This report was produced by Danish Energy Management (DEM) on behalf of the European Commission. This study analyses the achievements made in six mini-grid projects supported by the ACP-EU Energy Facility in Tanzania and Madagascar to understand the increase in PUE and the impact that energy access has had:

- SDG1: Mini-grid access has improved the quality of life for 70% of the communities that have been connected to the mini-grid in Tanzania and Madagascar. A quarter of households reported that they had more disposable income, which was primarily spent on food and school fees. Twenty percent of households reported an improvement in health services.

- SDG5: As users of energy, women value convenience and lighting for studying, as well as the time saved from travelling to charge mobile phones. Women entrepreneurs report being empowered to provide additional services dependent on electricity and an enthusiasm to expand their businesses, despite a self-reported lack of knowledge or finances.

- SDG7: The introduction of electricity access to the six projects areas has resulted in a 97% reduction in the use of kerosene and 89% reduction in the use of battery powered torches. Solar home system usage reduced by 90%, indicating that the quality of light and convenience is valued cost.

- SDG8: The workforce of the MSMEs interviewed had increased by 2.5 times, which they attributed primarily to a more diverse portfolio of activities to meet local demand, and increased revenue. The opportunity to become self-employed was valued, both due to the independence to determine how much time was spent on which activities but also due to a better income per hour of work put in.

For more information, please download the report from DEM.