Lighting Global is the platform under which the World Bank Group supports the development of the global off-grid solar energy services market, and includes a portfolio of country-based market development programs.
International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the World Bank work across the globe with manufacturers, distributors, development partners and the Global Off-Grid Lighting Association (GOGLA).
The World Bank
The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development was created in 1944 to help Europe rebuild after World War II. Today, IBRD provides loans and other assistance primarily to middle income countries.
IBRD is the original World Bank institution. It works closely with the rest of the World Bank Group to help developing countries reduce poverty, promote economic growth, and build prosperity.
IBRD is owned by the governments of its 189 member countries, which are represented by a 25-member board of 5 appointed and 20 elected Executive Directors.
The institution provides a combination of financial resources, knowledge and technical services, and strategic advice to developing countries, including middle income and credit-worthy lower income countries. Specifically, IBRD:
- Supports long-term human and social development that private creditors do not finance
- Preserves borrowers’ financial strength by providing support in times of crisis, when poor people are most adversely affected
- Promotes key policy and institutional reforms (such as safety net or anti-corruption reforms)
- Creates a favorable investment climate to catalyze the provision of private capital
- Facilitates access to financial markets often at more favorable terms than members can achieve on their own
International Finance Corporation
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. Working with 2,000 businesses worldwide, we use our six decades of experience to create opportunity where it’s needed most. In FY16, our long-term investments in developing countries rose to nearly $19 billion, leveraging our capital, expertise and influence to help the private sector end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.
Global Off-Grid Lighting Association, GOGLA
The Global Off-Grid Lighting Association (GOGLA) is a neutral, independent, not-for-profit association created to promote lighting solutions that benefit society and businesses in developing and emerging markets. GOGLA acts as the industry advocate, supporting the growth and strengthening of a market for clean, quality off-grid lighting and electrical systems. Its main objective is to support industry in scaling, based on principles of the triple bottom line, thus contributing to the objectives of Sustainable Energy for All (SE4All) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Lighting Global Development Partners
Lighting Global and related country programs in Asia and Africa are implemented in partnership with the following in alphabetical order: Africa Renewable Energy Access Program (AFREA), Australia, Austria, Canada, Denmark, Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP), Finland, France, Germany, Global Environment Facility (gef), Hungary, Iceland, IKEA Foundation, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Scaling up Renewable Energy Program (SREP), New Zealand, United Kingdom, and United States of America.
