Project Preparation Facility
Helping Countries and Companies Bring Energy-Access Projects to Bankability
Why Project Preparation Matters
Across Africa—and especially in the East and Southern Africa (AFE) region—too few energy-access projects reach financial close. Nearly 80% of infrastructure projects fail before the feasibility stage, leaving investors with a limited pipeline of bankable opportunities.
This challenge directly affects renewable energy and clean cooking: although global renewable investment has surged, only 2% reached Africa between 2011–2021. Many project originators lack the technical capacity, feasibility of resources, or funds required to prepare investment-ready proposals.
Key PPF Mechanisms
Publicly Available Resources
Roster of Experts
Grants to Industry Associations and Investors
Support to National Agencies and Cross-border Solutions
What the ASCENT PPF Does
The ASCENT Project Preparation Facility (PPF) increases the number of investment-ready projects by providing targeted technical assistance to public agencies, private developers, and women- and youth-owned enterprises.
The PPF focuses on Decentralized Renewable Energy (DRE) and clean cooking, helping companies and governments:
- Reduce time to financial close
- Strengthen business and operational performance
- Expand into new markets
- Build a strong pipeline of investable projects
- Improve access to both public and private financing
How the PPF Supports Countries & Companies
The PPF delivers support through five complementary mechanisms:
Publicly Available Resources
Tools designed to help companies and agencies understand markets and prepare stronger projects:
- Geospatial mapping & planning platforms
- Country briefs with key market insights
- Technology-specific market assessments
- Matchmaking between suppliers and distributors
- Pre-application support via webinars & workshops
Roster of Specialized Experts
A pool of vetted consultants offering on-demand services, including:
- Feasibility and investment-grade studies
- Digitalization of company operations
- Credit risk management support
- Legal and transaction advisory
- Financial reporting, ESG, and carbon project development
The roster includes expertise relevant to women- and youth-led businesses.
Grants for Project Preparation & Business Development
Milestone-based grants for activities essential to raising equity or debt, such as:
- Feasibility studies
- Product/technology testing
- Software integration
- Hiring key staff
Investor-endorsed applications will be prioritized.
Support to National Agencies & Cross-Border Solutions
The PPF’s TA and grant mechanisms will also help:
- National agencies preparing their own projects
- Regional or cross-border energy-access solutions
This support will be application-based and coordinated with the COMESA Advisory Support to Governments window.
Grants to Industry Associations & Investors
Support for associations, financiers, and lenders that help ASCENT-eligible companies grow and reach investment readiness. Grants may also cover core transactions and due-diligence costs that enable financing.
How to Apply
Applications to the PPF will open soon.
Full details on eligibility, timelines, and required documentation will be made available at launch.
Project Preparation Facility (PPF) Explained
Support Mechanisms and Priority Areas
Achieving Results Faster and Together