In a landmark moment for global sustainability, the 2025 SEforALL Global Forum concluded with unprecedented commitments exceeding USD 900 million to accelerate the clean energy transition. Moreover, key global partners announced initiatives aimed at accelerating clean energy investments and promoting sustainable development worldwide.
Game-Changing Investments Announced
The forum witnessed several high-impact financial commitments poised to reshape energy landscapes across multiple regions:
- DRE Nigeria Fund (USD 500 Million) – A coalition including the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), SEforALL, the International Solar Alliance (ISA), and Africa50 launched a USD 500 million Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) Fund. This initiative will finance mini-grids, solar home systems, commercial and industrial power solutions, and advanced energy storage technologies in Nigeria.
- ‘First Loss Equity’ Fund (USD 250 Million) – Allied Climate Partners introduced a pioneering USD 250 million “first loss equity” fund to de-risk and stimulate clean energy investments globally. An additional USD 130 million fund was unveiled to specifically accelerate green finance in the Caribbean.
- Results-Based Financing (USD 20 Million) – The European Union, in collaboration with UNOPS and SEforALL, committed USD 20 million in results-based financing through the Universal Energy Facility (UEF) to support mini-grid deployment and electrification efforts in rural Sierra Leone.
- ZE-Gen Fossil Fuel Generator Displacement (USD 12 Million) – The IKEA Foundation pledged over €11 million to ZE-Gen, a revolutionary initiative replacing fossil fuel generators with renewable alternatives across sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and the Indo-Pacific region.
- e-Cooking Support and Scale-Up Programme (USD 3.5 to 5 Million) – The Middle East Green Initiative’s “Forward7 Clean Cooking” program, in partnership with GeCCo, MECS, and UK Aid, announced funding to advance clean cooking adoption in Sierra Leone, reinforcing the country’s Green Growth Plan.
National and Regional Energy Strategies Take Shape
Beyond financial commitments, the forum served as a launchpad for transformative national and regional energy policies:
- Barbados Energy Transition and Investment Plan (ETIP) – Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and Minister Lisa Cummins, in collaboration with SEforALL, unveiled Barbados’ strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2035.
- Pakistan’s Energy Transition Roadmap – SEforALL and the Government of Pakistan initiated a partnership to craft a national energy transition and investment plan.
- Formula E Joins Energy Compacts – The global motorsport series committed to aligning with the UN Energy Compacts, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable mobility.
- GFANZ Caribbean Chapter Debuts – The Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ) launched a Caribbean chapter to enhance private-sector investment and address regional financing gaps.
- Latin America and Caribbean Energy Justice Initiative – SEforALL and OLADE committed to strengthening policy frameworks for a just and equitable energy transition in the region.
- Africa’s Renewable Energy Manufacturing Hub – A new financing platform was introduced to connect investors with local manufacturers, boosting renewable energy production in Africa and Southeast Asia.
Celebrating Innovation: 2025 Energy Heroes Awards
A highlight of the forum was the announcement of the 2025 Energy Heroes Awards, honoring pioneers reshaping the global energy landscape. This year’s recipients, spanning Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East, were recognized for groundbreaking work in clean energy innovation and impact financing:
- Deborah Fadeyi, Vectar Energy, Nigeria (Innovator)
- The BRILHO Programme, Mozambique (Changemaker)
- Becool Indonesia, Indonesia (Innovator)
- Mee Panyar, Myanmar (Changemaker)
- Soluz Honduras, Honduras (Innovator)
- Jorge Rivera Staff, Panama (Changemaker)
- Youth 4 Sustainability, UAE (Innovator)
A Turning Point for Clean Energy Action
The 2025 SEforALL Global Forum, co-hosted by SEforALL and the Government of Barbados, brought together over 1,300 participants from 70+ countries. Marking its first-ever edition in Latin America and the Caribbean, the event reinforced the importance of global collaboration in tackling climate change and energy poverty.
With nearly USD 1 billion in new funding, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to inclusive, sustainable development, the forum signals a decisive step toward a greener, more equitable future.
