Developer Support Platform
The challenge
Across sub-Saharan African, more than 560 million people still lack access to electricity. Meeting this need with reliable, affordable, clean electricity requires significant investment, stronger delivery capabilities and solutions that can reach underserved communities.
Early-stage, growing and locally-rooted energy access companies have an important role to play. Yet many face challenges securing financing, developing viable projects, building technical and operational capabilities, and meeting investment requirements. Access to relevant technical assistance and other forms of support can be fragmented, making it harder for companies to navigate available opportunities and progress towards sustainable growth.
Beyond individual businesses, sector-wide gaps in shared data, digital systems, industry tools and coordination also create inefficiencies and limit progress.
Addressing these interconnected challenges will deliver a stronger pipeline of investment-ready companies and the market conditions necessary to accelerate sustainable growth and electricity access.
Our approach
DSP provides or facilitates targeted technical assistance, catalytic funding and support for market-enabling solutions to accelerate access to reliable, affordable electricity for communities across sub-Saharan Africa.
By strengthening delivery capabilities, addressing shared market bottlenecks and helping mobilize additional investment, DSP addresses barriers affecting energy access companies, projects and the wider market.
DSP works with partners to coordinate support, reduce duplication and mobilize additional investment to help countries achieve a more resilient and effective energy access sector.
DSP is supported by The Rockefeller Foundation and contributes to Mission 300, a World Bank and African Development bank-led effort to connect 300 million people in Africa to electricity by 2030.
Who DSP works with
DSP prioritizes early stage, locally rooted and growing energy access companies that are underserved and constrained by private financial markets, alongside shared solutions, market-enabling initiatives and ecosystem interventions that deliver benefits across the broader energy access sector. Established or well-resourced companies are not the primary focus of DSP; exceptional opportunities would require a clear demonstration of additionality, strong strategic fit and measurable charitable outcomes consistent with Global Energy Alliance’s charitable purposes.
How opportunities reach DSP
Opportunities are primarily identified through the Global Energy Alliance’s partnerships, networks, referrals and targeted sector engagement. Organisations may also contact DSP for enquiries. DSP does not currently operate a formal public application process, and submitting an enquiry does not guarantee a response or support. Any selection or support provided through DSP will be undertaken in furtherance of GEA’s charitable purposes and in accordance with Global Energy Alliance’s policies.
News, learning and stories
As DSP-supported interventions progress, we will share programme updates, partner stories, case studies and practical lessons from implementation. These insights will demonstrate how targeted support is helping address barriers to energy access and inform wider sector learning.
