About
Off-grid solar is projected to be the least-cost solution to provide electricity access to nearly 400 million people by 2030. Explore the opportunities and challenges in realizing that potential.
The Off-Grid Solar Market Trends Report Franchise
The Off-Grid Solar Market Trends Report (MTR) 2026 is the latest in a biennial series launched by the World Bank Group’s Lighting Africa Program in 2009, now co-produced by ESMAP and GOGLA with rotating partners. This report has become the go-to resource for investors, industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders in the global off-grid solar sector. Check out past editions in the Archives.
Our Collaborative Partners
Every 2 years the World Bank’s Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) and GOGLA collaborate to produce the Market Trends Report. This edition was produced with Dalberg Advisors and with support from IFC.
The Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) is a partnership between the World Bank Group and over 20 partners to help low- and middle-income countries reduce poverty and boost growth through sustainable energy solutions. ESMAP’s analytical and advisory services are fully integrated within the World Bank Group’s country financing and policy dialogue in the energy sector. Through the WBG, ESMAP works to accelerate the energy transition required to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7), which ensures access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. It helps shape WB strategies and programs to achieve the WBG Climate Change Action Plan targets. Learn more at: https://www.esmap.org.
ESMAP Support to Off-Grid Solar
ESMAP has been a leader of off-grid solar electrification efforts for more than 15 years, previously through the now-closed Lighting Africa and Lighting Global Programs, which positively impacted over 320 million people. Today, as part of its Energy Access Program, ESMAP continues to catalyze off-grid solar activities with the new business plan (FY25-FY30) focusing on enabling access to three primary groups of beneficiaries - households, businesses, and public institutions.
GOGLA is the global off-grid solar association. We represent the leading organisations delivering clean, affordable energy to underserved communities worldwide. We bring together companies, investors, governments and partners to grow the off-grid solar sector and reach the people who need energy most. Drawing on our data and insights on market trends and best practices, we inform policy and investment decisions and advocate for the conditions needed to scale. Together with our members, we are building a strong, responsible industry that creates jobs and economic opportunity. Learn more at gogla.org.
IFC—a member of the World Bank Group—is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2021, IFC committed a record USD 43.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.
Dalberg is a professional services firm that puts impact at the heart of critical decision-making. Dalberg recognizes that optimizing for social and environmental impact is a deeply human science, navigating a maze of behavior, politics, technology, and culture. For over two decades, the firm has delivered projects that take on this complexity, while offering clarity that has enabled action. Serving those who serve the world, Dalberg has, over the past 25+ years, partnered with 1,600+ leading organizations across nearly all sectors and fields. To find out more, visit dalberg.com.