The World Bank has issued expression of interest (EoI) documents seeking consultants for an assignment to chart out an investment roadmap for sub-Saharan African countries to help them achieve universal energy access by 2030.

The deadline for submission of expressions of interest is January 21, 2021. The project entitled ‘Africa Energy Access Flagship Report Off-Grid Solar’ will be funded by the World Bank Group.

The report will focus on the off-grid solar standalone sector in the region and hopes to gauge the potential of the off-grid solutions in improving electricity access. It also plans to review the current approaches and alternative options.

Further, the report intends to identify opportunities – in terms of technologies, financing options, policy trends, among others – that could boost the off-grid sector. The report needs to develop a strategic roadmap with measures for the World Bank, development partners, and respective governments to speed up the deployment of off-grid solar applications to improve electricity access.

To be eligible to participate in the competitive bidding process, applicants must show proof of experience in the off-grid standalone solar sector. They must also provide information about their key staff, technical and managerial capabilities, including managing desk research, stakeholder interviews, and promoting innovative thinking.

The details regarding key staff must highlight their qualifications, experience, and relevant network in the off-grid solar sector. They must be able to facilitate workshops. Prospective bidders are also expected to provide information about their core business and the number of years of experience they have in the sector. They must submit any similar reports they have finished in the last five years.

Previously, the World Bank approved an International Development Association fund of $150 million and another $74.7 million contingent recovery grant from the Clean Technology Fund to increase off-grid electricity access for people in West Africa and Sahel regions.

In December 2020, the African Development Bank’s board of directors approved a $20 million concessional investment from the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa to establish the COVID-19 off-grid recovery platform.