In order to address the numerous regulatory and policy barriers that are stifling the development of off-grid lighting markets in Africa, Lighting Africa is launching a multi-country policy program. The program is designed to map and analyze policy and regulatory barriers such as import tariffs, taxes and subsidies for fossil fuels. On the basis of this, a policy dialogue with respective governments will be conducted to mitigate such barriers and improve business environments.
In response to the industry call to provide greater comprehension to the scope of this emergent market opportunity, Lighting Africa is supporting the industry by leading a Market Intelligence Program to collect and disseminate critical market information to the industry.
Access to finance is often cited by companies and consumers through the supply chain as one of the biggest barriers to entering the off-grid lighting market in Sub-Saharan Africa. Lighting Africa recognizes the importance finance plays and is working on identifying the financing needs of stakeholders in order to inform the development of solutions and financial products appropriate for the market.