Analysis of performance indicators, equipment optimization, and progressive expansion planning.
Turning Electricity into Sustainable Development: The Inclusive UPE Approach
Productive Uses of Electricity (PUE): The Key to the Economic Viability of Solar Mini-Grids and Rural Development.
Inclusive is an initiative led by OnePower aimed at strengthening the viability of solar mini-grids by stimulating local economies. Our approach is based on the strategic integration of energy infrastructure and rural entrepreneurial development.
Why are mini-grids alone not sufficient?
Rural electrification represents a major milestone. However, access to energy does not automatically generate sustainable economic development.
Economic viability of mini-grids
Low rural incomes
Limited household consumption
High infrastructure costs
Fragile profitability
Insufficient rural development
Access to electricity ≠ automatic development
Lack of Income-Generating Activities
Unmet community needs
Persistence of poverty
Without stimulating local productivity, the financial viability of the infrastructure remains structurally fragile.
OUR SOLUTION: Inclusive by OnePower
Inclusive has developed a systemic model that directly links solar mini-grids to local value creation.
By promoting Productive Uses of Electricity (PUE), we create a virtuous circle: local businesses grow, consume more energy, generate income, and strengthen the profitability of the grids.
Our Objectives
Overall Objective
Develop viable and inclusive rural economies around solar mini-grids.
Specific Objectives
Increase productive electricity consumption
Strengthen the profitability of small businesses (SMEs)
Promote the inclusion of women and youth
Ensure the sustainability of mini-grids
Build a replicable model
Diversify income sources
Make all solutions available
OUR METHODOLOGY
A model structured around 4 pillars
Our approach is based on a rigorous operational framework.
Dedicated Team
Inclusive Business Coaches (IBCs) provide close support, continuous monitoring, and systematic collection of field data.
SME Pathway
Diagnosis → Selection → Training → Lease with Purchase Option (LPO) → Deployment → Monitoring → Growth
Each entrepreneur receives structured support that reduces the risk of failure.
Partnerships & Research
Monitoring énergétique, tests techniques, collaboration académique et amélioration continue du modèle.
Monitoring & Scale-up
PARTNER ECOSYSTEM
A multi-stakeholder ecosystem
The success of the model relies on strategic collaboration between technical, academic, and financial actors.
Academic & Research
University of Liège
EPAC (Benin)
Navitas (Cold chain technical expertise)
Benin Charis ONG (Training support, local expertise)
Equipment Suppliers
SOGAB
BEVULTA
Zedmotors
Financial Partners
WBI
APEFE
GERES
ADA
Consumption and PUE Evolution
Dynamics
Progressive growth in the number of Electrified Productive Units (PUEs).
Volume
Steady increase in electricity consumption.
Impact
Strong correlation between the development of PUEs and the viability of mini-grids.
Observed Socio-Economic Impact
Income
Increase in household and SME revenues.
Local Job Creation
Generation of direct and indirect employment at the local level.
Inclusion
Empowerment of women entrepreneurs and strengthening of their economic participation.
Diversification
Diversification of the local economic fabric and emergence of new activities.
New Services
Development of productive energy services within communities.
Resilience
Strengthening the resilience of rural households against economic shocks.
Energy Security
Improvement in the stability and reliability of energy access.
Our Achievements
The initial deployments demonstrate the relevance of the model.
SMEs Supported
0
TPE Accompagnées
0
Electrified Villages
0
%
People Impacted
+
0
Electrified Villages
0
PERSPECTIVES 2026
2026 Ambition: Accelerate Territorial Impact
In 2026, we take a new strategic step with ambitious and structured expansion:
10 New Villages
Deploy mini-grids designed as platforms for local economic development.
500+ Profitable SMEs
Ancrer durablement la croissance entrepreneuriale dans les territoires électrifiés.
100 Validated Equipment Units
Industrialize a proven and standardized technology portfolio.
50+ Financial Models
Structure reproducible and secure investment frameworks.
Autonomous Ecosystems
Ensure sustainable economic autonomy in the first villages before large-scale expansion.
Outlook with Partners
Research & Innovation (WBI)
- Continue applied research on productive equipment
- Develop new models for energy optimization
Responsible Scaling
- Build on pilot successes for replication
- Implement designed and proven financial plans
- Strengthen socio-economic impact in new rural areas
Operational Synergies
Create strategic synergies among partners