The Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF), a leading African development organization, has today launched the “Promotion of Solar Solutions to Stimulate Green Employment in Burkina Faso” (PROSSEV-BF) project. This EUR 1.7 million initiative, funded by the Luxembourg Cooperation through LuxDev, aims to green production facilities and create jobs for local communities by adopting solar technologies.
The project is implemented by AECF and targets private companies whose ambition is to promote solar installations and equipment for use within their activities. This project is implemented mainly in two regions of Burkina Faso (the Centre region and the Hauts-Bassins region). It is part of the support to the sustainable management of the resources program, financed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by LuxDev, aimed among others at supporting private sector initiatives in the energy transition of key sectors of the national economy towards a greener and more inclusive economy.
The project is designed to benefit a wide range of small and medium-sized enterprises and small and medium-sized industries that can demonstrate that the greening of their production units can create jobs in their respective value chains. The target companies must operate in, but are not limited to, one or more of the following agricultural and agribusiness sectors and value chains: non-timber forest products (shea, desert date palm, moringa, etc.), fisheries production and processing, mango, rice, market gardening, livestock, poultry value chains, oil palm and waste recovery, and cotton. PROSSEV-BF seeks to create a broad-based impact by focusing on these diverse sectors, fostering sustainable development and inclusive growth across the economy.
Victoria Sabula, CEO of the AECF, said,
“This project represents a significant step towards sustainable economic growth in the country, and Luxembourg’s commitment to the region. By facilitating access to finance for solar installations, we are empowering businesses to adopt clean energy solutions that drive innovation and sustainability for the people of Burkina Faso. Using the ‘challenge model,’ the project will surface and subsidize for innovative green growth projects with social impact. Selected companies will receive performance-based grants and technical assistance to enhance operational efficiency and achieve project goals.”
Pierre-Henri DOHOGNE, country representative of LuxDev, said,
“We are proud to support the PROSSEV-BF project. Luxembourg Cooperation has been present in Burkina Faso for almost a quarter of a century, providing technical and financial support in several areas, including the environment, vocational training, youth employment, digital technology, and sustainable finance. This project aligns perfectly with our goal of promoting sustainable development. By enabling access to solar energy, Luxembourg Cooperation is supporting the reduction of businesses’ environmental footprints and improving their economic resilience. The project is a testament to the power of collaboration in achieving sustainable growth. Working with AECF, we can provide the necessary resources and support to SMEs, ensuring they can thrive while adopting environmentally friendly practices.”
The project aims to subsidize facilities for 25 private companies and qualify five companies for solar system installations. It is expected to create 175 new direct and indirect jobs within these companies and their value chains.