In a move aimed at improving electricity access in rural Africa, the Stichting Clean Energy and Energy Inclusion for Africa (CEI Africa) has finalized a $1.5 million junior secured loan to support solar mini-grid projects in Benin. The funding has been provided to Mionwa Generation SA, a special purpose vehicle of OnePower, in partnership with the crowdfunding platform Energise Africa.
This loan is part of a larger financing package worth $2.9 million. The package also includes nearly $1.4 million in senior debt that has been secured or is planned by Energise Africa. The funds will be used to develop nine solar mini-grids in rural parts of Benin, where access to reliable electricity remains limited.
Once completed, the mini-grids will have a combined installed capacity of 595 kW and will be supported by 1.7 MWh of battery energy storage. These systems are expected to supply clean and reliable power to around 4,700 households and small businesses. The projects aim to reduce dependence on diesel generators and other polluting energy sources, while supporting local economic activity.
In addition to debt financing, the project has received strong support through results-based financing. CEI Africa has committed grants of up to $972,000. Separately, the Universal Energy Facility, managed by Sustainable Energy for All, has allocated $1.66 million in incentives for five selected project sites.
OnePower Group CEO Matthew Orosz said the blended finance structure is an important step forward. He noted that combining loans with performance-linked grants makes it possible to deliver high-quality solar power to remote communities that have long remained outside the reach of the national grid.
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