Energy

By providing sustainable solutions we improve access to energy for households, businesses and institutions. Access to electricity improves people’s quality of life, helps with the provision of better public services and fosters entrepreneurship.

What we do

Renewable energy & energy efficiency

In our energy programmes as well as in our health, agriculture, water and other programmes, we promote the production of energy from renewable sources, such as solar, hydropower, wind and biomass sources.

In addition, we aim for the efficient use of energy in buildings, equipment and transportation, in view of achieving sustainable development and fighting climate change.

Strengthening local actors

We assist ministries, public operators and energy sector regulators in their roles and duties in view of improving service delivery to citizens and businesses. We also work at legal and regulatory frameworks primarily in view of optimising private sector participation.

Involvement of the private sector

Involving the private sector in the production and distribution of energy is key to improving access to energy. That is why we support the creation of public-private partnerships in view of making most of the complementarity between the public and the private sector. With its often good record for operating and maintaining infrastructure more efficiently, the private sector can also mobilise capital when public investments fall short. In addition, the private sector often has stronger expertise in designing, building and managing infrastructure.

Access to energy

We implement programmes that improve access to energy by extending the power grid and installing small rural networks. Access to energy is after all a preliminary condition for development and contributes to improving health, education, agriculture, governance, communication, and other services to citizens. Local businesses are also beneficiaries of our programmes: By accessing power enterprises can use machines and boost the production and quality of their products.

Related content

a family standing by the window with a radio

Rwanda has a target of reaching 100% electricity access by 2024. The Electricity Access Rollout Programme (EARP), implemented in partnership with the Rwanda Energy Group, constructed over 1000 km of power network in the Eastern Province of Rwanda. Alongside, the project connected 25 schools, 11 health posts, 400+ businesses, 32 public administrations and upgraded 50 km power network in a western border town of Rwanda. The 20 stories in this booklet show how access to affordable and reliable electricity transforms the lives of people who had previously no access to electricity.

Switching to light – Electricity access – Stories of change

construction men standing by photovoltaic panels

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, most households struggle to access a correct source of drinking water. But how do you solve this when there is no electricity either? Enabel tackles the problem together with local partners.

Solar panels for drinking water

News & Events

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News

19 May 2026

Practitioners’ Network General Assembly marks the end of a successful Enabel and Sida co-Presidency

Enabel and Sida hand over Practitioners’ Network co-Presidency to GIZ and CzDA, strengthening European international cooperation.

News

13 May 2026

New board of directors at Enabel to strengthen the strategic role of international cooperation

Enabel, the Belgian state-owned enterprise for international cooperation, announces the appointment of its new board of directors.

Resources

10 May 2026

Cooperation in motion – activity report 2025-2026

The 2025-2026 Activity Report tackles the themes, events and achievements that have marked the past year and will continue to inspire our work in 2026.