ESG Compliance Toolkit for African Mini-Grids - The Alliance for Renewable Electrification

In a joint initiative, the African Development Bank (AfDB), the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Alliance for Renewable Electrification (ARE), are working on a technical assistance and capacity-building project: “Development of Guidance Materials and Support Tools for Compliance with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Standards for the African Mini-Grid Sector.”

The key objectives include:

Providing practical guidance for mini-grid developers to apply ESG standards, particularly the AfDB’s Integrated Safeguards System (ISS) and the IFC Performance Standards (IFC PS),
Standardising capacity building approaches for ESG compliance,
Creating practical tools, templates, and resources; and,
Enhancing capacity through training and technical assistance.

Technical Engagement Group

The Technical Engagement Group (TEG) gathers mini-grid developers, financiers, and industry associations who wish to review the guidance materials and toolkit before finalisation and public dissemination.

Should you wish to be part of it, send an email to Inès van Oldeneel at i.vanoldeneel@renewelec.org by 31 March 2026.

We thank all the partners who have shared their feedback.

Webinar: Showcase of the ESG Compliance Toolkit for African Mini-Grids

Following the successful launch of the Guidance Materials and Support Tools for ESG Compliance for the African Mini-Grid Sector at the Energy Access Investment Forum, AfDB SEFA, IFC, and ARE rolled out a series of capacity-building activities in June 2026.

This webinar raised sector-wide awareness of the newly launched ESG Compliance Manual and Toolkit — developed under a joint initiative by AfDB SEFA, IFC, and ARE to help mini-grid practitioners navigate and comply with international ESG standards in their mini-grid projects. It is open to a broad audience, including mini-grid developers and operators, financiers, rural electrification agencies, ministries, and international development organisations.

The session presented the core outputs of the project: the ESG compliance manual as well as selected tools included in the Toolkit, an Environmental & Social Management System (ESMS), a Stakeholder Engagement Plan & Gender (SEPG) Toolkit, and an Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA).

Watch the recording:

Webinar in English:
https://youtu.be/BV8IaF6JcKQ
Webinaire en français:
https://youtu.be/sH_9PPAK5DE

EoI ESG Training – Guidance materials and support tools for compliance with ESG (10-26 June 2026)

AfDB SEFA, IFC and ARE are inviting a selected group of mini-grid developers to take part in an in-depth 4-module ESG training programme, taking place throughout June 2026. Designed for practitioners, the training covers the full spectrum of ESG compliance — from environmental and social screening and community engagement, to land and biodiversity considerations, and building the internal systems needed to make ESG work in practice.

Programme overview:

Module 1 – Project impact & E&S synergies: screening and modular approaches to E&S management (10 June, 1.30 – 5.30 pm CET)
Module 2 – Labour, community, health & safety, and indigenous people (16 June, 1.30 – 4.00 pm CET)
Module 3 – Land, biodiversity, cultural heritage, and end-of-life equipment management (17 June, 1.30 – 4.00 pm CET)
Module 4 – Making ESG run: reporting, human resources, and the road ahead (26 June, 10.00 am – 1.00 pm CET)

Participation is free and by selection only and requires active engagement across all sessions.
Please complete the form below to apply.
Due to the high number of applications, we will not be able to respond to the non-selected. Participants who can attend all four modules will be prioritised. Thank you for your understanding.

Express your interest in joining this training.

COMING SOON: ESG Compliance Toolkit

The ESG Compliance Toolkit for African Mini-Grids is expected to launch at the ARE Energy Access Investment Forum 2026, taking place from 21 to 24 April 2026 in Nairobi.