GEP Africa

The Green People’s Energy for Africa (GBE) initiative, launched by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) in 2017, aims to promote decentralized renewable energy solutions in rural Africa. In Uganda, the program is implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and focuses on several key areas:

Key Focus Areas in Uganda

1. Productive Use of Renewable Energy
   GBE supports rural enterprises in adopting renewable energy technologies such as solar-powered irrigation systems, cooling units, dryers, and mills. These technologies enhance productivity and income for smallholder farmers and cooperatives.

2. Skills Development
   The initiative collaborates with vocational training centers and technical institutes to build local capacity. Training is provided for technicians, entrepreneurs, and energy service providers to ensure the sustainable operation and maintenance of renewable energy systems.

3. Community-Based Energy Access
   GBE promotes community involvement in energy projects, encouraging the establishment of energy cooperatives and citizen-led initiatives. This approach empowers local communities to manage and benefit from renewable energy resources.

4. Support for Social Institutions
   The program focuses on providing reliable energy to schools, health centers, and community facilities, improving essential services in rural areas.

5. Gender Equality
   Recognizing the pivotal role of women in energy access, GBE implements programs to enhance women’s participation in the energy sector, promoting gender-sensitive approaches to energy development.

Funding Opportunities

GBE offers a Small Projects Fund that provides financial support to non-profit organizations working on decentralized renewable energy projects in sub-Saharan Africa, including Uganda. This fund enables the realization of small-scale projects that contribute to sustainable development.

📍 GIZ Uganda – Kampala Office

• Address: Plot 23 Nakasero Road, Kampala, Uganda

• Postal Address: P.O. Box 103822, Kampala, Uganda

• Phone: +256 414 303 901

• Email: secretariat.giz-uganda@giz.de

• Country Director: James Macbeth Forbes