. Channel of delivery: University, college or other teaching institution, research institute or think-tank. Recipient: Uganda. Purpose: Energy generation, renewable sources - multiple technologies. Disbursed USD 0.2m in 2023. Description (donor-reported): **Improving Affordability and Reliability of Energy Access in Uganda with River Turbines**This study will show how novel hydro-kinetic river turbines can be a valuable addition to the portfolio of solutions that can be used to accelerate energy access and improve the quality of life for poor, rural communities in Uganda.The emergence of small, efficient, free-stream, hydro-kinetic turbines capable of economically generating electricity from the speed of fast-flowing water is a new development. It uses technology transferred from the offshore tidal energy sector, in which the UK has been a world-leader since it began, about twenty years ago. Hydro-kinetic technology is fundamentally different to conventional hydropower that extracts energy from rivers as they drop through a height, or 'head'. Conventional hydropower is cost effective and reliable at a large scale supplying power to nation

E24 Other donor's project: African SCENe: Sustainable Community Energy Networks (United Kingdom) · OECD Creditor Reporting System (project-level records)

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Donor: United Kingdom. Channel of delivery: Private sector in provider country. Recipient: Kenya. Purpose: Energy generation, renewable sources - multiple technologies. Disbursed USD 0.2m in 2024. Description (donor-reported): African SCENe (Sustainable Community Energy Networks) is a 12-month feasibility study that will enable the characterisation and identification of schools within low-income suburban communities in Nairobi that have the potential to become clean energy hubs through innovative business models.These energy hubs will be capable of generating, storing and distributing clean energy for the community they serve, accelerating access to adequate, affordable, and reliable renewable energy in Kenya, whilst enhancing energy awareness and education, The proposed business models will remove the financial and technical burden from the schools, in line with learnings from past projects developed by the partners. Given challenges around grid reliability and supply, African SCENe will investigate how the business model could be defined to co-exist within the existing and future energy structures. Key to th

E25 Other donor's project: African SCENe: Sustainable Community Energy Networks (United Kingdom) · OECD Creditor Reporting System (project-level records)

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Donor: United Kingdom. Channel of delivery: University, college or other teaching institution, research institute or think-tank. Recipient: Kenya. Purpose: Energy generation, renewable sources - multiple technologies. Disbursed USD 0.1m in 2023. Description (donor-reported): African SCENe (Sustainable Community Energy Networks) is a 12-month feasibility study that will enable the characterisation and identification of schools within low-income suburban communities in Nairobi that have the potential to become clean energy hubs through innovative business models.These energy hubs will be capable of generating, storing and distributing clean energy for the community they serve, accelerating access to adequate, affordable, and reliable renewable energy in Kenya, whilst enhancing energy awareness and education, The proposed business models will remove the financial and technical burden from the schools, in line with learnings from past projects developed by the partners. Given challenges around grid reliability and supply, African SCENe will investigate how the business model could be defined to co-exist within the existing and future energy structures. Key to th

E26 Private finance mobilised by official development finance (OECD) · OECD, mobilised private finance for development

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Mechanism2022 (USD m)2023 (USD m)2024 (USD m)
Direct investment in companies and SPVs237.6139.0786.1
Guarantees326.450.8401.3
Credit lines19.7151.2271.1
Syndicated loans45.2113.758.8
Simple co-financing34.223.1111.0
Shares in investment funds (CIVs)18.016.611.0
All mechanisms, all sectors681.2494.41,639.3
In this brief's sectors (231, 232, 236)50.512.4208.4
of which by multilateral banks and funds475.5285.5600.7
of which by bilateral donors (DAC)205.7208.91,038.6

OECD, mobilised private finance for development; recipients Kenya, Uganda (combined); current USD millions; retrieved 2026-09-24. Private money that official donors and development banks brought into projects through guarantees, loans, equity and co-financing. Published for groups of providers only, not per institution. Guarantees: Trend: USD 326.4m in 2022 → USD 401.3m in 2024 (+23%); peak USD 401.3m in 2024.

E27 Donors' total aid (net ODA), all recipients (2021 to 2025, 2025 provisional) · OECD DAC1 (includes preliminary data)

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Donor2021 (USD m)2022 (USD m)2023 (USD m)2024 (USD m)2025 (USD m) provisional
Japan15,767.016,747.318,661.915,245.913,523.6
Germany32,455.636,444.641,253.333,249.328,032.0
EU Institutions20,639.127,165.937,544.235,654.152,904.8
France16,721.917,560.915,862.015,073.813,905.7
Sweden5,937.65,463.85,481.94,829.05,769.2
United Kingdom16,277.815,761.318,615.716,269.516,365.1
United States47,528.260,328.764,461.965,336.829,021.9
Norway4,673.05,161.05,292.94,905.35,156.8

