Growth Gateway: Green Services Deal Accelerator (GSDR) – Off-grid solar market, knowledge product (summary)
Published 20 April 2026
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The report, prepared by the Growth Gateway programme team in collaboration with the Boston Consulting Group, explains how off‑grid solar can close the electricity access gap in Sub‑Saharan Africa. It frames the scale of need, the economics of last‑mile delivery, and the funding required. The focus is practical solutions that improve affordability and speed deployment.
It shows 571 million people in the region remain without electricity, most concentrated in Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia and Tanzania. Off‑grid solar is identified as the most cost‑effective solution for about 368 million people by 2030. It can be deployed faster than grid or mini‑grid connections and suits remote, lower income households.
Affordability is the main barrier to uptake. Cash prices have risen with currency pressures and most unelectrified households cannot pay upfront. The report positions PayGo models as a key answer, now accounting for a large share of solar home system sales. These models convert capital costs into manageable instalments and improve inclusion.
The analysis estimates around $20 billion is needed to meet off‑grid demand this decade. It points to a blended approach using private debt and equity alongside public subsidies and grants. Example of providers include companies like Yellow and SunFi, which combine embedded finance, agent networks and remote locking to reach low income users with strong repayment performance.
The document is intended for investors, donors, policymakers and operators. It provides a clear view of where off‑grid solar fits, why affordability tools matter, and how to structure capital. The goal is faster, scalable connections that improve livelihoods and resilience while advancing universal access.