Lighting Global is the World Bank Group's initiative to rapidly increase access to off-grid solar energy for the one billion people living without grid electricity world-wide. Through Lighting Global, IFC and the World Bank (with support from the Energy Sector Management Assistant Program (ESMAP) work with manufacturers, distributors, governments, and other development partners to build and grow the modern off-grid solar energy market, which is expected to reach 740 million people by 2022.

Our programmes – which include Lighting Africa, Lighting Asia, and Lighting Pacific – provide market intelligence, quality assurance, consumer education, business support services, and support for access to finance, at the global, regional, and country levels. We are also poised to address new markets and opportunities that emerge as the off-grid energy sector evolves. Our activities now include support for the productive use of solar (e.g. solar irrigation & milling), community services (e.g. for schools and health centers), super-efficient household appliances (e.g. fans, TVs, household refrigeration), and innovative pay-as-you-go (PAYG) business models that enable rural, low income populations to access modern clean energy solutions.