1. Swaziland, Egypt, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Malawi, Uganda, Sudan and Zambia
Group 3
Swaziland, Egypt, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Malawi, Uganda, Sudan and Zambia

2. Swaziland Policy promoting RE mini-grids
No project developed on mini-grids
Limited experience in dealing with mini-grids
Focused on grid extension (because of size of the country)
Electricity distribution licence applies to installation more than 100 kW

3. Egypt Electrification rate is almost 100 percent
No robust framework in terms of regulating mini-grids
The main problems facing mini-grids are issues of related to Power Quality

4. Zimbabwe Mini-grids below 100 kW are not regulated
Regulation of mini-grids above 100 kW focuses on ensuring safety and technical performance

5. Malawi
Policy promoting off-grid systems focusing on solar photovoltaics
There is a fund to support rural electrification

6. Malawi
Policy promoting off-grid systems focusing on solar photovoltaics
There is a fund to support rural electrification
Plans area underway to create an Agency responsible for coordinating rural electrification activities

7. Uganda
Policy and regulation promoting RE and mini-grids in particular exist
There is also Master Plan for off-grid projects
There is threshold for regulating mini-grids through issuance of a licence
Below the threshold, a project developer obtains a certificate of exemption
Some projects have already been licenced
Light Handed Regulation is applied when regulating

8. Sudan Rwanda Has a policy on RE which is in draft form at the moment
Implementation of mini-grid project is on course
Rwanda
Has a policy on energy which covers mini-grid
Regulation applies to mini-grids above 50 kW and is covered under the Grid Code

9. Zambia Rural Electrification Act provides for capital subsidy
There is a framework for regulating off-grid systems
There is a Master Plan for rural electrification
Mini-grids regardless of the size are regulated if they are supplying power to third parties or customers
Some projects have already been licenced (issuance of a combined licence to a local area)
Light Handed Regulation is applied when regulating
Adopted IEC standards for regulating

10. Lessons
There is need for policies, laws and regulations tailored to support RE and mini-grids in particular
Regulation for mini-grids should take the form of Light Handed Regulation
Tariff determination methodologies vary from country to country (need to have “similar like” methodology)
The business model for mini-grids should take into account
The ability/willingness of the people to pay
The need for energy in an area e.g. lighting, productive, etc
Development of mini-grids require some form of a subsidy. Sustainability………..?