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Results-Based Financing (RBF) is now the go-to model for mini-grid subsidy disbursement—but there’s a catch: the money only comes after the connections are in place. That means developers have to front the $400–800 per connection cost for construction and equipment, creating a serious funding gap.

In this episode, we chat with Fernando Valda from Energise Africa and Piyush Mathur from Odyssey Energy Solutions about how they’re solving this problem in creative ways. Odyssey links procurement with trade finance to unlock working capital, while Energise Africa taps into UK retail investors to offer loans backed by future RBF payouts.

We dive into how these models work, how they manage risk without relying on big balance sheets, and how fast-track financing is helping developers move faster. We also get into the tougher stuff—like the lack of equity and the worrying drop in development aid that could slow progress.

Whether you’re deep in the mini-grid world or just curious about how impact finance is evolving, this one’s worth a listen.

Odyssey Energy Solutions | Finance, Procure & Operate Distributed Renewable Energy

Energise Africa | Change the world & target a return of up to 7%

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What's the best way to house a mini-grid system in remote areas? Should developers opt for the plug-and-play convenience of containerized solutions, the flexible modularity of prefabricated structures, or the permanence of traditional powerhouses? This question lies at the heart of scaling sustainable energy access to millions without electricity.

Recorded live at the Energy Access Investment Forum 2025 in Kampala, this episode brings together Julie Roberts from SustainSolar and Abishek Bharadwaj from Equatorial Power for an illuminating debate on mini-grid infrastructure. Julie champions containerized systems where all components are pre-integrated and tested before shipment, reducing on-site technical risks. Abhishek advocates for prefabricated panels that can be transported individually and assembled like "Lego blocks," offering unprecedented flexibility for expansion or relocation.

The conversation reveals how terrain accessibility fundamentally shapes solution viability. While containers provide turnkey reliability, they require good roads and heavy equipment for installation. Prefab solutions excel in difficult terrains where panels can be hand-carried, while traditional construction, though permanent, introduces quality control challenges and extended timelines.

Cost considerations extend beyond initial investment to long-term operational impacts. Both guests share fascinating real-world examples—from relocating entire mini-grid systems within days using prefab structures to designing container interiors like "Tetris puzzles" to maximize space efficiency. The discussion extends to critical factors like weather resistance, thermal management, and community engagement across different approaches.

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Twitter: INENSUS (@INENSUSgmbh) / X (twitter.com)
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Minigrids need scale to become profitable — and mergers & acquisitions (M&A) can be a powerful way to get there fast. But what does it really take to acquire or merge with another mini-grid company? How do you structure a deal that works?

In this episode, host Kellie Murungi (INENSUS) sits down with Matthew Orosz (OnePower) and Prosper Magali (Ensol), who share firsthand insights from their recent M&A experience. Together, they unpack the challenges, breakthroughs, and practical lessons from the deal-making process.

We also hear from legal expert Cynthia Opakas (Greenmax), who offers strategic advice on how to structure M&A transactions to ensure success and sustainability.

This episode was recorded live at the 8th Mini-Grid Action Learning Event, held in Lusaka from April 1–3, 2025.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inensus-gmbh/mycompany/
Twitter: INENSUS (@INENSUSgmbh) / X (twitter.com)
Visit www.inensus.com for more info.