A recurring theme—both in the sessions and on the sidelines—is the need for an industry re-set. The technology, business models, and financing mechanisms have matured. We are now poised to scale. But we must get the financing models—especially subsidies—right. That means using the right tools to monitor impact, ensuring transparency, and supporting long-term sustainability while addressing affordability.

We examined the developments that have emerged over the past year, with Mission 300 serving as a focal point for governments to channel investment into energy access. New investment platforms are emerging, such as Zafiri, with a focus on driving energy access. We heard about encouraging national commitments from Malawi and Nigeria. We had honest, sometimes challenging, conversations about the role of basic household access as the critical foundation for long-term economic transformation.

Over 200 members and partners joined us for in-depth sessions. We rolled up our sleeves on topics ranging from consumer protection and credit risk to repair warranties and impact measurement. A full day of workshops and four dedicated sessions tackled PAYGo 2.0 and the future of consumer financing.

Members put new ideas and ambitions on the table, including mobilizing $1 billion in securitization finance by 2030, a roadmap to scale “energy-as-a-service” pilots in 10 countries by 2027, and a model for PayGo 2.0 that focuses on financing and sales with a renewed emphasis on the consumer. We presented GOGLA’s new 5-year strategic plan that places advocacy and our members at the center of what we do as the voice for the off-grid industry.

We re-elected three new Board members (Grégory Durand from Biolite, Jones Ntaukira from Zuwa Energy and Hendrik Hoelzer from d.light) and welcomed John Keane from SolarAid to the Board. We also left ample time for networking, and I appreciate SNV, EEP Africa, and GGF for co-hosting our members’ reception. Members got business done, made new connections, and reinforced the power of in-person convening.

Together, we will continue to advance our shared mission: powering economic transformation, improving quality of life, and ensuring no one is left behind. We are in this for the long run.

Let’s Power 1 Billion Lives Now.