As countries around the world work to contain the spread and impact of COVID-19, the World Bank Group (WBG) is taking broad, fast action to help developing countries strengthen their pandemic response and health care systems. The WBG will deploy as much as $160 billion over the next 15 months, tailored to the health, economic and social shocks countries are facing. In addition to ongoing health support, WBG operations will emphasize social protection, poverty alleviation and policy-based financing.
COVID-19 is also putting an extra strain on electricity providers, including mini grid and off-grid companies, and threatens electricity access when it is needed most. Our priority is to support them and help maintain basic services. We also recognize and commend independent initiatives taken by our partners and other stakeholders, including the African Mini-grid Developers Association (AMDA) and the Africa Solar Industry Association (AFSIA), in an effort to help the industry during these trying times.
Even though we are exploring how our funding can be used to ensure reliable electricity for critical health facilities, there has been no WBG call for solar installers to provide their information or complete a survey. This has been an AMDA initiative, supported by AFSIA, to help develop an inventory which could help address the associated COVID-19 needs.
For more information and to stay up to date on the WBG response to COVID-19 please click here.
