IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is joining forces with the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) to introduce affordable, high quality solar lighting solutions to new regions in Pakistan.
IFC’s Lighting Pakistan program has signed a letter of engagement with AKAH to increase the availability of high quality solar lighting solutions, particularly for low-income families. The program is aiming to help alleviate the country’s pressing energy needs, while increasing awareness of quality solar energy products and enabling the creation of sustainable solar supply chains in rural Pakistan.
“Investing in alternative energy solutions, particularly solar, has remained a core priority for us,” said Nawab Ali Khan, the Chief Executive Officer of AKAH. “We will continue to invest in research and development, and promote innovative renewable energy solutions to help improve daily lives across the country.”
The project will build on the relevant experience of both IFC and AKAH in Pakistan’s solar energy sector to contribute a sustainable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly solution to Pakistan’s energy needs. Previous projects include IFC’s engagement with private sector for solar energy solutions in parts of Punjab as well as Sindh and AKAH’s decade-long interventions at grassroots level for cooking and heating solutions in some of the remotest regions of Pakistan.
“Our goal is to provide access to affordable, reliable and modern energy solution to millions of Pakistani households in need,” said Marco Indelicato, Program Manager for Lighting Pakistan. “Considering the magnitude of the task, we are delighted to have the support of strong, experienced partner organizations with a firm foothold in rural Pakistan like AKAH.”
IFC’s Lighting Pakistan programme is part of IFC’s global strategy to support the development of sustainable energy. The programme is supported by IFC’s development partners UKAID and Australia AID. It is part of Lighting Global, a joint effort between IFC and the World Bank under the Sustainable Energy for All initiative, and part of IFC’s wider strategy to reduce greenhouse emissions and boost clean energy projects.
