GERES 2022-2027: Sustainable energy access for all, phase 2

French NGO GERES (Groupe Energies Renouvelables, Environnement et Solidarités) has applied to Sida for SEK 65 280 000 in support to implement Program for Sustainable Energy Access for all (Programme d'accès à l'énergie durable pour toutes et tous) Phase II in the Kayes, Koulikoro, Ségou and Sikasso regions" in Mali during the period 2022-2026. This NGO is well-established in Mali since 2007 and seen as a civil society leader within the field of renewable energy. It primarily works with solar energy, biofuel, improved stoves and income generating activities based on energy such as small enterprise (refridgeration, radio, minor transformation etc) and more subsistence type activities like vegetable gardens using solar powered water pumps. GERES is also assuming the overall coordination of international NGOs in Mali. The programme aims to contribute primarily to SDG 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all and SDG 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all, but also contributes, among others, to SDG 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls and SDG 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. The programme is aligned with relevant international, regional and national policies. It is clearly aligned with the National Strategic Framework for Economic Recovery and Development (CREDD) 2019-2023 and will specifically contribute to the National Policy on Energy “meeting energy needs in quantity and quality by developing national energy resources and finding sustainable solutions for the development of energy services”. The programme contributes to the Swedish Strategy for Development Cooperation with Mali 2021-2025: objective 3. environment, climate and sustainable use of natural resources. The programme aims to contribute to the stability and local economic development of Mali's rural areas (Segou, Sikasso, Koulikouro and Kayes regions) by supporting the deployment of sustainable solutions for access to energy, particularly renewable energy, through a territorial approach to energy, the promotion of low-carbon initiatives and capacity building of local actors. The programme has three main components that contribute to the overall objective: 1. Increase in a sustainable way the production capacities of renewable energies in territories, with a technically adapted, economically viable solution and inclusive and sustainable management and governance schemes. 2. Improve the economic resilience of small businesses in the Green Business Area (ZAE) through improved market access, while promoting inclusion and decent working conditions. 3. In the territories where ZAEs are located, support and strengthen the resilience and initiative of local actors (civil society, local authorities, deconcentrated technical services) with stronger consultation and mobilization around the economic development of their territory as well as energy and low-carbon issues.