The 10th edition of the Energy Access Investment Forum (EAIF 2025) concluded this week from 8-11th April 2025 at the Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala, marking a major milestone in the global push for sustainable electrification.
As the flagship annual event for renewable energy investment, EAIF 2025 convened over 1,000 delegates, including investors, policymakers, financiers, and sector innovators, who are dedicated to accelerating access to renewable energy across emerging markets and advancing partnerships for clean energy access, decarbonisation, and inclusive economic growth.
Organised by the Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE) and co-hosted by the European Union under the Global Gateway initiative, the event was supported by GET.invest, a European programme co-funded by the EU. This landmark forum was held under the patronage of Ugandaโs Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, marking the first time the forum has taken place on Ugandan soil.
In his keynote address, EU Ambassador to Uganda Jan Sadek, representing Team Europe, reaffirmed the EUโs long-term commitment to achieving energy access and climate targets, despite recent geopolitical setbacks.
โThe cost of clean energy systems remains a barrier for low-income households,โ Ambassador Sadek told delegates. โAnd in some African regions, political instability deters investment. But we remain unwavering in our commitment to support sustainable, secure energy access across Africa.โ
The ambassador emphasized that bold collaboration between public and private sectors is critical to overcoming investment hesitancy and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A key theme of EAIF 2025 was โDe-risking with Data,โ which highlighted the transformative potential of digital finance in accelerating clean energy investment. Experts showcased how digital MRV (Monitoring, Reporting & Verification) systems and data-driven risk assessment tools are bridging the gap between public and private capital, unlocking new financing models capable of scaling impact across the continent.
Another focal point was local content development in Ugandaโs power sector. Panelists and stakeholders examined both progress and remaining gaps in leveraging domestic expertise and manufacturing to strengthen Ugandaโs energy ecosystem, issuing a clear call for more supportive policies and industry partnerships.
EAIF 2025 also addressed the often-overlooked issue of energy access for displaced populations. Refugee-hosting areas continue to face significant infrastructural and financial constraints. Discussions focused on innovative strategies to empower refugee-led businesses and ensure that vulnerable communities can access clean, reliable, and affordable electricity, a key enabler of resilience, dignity, and economic participation.
Beyond workshops, panels, and speeches, the event featured GET.invest Matchmaking sessions that connected energy innovators with active investors. These one-on-one meetings offered real-time fundraising opportunities and helped translate visionary energy projects into bankable deals.
As the curtains closed on EAIF 2025, one message resonated across the investment landscape: renewable electrification is not only central to climate action, but also a critical driver of inclusive economic growth by 2030.
Courtsey Photos; Alliance for Rural Electrification and EU in Uganda
