Lighting Africa is undertaking a comprehensive study that examines policy and regulatory barriers to off-grid lighting solutions. The study will be published in 2012, and is based on case studies drawn from Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Senegal, and Tanzania.

The study identifies policy and regulatory barriers that are perceived as impediments by industry, such as distorting subsidies, prohibitive taxes and tariffs. Others include inadequate regulatory standards, customs problems, administrative procedures, poor coordination between grid and off-grid electrification, and overall acceptance of low-cost lighting strategies into national planning.

The study identifies, analyzes and recommends practical solutions to remove the policy and regulatory barriers.

The recommendations include: electrification planning and accounting, well-targeted sustainable pro-poor subsidies, improved tax and duty regimes, favourable regulatory frameworks, and effective application and enforcement of existing policies and regulations.

The study findings are being used to engage African governments in discussions that are expected to yield an enabling environment for the expansion of affordable, quality-assured off-grid lighting services.

The study also identifies good practices among the participating countries.  For example, Kenya’s decision to abolish import tariffs on LED lighting products in 2010 is a first important step to improving the regulatory and policy framework for off-grid lighting. Kenya’s policy statement and resultant increase in access to LED lamps will hopefully be replicated in other African countries.

The study will feed into international efforts at promoting clean, efficient lighting

Lighting Africa conducted a series of workshops at the country and regional levels to bring together governments, private sector companies, donors, regional organizations, and other stakeholders to identify and agree on ways to remove policy barriers. Particular attention was given to bringing together importers and customs officials to increase clarity about current regulations and facilitate smoother imports.  Sample workshops include:

• At least one stakeholder workshop was held in each of the eight target countries in 2010; Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Senegal, and Tanzania.
• Regional workshops were held in Ghana in March 2010, and in Kenya in February 2010 to promote cross-country policy and information exchange.  
• A workshop bringing all the countries from East and West Africa together was held in May 2010, in conjunction with the 2nd International Business Conference and Trade Fair.