PURA’s Staff participated as a Panelist in the AMDA Leads High-Impact Mini-Grid Dialogue at the 22nd AFUR Conference in Swakopmund, Namibia
The 22nd Annual Conference of the African Forum for Utility Regulators (AFUR), held from 23–27 March 2026 in Swakopmund, Namibia, brought together over 200 regulators, policymakers, industry leaders, and development partners to discuss innovative, technology-driven approaches to strengthening Africa’s utility sectors. The African Mini-grid Developers Association (AMDA) played a central role in advancing discussions on how mini-grids can accelerate universal energy access across the continent.
A Strategic Platform for Mini-Grid Market Transformation
During the conference, AMDA, in partnership with AFUR, hosted a dynamic, solutions-focused session that moved conversations from traditional dialogue to concrete regulatory action. This session responded to calls made during AMDA’s country missions in 2025, where regulators requested a structured space for peer-to-peer exchange on what works in mini-grid regulation and deployment.
The discussion explored how progressive regulations can unlock investment, foster scale, and strengthen the bankability of mini-grid projects, an essential step for addressing energy poverty and driving economic development in rural and underserved communities.
Keynote Insights: Advancing Scalable Mini-Grid Regulation
A highlight of the session was a compelling presentation by AMDA CEO, ‘Lamide Niyi-Afuye, who showcased the M300 initiative, a practical 17-step action plan for African regulators to create enabling regulatory environments that support sustainable mini-grid expansion. The initiative emphasizes clarity, predictability, and alignment with developers’ realities, three elements vital for investor confidence.
The AMDA Mini-Grid Panel: Convergence of Thought Leadership
A major highlight was the mini-grid panel discussion, moderated by Myrna Nicintije, AMDA’s Communications and Partnerships Associate. The panel featured influential voices in the African energy regulatory ecosystem:
- Sam Sebbowa, representing AFUR
- Ebou Nget, Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), The Gambia
- Temitope Omowumi, Africa Mini-grids Program
The panelists convereged on a unified message:
In his submission, Mr. Nget stated that there are 2 mini-grids in The Gambia and one in the pipeline. However, due to the size and nature of The Gambia, mini grids will not be common. He stated that The Gambia has more 90% access to electricity and is expected to have full access by the end of 2026. Due to this, the demand has significantly increased, and affordability is also a challenge. He called on investors to invest in generation either as IPPs or Distributed Generations.
Clear, consistent, and predictable regulations are the foundation for scalable and bankable mini-grid markets in Africa.
Their discussion reinforced the need for harmonized regulatory frameworks that reduce uncertainty for developers while ensuring affordability and consumer protection.
Innovation at the Forefront: From Mini-Grids to Mesh-grids
Looking beyond traditional mini-grid models, the panel also explored emerging innovations such as meshgrids, which are increasingly being integrated into Results-Based Financing (RBF) programs. Lessons were shared from the Rural Electrification Agency of Nigeria, demonstrating how innovation and execution can converge to unlock new opportunities for last-mile energy access.
This future-oriented conversation echoed the broader conference theme of leveraging AI, digital transformation, geospatial technologies, and big data for more inclusive and resilient utility regulation across Africa.
A Call to Action: Regulators as Architects of Responsible Innovation
Closing the session, AMDA’s Regional Coordinator for West & Central Africa, Chimaobi Omeye, captured the essence of the dialogue:
“Regulators have to be the architects of responsible innovation.” Said Chimaobi Omeye,AMDA
His message underscored the imperative for regulators not only to adapt to technological shifts but to actively shape innovation pathways that uphold consumer interests while catalyzing sustainable energy markets.
Conclusion
The AMDA-led panel at the 22nd AFUR Conference reaffirmed the critical role of strong regulatory leadership, cross-border knowledge exchange, and innovative market mechanisms in unlocking the full potential of mini-grids across Africa. As countries increasingly adopt advanced regulatory tools and adaptive frameworks, the continent moves closer to achieving universal, reliable, and sustainable electricity access.
Related Links
The 22nd Annual Conference of the African Forum for Utility Regulators (AFUR), held from 23–27 March 2026 in Swakopmund, Namibia, brought together over 200 regulators, policymakers, industry leaders, and development partners to discuss innovative, technology-driven approaches to strengthening Africa’s utility sectors. The African Mini-grid Developers Association (AMDA) played a central role in advancing discussions on how mini-grids can accelerate universal energy access across the continent.
The 22nd Annual Conference of the African Forum for Utility Regulators (AFUR), held from 23–27 March 2026 in Swakopmund, Namibia, brought together over 200 regulators, policymakers, industry leaders, and development partners to discuss innovative, technology-driven approaches to strengthening Africa’s utility sectors. The African Mini-grid Developers Association (AMDA) played a central role in advancing discussions on how mini-grids can accelerate universal energy access across the continent.
