GOGLA And e-MFP Announce Reciprocal Membership To Bridge Off-Grid Solar And Financial Inclusion Sectors

GOGLA, the global association for the off-grid solar energy industry, and the European Microfinance Platform (e-MFP) have announced a new reciprocal membership aimed at promoting coordination and collaboration between the off-grid solar (OGS) and financial inclusion sectors. This strategic partnership is set to create new opportunities and communication channels between the two industries, which historically have operated independently despite serving similar customer bases.

The collaboration between GOGLA and e-MFP reflects the growing convergence of both sectors, as financial inclusion actors increasingly explore expanding access to productive assets, such as off-grid solar energy products, to improve livelihoods, health, and education. At the same time, stakeholders in the off-grid solar industry are looking to deepen their cooperation with financial service providers to better support customer finance, beyond the Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) models, to boost the adoption of clean energy solutions.

GOGLA and e-MFP anticipate several key areas of collaboration, including enhanced knowledge sharing on consumer protection principles, measuring outcomes, and connecting potential partners from both sectors. The partnership will also see the two organizations co-hosting and participating in major global events, including the 2024 Global Off-Grid Solar Forum and Expo in Nairobi, Kenya, and European Microfinance Week 2024 in Luxembourg.

The 2024 Global Off-Grid Solar Forum and Expo, scheduled for 8-10 October in Nairobi, is expected to bring together over 1,500 attendees, including government officials, climate investors, and companies from the distributed renewable energy sector. Meanwhile, European Microfinance Week 2024, e-MFP’s flagship event, will take place from 13-15 November in Luxembourg, continuing its role as a premier gathering for financial inclusion professionals, with over 670 participants from 68 countries attending last year.

Christoph Pausch, Executive Secretary of e-MFP, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are very pleased to have GOGLA as a member and for e-MFP to join GOGLA. This collaboration will help us strengthen connections between the financial inclusion sector and off-grid energy providers.”

Sarah Malm, Executive Director of GOGLA, echoed these sentiments, noting that the partnership would help expand access to clean energy and improve the lives of underserved populations. “This partnership with e-MFP will strengthen our work to increase access to clean energy, energize economies, and increase climate resilience,” she said.

Both GOGLA and e-MFP look forward to exploring new opportunities and invite their members to engage with the partnership to leverage its potential for sustainable development and economic empowerment.