Between 2013 and 2020, EnDev’s Results-Based Financing Facility piloted 17 projects across 14 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, covering a wide range of modern energy technologies to enhance energy access markets with funding provided by UK Aid through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)

The key objective of the VG RBF was to boost energy access and support private companies, rewarding first movers and pilot projects which would demonstrate both technical and financial viability, but also allow firms to gain experience and improve their business models along the way

The EnDev VG RBF raised significant interest from the private sector, with a total of 52 mini-grid applications which some of which were from EPD members over 6 calls for proposals from November 2014 to December 2017. Beneficiaries would vary between local developers and international companies based in Rwanda, with the majority of applicants having limited experience in developing mini-grids. In the later calls, the number of shortlisted applicants increased, highlighting that the quality of proposals improved. Key success factors for this positive development were (1) Endev’s support to proposal development and (2) the increasing private sector interest with more experienced companies entering the market. The third crucial success factor for mini-grid developers was timing: despite the improvement in the quality of applications.

The EnDev VG RBF project provided access to electricity to more than 10,000 people. Four companies were supported, resulting in one hydro mini-grid, two solar AC mini-grids, and 22 solar DC nano-grids. Through these projects, more than 350 MSMEs and 20 social institutions gained access to electricity, creating over 100 jobs.  The third crucial success factor for mini-grid developers was timing: despite the improvement in quality of applications, only four companies successfully commissioned projects. One of the reasons is the importance to streamline site selection with the final NEP, which was developed from late 2017 until June 2019. Based on the mapping of proposed projects and planned extension of the national grid, several projects had to withdraw due to imminent grid encroachment.