The Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation (ASCENT) program, launched by COMESA with World Bank support, seeks to expand clean, affordable, and reliable energy access across Eastern and Southern Africa.
Backed by $5 billion, ASCENT focuses on removing barriers, strengthening institutions, and mobilizing investment to tackle energy poverty.
Its three pillars are: accelerating energy access through policy and investment platforms, grid electrification, and scaling distributed renewables and clean cooking.
Already launched in 11 countries, with nine more, including Uganda, set to join, ASCENT aims to drive economic growth, improve health and education, and strengthen climate resilience.
