ASCENT to Power 100 Million Lives

Dr. Malama says COMESA programme targets electricity and clean cooking across Eastern and Southern Africa

By Francis Maingaila,

Lusaka, Zambia24 — (18 September 2025) - The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) says its Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation (ASCENT) programme aims to provide electricity to 100 million people and clean cooking solutions to 20 million households across more than 20 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa.

ASCENT Project Coordinator Dr. Malama Chileshe said the initiative, which started with seed funding from the Indian government, is now expected to raise an additional 10 billion US dollars from private sector partners and financial institutions.

“The ambition is significant. Connecting 100 million people to electricity and delivering clean cooking solutions requires substantial effort and coordination,” Dr. Chileshe said.

He explained that a Regional Energy Access Platform has been created to help countries implement their national-level programmes under the ASCENT framework. Each member state operates its own fund, while the regional platform provides technical and financial support.

Dr. Chileshe noted that nearly half a billion people in the region still lack access to electricity or clean cooking solutions, a challenge he attributed to years of underinvestment despite rising demand.

ASCENT Technical Manager Ahim Maeresera outlined the programme’s five core pillars — digitalisation, project preparation, advisory support, capacity building and knowledge sharing — all aimed at unlocking investment and speeding up access.

He said digital platforms are being developed to promote business models such as pay-as-you-go systems, enabling low-income households to pay gradually for energy services. 

"These platforms will also generate real-time data to guide policymakers in removing barriers to access."

Maeresera added that a Project Preparation Facility is being set up to help governments and private sector players design bankable, investor-ready projects. 

An Advisory Support Facility will further assist countries in developing fit-for-purpose policies and regulatory frameworks, supported by regional model policies.

He said ASCENT is also investing in capacity building for public and private institutions and promoting peer-to-peer learning among member states. 

“ASCENT Week will be used to track progress and share lessons on what works and what does not in expanding energy access,” Maeresera said.

Dr. Chileshe said COMESA is working with the World Bank, participating governments and development partners to consolidate resources and technical expertise.

“The ASCENT programme was launched to accelerate progress in energy access after years of slow advancement. With strong partnerships and collective commitment, the ambitious targets can be achieved,” Dr. Chileshe said.