Why this event matters
GOGSFE 2026, the Global Off-Grid Solar Forum & Expo, takes place on 27–29 October at the Kigali Convention Centre in Kigali, Rwanda. Convened by GOGLA, Rwanda’s Ministry of Infrastructure and the World Bank’s Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP), the event brings together companies, investors, policymakers and development partners working to expand access to reliable, affordable energy.
The central question at GOGSFE 2026 is how off-grid solar and other distributed energy solutions can move beyond individual connections to support lasting economic opportunity. The forum takes place as countries and partners develop programmes under Mission 300. Its discussions connect national electrification priorities with the businesses, public institutions and funding mechanisms needed to reach households and enterprises.
The programme follows three themes: Powering Lives, Putting Solar to Work and Financing for the Future. Together, these tracks examine the delivery of energy services, the use of electricity to generate income and the capital required to grow sustainable markets. Participants can choose sessions according to their work in energy access, commercial operations, policy or investment.
The financing questions shaping GOGSFE 2026
Public finance is a practical concern within GOGSFE 2026. One panel examines what public funding can achieve as bilateral aid declines and some governments face constraints on borrowing. For developers, funders and policymakers, this raises questions about where scarce concessional resources can attract commercial investment and where they must support customers and markets that private finance is less likely to reach.
Domestic capital is another focus. A scheduled discussion considers how local currency finance can become available to smaller and earlier-stage businesses. This matters for companies whose revenues and costs do not match the currency or conditions of available funding. The finance programme also includes discussion of subsidies, company ownership and capital for emerging off-grid markets.
Productive uses of energy feature throughout GOGSFE 2026. Sessions address solar irrigation, the growth of small enterprises and services such as cooling, drying and milling. The programme examines both equipment and the commercial arrangements that allow customers to use it. For agricultural businesses and energy providers, that connects electricity supply with demand, affordability and income.
The wider agenda includes clean cooking, digital connectivity, power for healthcare and education, circularity and energy access in fragile settings. These topics reflect the operational challenges that continue after a system is installed. Reliable service, suitable products and workable business models all affect whether energy access delivers value over time.
Investment engagement at GOGSFE 2026 includes an open networking session with equity, grant and debt investors on 28 October. Company and investor roundtables follow on 29 October, with a more focused format for local businesses to discuss fundraising barriers and present their work. Separate matchmaking arrangements and the GOGLA Virtual Pitchbook can help companies prepare for relevant conversations.
An exhibition complements the conference programme, allowing visitors to explore products and services and meet suppliers. Ticket access differs: the full conference pass includes conference sessions, the exhibition, matchmaking, refreshments, lunches and the industry networking reception. The exhibition-only ticket provides access to the exhibition area, without conference sessions or food and beverages.
The main GOGSFE 2026 programme runs from 27–29 October. The wider schedule also lists activities on 26 and 30 October, including side events and field visits. Participants should check each activity’s venue, eligibility and booking requirements separately. Published session times use GMT+2, the local time in Kigali.
For companies seeking customers, finance or delivery partners, preparing clear objectives before attending can make the programme easier to navigate. Investors can use the published agenda and company information to identify relevant markets and business models.
Delegates attending GOGSFE 2026 should check current ticket availability and programme updates on the official event website and registration page.
For other upcoming opportunities, browse Fuel the Shift Africa’s events calendar.
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Opening ceremony, energy access and public finance
The opening day brings together government, industry and development leaders before discussions on electrification strategies, productive uses of energy and financing the sector’s growth. Sessions examine the cost of sustaining energy services and the role of public funding. Business matchmaking and an industry networking reception also feature.
Subsidies, domestic capital and solar for businesses
Discussions examine customer-focused energy services, regulation, results-based financing and access to domestic capital. Other sessions cover solar irrigation, small business growth, clean cooking and digital connectivity. The day includes business matchmaking and an open networking session where companies can meet equity, grant and debt investors.
Investor roundtables, productive-use finance and public services
The final day covers financing for agricultural energy businesses, early-stage markets and customers purchasing productive-use equipment. Sessions also address power for healthcare and education, circularity and energy access in fragile settings. Company–investor roundtables and business matchmaking provide opportunities for focused funding and partnership discussions.
Additional information
Register through the official event registration page and select the ticket that matches the access you need. Exhibition-only tickets do not include conference sessions, catering or the industry networking reception.
The main forum runs from 27–29 October 2026. Additional activities are listed on 26 and 30 October; check their venues, eligibility and separate booking requirements before making arrangements.
For registration and logistics enquiries, contact Laura Bonilla at [email protected].
Map Location
Getting There
The event takes place at Kigali Convention Centre, KG 2 Roundabout, Kigali. Confirm entry points, parking and any accessibility requirements with the organiser before travelling.