OECD DAC1, net ODA disbursements to all recipients and sectors, current USD millions; retrieved 2026-09-24. Shows each donor's overall aid, not its spending in this country or sector. 2025 figures are the OECD's preliminary estimates of aid already disbursed that year (not forecasts) and may be revised. Japan: USD 15,245.9m in 2024 → USD 13,523.6m in 2025 (-11% in one year). Germany: USD 33,249.3m in 2024 → USD 28,032.0m in 2025 (-16% in one year). EU Institutions: USD 35,654.1m in 2024 → USD 52,904.8m in 2025 (+48% in one year). France: USD 15,073.8m in 2024 → USD 13,905.7m in 2025 (-8% in one year). Sweden: USD 4,829.0m in 2024 → USD 5,769.2m in 2025 (+19% in one year). The same donors in this country and sector (OECD CRS, gross disbursements; ends earlier): Japan: USD 151.0m in 2019 → USD 11.5m in 2024. Germany: USD 16.6m in 2019 → USD 14.3m in 2024. EU Institutions: USD 2.7m in 2019 → USD 32.3m in 2024. France: USD 43.9m in 2019 → USD 15.5m in 2024. Sweden: USD 3.5m in 2019 → USD 10.2m in 2024. United Kingdom: USD 7.7m in 2019 → USD 3.2m in 2024. United States: USD 8.5m in 2019 → USD 2.5m in 2024. Norway: USD 5.5m in 2019 → USD 1.3m in 2024.

E28 Crisis risk: INFORM Risk Index 2026 · INFORM Risk Index (EU Joint Research Centre)

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CountryINFORM Risk 2026 (0-10)ClassRank (1 = highest risk)Hazard & exposureVulnerabilityLack of coping capacityINFORM Risk 2022
Kenya6.1High26 of 1916.96.35.15.7
Uganda6.6Very high20 of 1916.56.96.56.0

INFORM Risk Index 2026, EU Joint Research Centre with IASC partners; retrieved 2026-09-24. Scores 0-10, higher means a higher risk that a humanitarian crisis overwhelms national capacity; the earlier score is from the published edition of that year, whose method differed slightly. Kenya: the highest of the three dimensions is Hazard & exposure (6.9); read the score through that dimension. Kenya: INFORM Risk 5.7 in 2022 → 6.1 in 2026 (High → High). Uganda: the highest of the three dimensions is Vulnerability (6.9); read the score through that dimension. Uganda: INFORM Risk 6.0 in 2022 → 6.6 in 2026 (High → Very high).

E29 Humanitarian crisis severity: INFORM Severity - August 2026 · ACAPS INFORM Severity Index (via HDX)

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CountryCrisisDriversSeverity (1-10)CategoryTrend (last 3 months)Complexity (1-10)Data reliability
KenyaDrought in ASAL areas of KenyaDrought/drier conditions6.9HighIncreasing5.1Medium
UgandaInternational Displacement to UgandaInternational Displacement6.1HighIncreasing5.4Medium
KenyaInternational displacement to KenyaInternational Displacement5.9MediumIncreasing4.5High
UgandaFood Security Crisis in Karamoja RegionDrought/drier conditions5.1Mediumnew or no trend4.6Medium

ACAPS INFORM Severity Index, monthly edition published on the Humanitarian Data Exchange; retrieved 2026-09-24. It rates the severity of ongoing crises (impact, conditions of people affected, complexity); countries without an active crisis are not listed.

E30 Humanitarian access constraints: ACAPS, Sep 2026 · ACAPS Humanitarian Access

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CountryCrisisAccess constraints (0-5)LevelPeople's access to aidAid actors' access to peopleSecurity and physical constraintsStrongest constraints
KenyaMultiple crises in Kenya2Moderate303physical constraints (terrain, climate, infrastructure)
KenyaInternational displacement to Kenya2Moderate303physical constraints (terrain, climate, infrastructure)
KenyaDrought in ASAL areas of Kenya1Low013physical constraints (terrain, climate, infrastructure)
UgandaMultiple crises in Uganda3High323physical constraints (terrain, climate, infrastructure)
UgandaInternational Displacement to Uganda3High323physical constraints (terrain, climate, infrastructure)
UgandaFood Security Crisis in Karamoja Region1Low013physical constraints (terrain, climate, infrastructure)

ACAPS Humanitarian Access dataset, Sep 2026 edition (API); retrieved 2026-09-24. Scores 0 (no constraints) to 5 (extreme), from three pillars and nine indicators; countries without a tracked crisis are not listed. Kenya: the most constrained crisis is Multiple crises in Kenya (2 of 5, Moderate). Uganda: the most constrained crisis is Multiple crises in Uganda (3 of 5, High).

E31 Displacement: people hosted (2025, UNHCR) · UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics

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CountryYearRefugees hostedAsylum seekersInternally displaced
Kenya2025617,125218,646not reported
Uganda20251,936,71935,249not reported

UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics API, end-year figures by country of asylum; retrieved 2026-09-24. Internally displaced counts cover people UNHCR protects or assists and may be zero where it does not report them.

