Government, through the Rural Electrification Authority (REA), has launched the Results-Based Financing (RBF) Facility under the Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation in Zambia (ASCENT Zambia) Program.
The facility will work with private energy service providers to make solar home systems and clean cooking appliances more affordable for households in rural and peri-urban areas.
Speaking at the official launch, Ministry of Energy Zambia Permanent Secretary-Electricity, Eng. Arnold Simwaba said the facility would support Governmentβs commitment to achieving universal electricity access by 2030.
REA Chief Executive Officer Eng. Alex Mbumba said the facility would help private companies reach communities where high delivery costs and commercial risks have limited access to modern energy services.
Representatives from the World Bank and the Global Off-Grid Lighting Association (GOGLA) also addressed the stakeholders in attendance. The World Bank reaffirmed its support for ASCENT Zambia, while GOGLA highlighted the role of the private sector in supplying quality energy products and extending services to underserved communities.
The facility targets 120,000 households with solar home systems and 60,000 households with clean cooking appliances. A future window will support 38,500 household connections through solar mini-grids.
Eligible service providers will deliver approved products before submitting claims for independent verification, ensuring that payments are linked to confirmed results.
The first call for proposals will open on 15 October 2026.