Togo
Strong Potential, Strategic Entry Point
Solar Index Overall
Togo has become a quiet leader in West Africa’s off-grid revolution. Thanks to bold initiatives like the CIZO program, which distributes solar kits to rural communities, and a government willing to experiment with PPPs and digital tools, Togo punches above its weight in solar.
Togolese Solar Market
Key Insights
Solar Potential
With daily solar irradiation often exceeding 5.5–6.0 kWh/m², especially in the eastern and northern highlands, Ethiopia ranks among Africa’s best in raw solar resource potential. This provides a strong technical basis for both mini-grid and solar farm deployment.
Regulatory Clarity
While Ethiopia has set clear targets for universal electrification and released renewable energy tenders, the policy and licensing environment remains fragmented and bureaucratic. Investors must prepare for long lead times and evolving frameworks.
Financing Access
Commercial solar financing is underdeveloped. The majority of capital still flows through government, multilateral, and donor channels — limiting private sector agility. Innovative PPP models and results-based financing mechanisms are emerging.
Infrastructure & Grid
Grid penetration in rural Ethiopia is below 40%. Frequent blackouts in grid-connected zones further reinforce the need for distributed solar solutions. Off-grid and hybrid systems offer practical entry points for SMEs and communities.
Human Capital
While Ethiopia has a strong academic base, vocational training in solar engineering and installation is still catching up. Partnerships with NGOs and international training bodies will be key for scaling workforce capacity.
Market Maturity
The market is still in an early phase. Most solar activity revolves around NGO-led initiatives and pilot projects. Local solar companies are emerging but face supply chain and regulatory hurdles. Distribution and maintenance networks remain underdeveloped.
GTM Feasibility
Mobile penetration is growing fast, and digital payment solutions are spreading, enabling models like PAYGO in certain regions. However, low purchasing power and logistical challenges require creative, partnership-based go-to-market strategies.
ESG / Impact
Ethiopia’s off-grid population exceeds 60 million — with immense potential in education, agriculture, and healthcare. Solar companies can create transformative impact, especially in refugee-hosting zones, rural schools, and agrarian communities.
Index Score
Top 3 Opportunities:
- Mini-Grids & Solar Home Systems for rural electrification
- B2B Rooftop Solar for urban SMEs and manufacturing hubs
- Agri-Solar Solutions to power irrigation, cold storage, and processing
Togo
Diving into the Numbers
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Togo aims to increase electricity access to 50% by 2030, largely through expanding solar mini-grids and off-grid renewable energy solutions.
As of the end of 2023, Togo had an installed solar capacity of 57 MW.
Togo has an off-grid solar market potential of approximately 500,000 households, encompassing homes, public services, and supply systems.