E32 Economic outlook (IMF World Economic Outlook) · IMF World Economic Outlook

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CountryMeasure20252026 (projection)2027 (projection)
KenyaReal GDP growth (%)4.94.54.7
UgandaReal GDP growth (%)6.77.58.2
KenyaInflation, average consumer prices (%)4.15.95.9
UgandaInflation, average consumer prices (%)3.64.04.9
KenyaGovernment gross debt (% of GDP)69.371.672.4
UgandaGovernment gross debt (% of GDP)54.255.054.4

IMF World Economic Outlook via the DataMapper API; retrieved 2026-09-24. 2026 and 2027 are IMF projections and are revised twice a year.

E33 Recent disaster alerts (GDACS, 2025-09-24 to 2026-09-24) · GDACS (UN OCHA and EU Joint Research Centre)

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CountryHazardAlertsHighest alert levelDate of highest alertLatest alert (any level)
KenyaFlood7Green2026-09-122026-09-12
KenyaDrought3Orange2026-05-212026-05-21
KenyaWildfire1Green2026-09-022026-09-02
UgandaWildfire10Green2026-08-232026-08-23
UgandaFlood3Green2026-09-202026-09-20
UgandaDrought2Orange2026-05-212026-05-21

Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (UN OCHA and EU Joint Research Centre), automatic near-real-time alerts; retrieved 2026-09-24. Green = limited expected impact, Orange = moderate, Red = severe; one disaster can raise several alerts. Kenya orange/red alerts: Drought in Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda (Orange, 2026-04-21); Drought in Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda (Orange, 2026-05-21); Drought in Kenya, Somalia (Orange, 2025-05-21). Uganda orange/red alerts: Drought in Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda (Orange, 2026-04-21); Drought in Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda (Orange, 2026-05-21).

E34 Governance and investment climate · World Bank Worldwide Governance Indicators

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CountryMeasureScoreYearScore 2019
KenyaControl of corruption32202431
KenyaPolitical stability and absence of violence43202448
KenyaRegulatory quality50202449
KenyaGovernment effectiveness46202446
KenyaRule of law49202447
KenyaVoice and accountability51202448
KenyaFDI net inflows (% of GDP)0.42024
UgandaControl of corruption25202426
UgandaPolitical stability and absence of violence48202453
UgandaRegulatory quality47202447
UgandaGovernment effectiveness45202441
UgandaRule of law44202444
UgandaVoice and accountability39202442
UgandaFDI net inflows (% of GDP)6.02024

World Bank Worldwide Governance Indicators (scores 0-100, higher is better; perception-based composites with wide margins of error) and World Development Indicators for FDI; retrieved 2026-09-24. WGI scores rank countries relative to each other; small differences are not meaningful.

E35 Country indicators — Kenya, Uganda · World Bank World Development Indicators

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CountryIndicatorValueYear
KenyaAccess to electricity (% of population)77.02024
KenyaGDP per capita (current US$)2,3632025
KenyaPoverty headcount at $3.00/day (% of population)45.52022
KenyaBasic drinking water services (% of population)65.62024
KenyaTotal greenhouse gas emissions excl. land use (Mt CO2e)102.82024
UgandaAccess to electricity (% of population)55.32024
UgandaGDP per capita (current US$)1,2062025
UgandaPoverty headcount at $3.00/day (% of population)59.82019
UgandaBasic drinking water services (% of population)63.02024
UgandaTotal greenhouse gas emissions excl. land use (Mt CO2e)57.32024

World Bank World Development Indicators, most recent value; retrieved 2026-09-24. Most recent non-empty year differs by indicator.

How this brief was made

Scoped as: The reader needs to understand the landscape of funding, private finance mobilization, risks, and potential partners for off-grid solar and mini-grid investments in Kenya and Uganda.

Data path: Norwegian aid open data → Databricks Delta (bronze/silver/gold, reconciled) → Lakebase Postgres serving tables → SQL aggregates + pgvector semantic search over 20k agreement descriptions. Live: OECD CRS (all donors), World Bank WDI, Google Search grounding.

Models: plan gemini-2.5-flash, brief gemini-3.1-pro-preview (HIGH). Timings (s): inform 0.0, governance 0.0, outlook 0.0, severity 0.0, access 0.08, refugees 1.16, humanitarian 1.29, disasters 1.9, private_finance 2.02, portfolio 2.31, oecd_projects 7.34, oecd 8.03, oecd_totals 8.02, indicators 8.03, plan 6.22, web 26.84, web_compare 4.16, compose 31.28, total 50.6.

Trace checks:

Draft for review. Figures come from the evidence cards; highlighted figures could not be traced automatically. Web research is a lead, not verified evidence.

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