At the Global Off-Grid Solar Forum & Expo (GOGSFE26) in Kigali, Rwanda, SNV and GOGLA signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation on energy access, sustainable market development and more integrated approaches that connect renewable energy with agriculture and food systems.

The agreement brings together GOGLA's experience in off-grid solar market development, industry engagement, and policy with SNV's expertise in programme implementation, private sector development, and working towards systems transformation across sectors with governments, businesses, and local partners.

It provides a framework for joint work on financing, enterprise support, policy engagement and knowledge sharing, with the aim of expanding energy access and creating economic opportunities in underserved markets.

Under the agreement, SNV and GOGLA will explore opportunities to develop and promote catalytic finance approaches, including results-based financing (RBF), blended finance and other mechanisms that can reduce investment risks and mobilise public and private capital.

The organisations will also work to strengthen enterprise investment readiness, connect businesses with financial institutions and share evidence to inform financing approaches and programme design.

The focus is not only on increasing the finance available, but also on ensuring that financing mechanisms respond to market conditions and the needs of businesses at different stages of development.

Connecting energy and agri-food systems

The productive use of renewable energy (PURE) is another important area of cooperation. Access to reliable energy can help farmers and agribusinesses invest in irrigation, cooling, processing and storage. However, making these applications commercially viable requires more than access to energy technology. It also depends on business models, financing and the wider markets in which farmers and enterprises operate.

SNV and GOGLA will explore opportunities to strengthen these connections, drawing on their respective experience in energy and agri-food systems. The agreement also provides scope for collaboration on evidence, policy engagement and market development, including through initiatives such as the Power for Food Partnership.

For SNV, the next chapter of off-grid energy is about what energy makes possible. This means expanding access to underserved markets, connecting renewable energy with agriculture and economic opportunities, and ensuring that financing responds to the needs of businesses and markets at different stages of growth.

These priorities are reflected in the areas of cooperation identified by SNV and GOGLA, particularly the focus on catalytic finance, productive energy use and stronger links between policy, investment and programme implementation.

The three-year agreement provides a basis for continued engagement. SNV and GOGLA will develop a joint action plan to identify specific opportunities for cooperation, joint programming and resource mobilisation.

GOGLA

GOGLA is the global association for the off-grid solar industry. It brings together companies, investors and governments to strengthen the sector, using data and market intelligence to inform policy, unlock investment and expand access to clean, affordable energy.

SNV

SNV is a global development partner rooted in and working across Africa and Asia. With a team of approximately 1,600 people, our mission is to strengthen capacities and catalyse partnerships that transform agri-food, energy, and water systems to enable sustainable, more equitable lives for all.