Sustainable impact objectives

Spark’s activities directly support the provision of clean, affordable and reliable power supply in the region, thereby facilitating economic growth and job creation and allowing businesses to rebuild and grow in a more sustainable manner post-Covid 19.

The unreliability and restricted reach of grid electricity in many Sub-Saharan African countries has led to more than 50% of businesses in the region relying on diesel generation as either a backup or as a primary source of power. Not only do these generators emit harmful levels of environmental pollutants, they are also extremely expensive to operate, with the average cost of running a diesel generator between 1.5 to 4 times more expensive per kWh than grid alternatives. This combination of high costs and unreliable supply makes the region’s C&I businesses less competitive than international rivals, limiting economic growth and job creation in the region.

The installation of captive renewable energy and energy efficiency can serve as a crucial step in ensuring sustainable business operations and improved economic activity in these countries.

Through partnering with and building the capacity of DPs, Spark seeks to increase the deployment of technically and commercially viable alternatives that exist in the form of captive renewable energy generation (with storage) and energy efficiency within the region’s C&I sector. This leads to inclusive and sustainable economic growth, shifting developing countries towards a net zero and climate-resilient pathway.