By: ESI Africa

The project is being driven by Mbolo Association, a Gambian charitable organisation and supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and its Climate Promise initiative. It seeks to make solar energy more affordable and efficient for households and was launched recently at a UNDP cultural evening in Bijilo.

The pay-as-you-go initiative offers three tiered models: a 1.2kWp system for small homes, a 2.4kWp system for medium-sized homes, and a 5kWp system designed for larger homes and businesses. The system allows users to tap into solar power via a flexible payment model, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

“Pay-as-you-go solar energy was invented through rigorous research on clean energy,” explained Malang Sambou, Mbolo Association Executive Director. He added that the initiative aims to provide stable and sustainable energy subscriptions and is already providing services to users, expanding accessibility.

Jankey Jassey, a trainer with the association, said the country’s energy demand exceeds available supply, highlighting the challenge of matching energy access with consumption needs. Last year, the African Development Bank (AfDB) reported that at least 70% of people in The Gambia were projected to have access to electricity by the end of 2024.