The voluntary carbon market (VCM) presents startups with opportunities to unlock financial benefits for driving climate action. However, entering the market is not straightforward and many early-stage companies lack information on the expected costs and process for entering the market. The GSMA’s Mobile for Development programme recently published guidance for startups and early-stage companies considering entering the market. Engie Energy Access is one of three case studies presented in the guide, more information on the VCMs and the other case studies can be found here.
According to the latest global monitoring of energy access, 565 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa – about 44% of the population – still lack access to electricity. Progress has also been much slower on the continent than in other regions, meaning 85% of the global population without access are in SSA; up from 50% in 2010. Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 – ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all – is now even more dependent on rapidly accelerating access in African countries. The IEAs modelling for achieving universal access by 2030 is based on off-grid solutions (mini-grids and stand alone systems) accounting for 58% of new access.
ENGIE Energy Access has emerged as a leading provider of Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) solar and mini-grid solutions in Africa. Operating across nine countries in Eastern, Southern and Western Africa, the company is committed to delivering affordable, reliable and sustainable energy with exceptional customer experience. Born from the integration of Fenix International, ENGIE Mobisol and ENGIE PowerCorner, ENGIE Energy Access develops innovative off-grid solar solutions for homes, public services and businesses. To date, it has installed over 45 MW of solar capacity, reaching more than two million customers and enabling access to clean, affordable energy across underserved communities.
Engie Energy Access’ technology solutions
- The ‘MySol PAYGo Solar Home’ and Business Systems features solar systems tailored to varying energy needs:
| Tier 1 | Basic kits with lighting, phone charging, radio or torch |
| Tier 2 | Mid-level systems with multiple lights, phone charger, radio or TorchMySol Pro with a 24″ TV |
| Tier 3 | Advanced 200W systems including 6 lights, stereo, fan, and a 42″ TV |
These systems are also available in configurations suited for small businesses and institutions.
- To support productive use of energy, ENGIE offers a variety of energy-efficient appliances available through cash purchase or lease-to-own financing, including refrigerators, welders, compressors, milling machines and water pumps.
- ENGIE develops solar-powered mini-grids that provide reliable electricity to a wide range of users-from small households to large organisations.
The carbon market opportunity
ENGIE Energy Access contributes to emissions reductions by replacing fossil fuel-based energy sources- such as kerosene lamps, diesel generators and candles-with clean, solar-powered alternatives. These traditional sources are not only marked by high CO₂ emissions but are also dangerous and polluting.
The company’s first experience with the VCM came through Mobisol, a solar home systems provider acquired in 2019. Mobisol had an ongoing carbon project with Gold Standard in Tanzania. However, the process was slow- taking over three years to register and issue credits – and lacked pricing transparency. Given the relatively low emissions reductions per solar unit, ENGIE Energy Access recognised that carbon projects must operate at scale and with low development costs to be viable. Moreover, the company’s business model – selling solar kits on credit – requires fast revenue generation to sustain growth. This made traditional carbon credit mechanisms less compatible with their operational needs.
A new route to market: Partnering with CarbonClear
By connecting real-time customer data – such as product usage and payment history – to the CarbonClear platform, ENGIE Energy Access was able to streamline credit issuance without incurring additional registration or joining fees. Credits could be sold within three months of joining the platform. In Kenya, ENGIE sells credits through CarbonClear at €26 per credit, albeit in smaller volumes, targeting buyers who prioritise transparency and high-integrity projects. Additionally, ENGIE markets credits through the ENGIE Group’s carbon trading desk, expanding their reach.
Challenges and the road ahead
Despite its advantages, CarbonClear is still a relatively new player in the VCM and is still growing in recognition. It currently holds a Verified by DNV label, confirming adherence to UN-CDM methodology, but lacks accreditations from major bodies like ICROA or the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM). As a result, some buyers may overlook CarbonClear credits due to perceived quality concerns.
ENGIE Energy Access continues to work closely with CarbonClear to demonstrate the platform’s alignment with global standards of integrity, transparency and additionality. This effort is crucial for the success of the African Carbon Market Initiative, which aims to unlock the potential of carbon finance for African-led, off-grid energy projects.
A new chapter: Acquisition by Ignite Power
In January 2025, Ignite Power announced its full acquisition of ENGIE Energy Access, marking a transformative moment in Africa’s renewable energy landscape. The landmark deal will create a renewable energy distribution network across 14 countries in Africa.
The newly formed entity, Ignite Energy Access, is poised to accelerate the continent’s progress toward universal energy access, leveraging scale, innovation and carbon finance to drive inclusive, climate-resilient development.
New GSMA resource on carbon credits
Entering the voluntary carbon market (VCM) can be daunting for climate tech startups. Conversations with the GSMA’s Innovation Fund grantees revealed a significant information gap, leaving many early-stage startups feeling ill-equipped to engage with the VCM. To address these needs, “The Voluntary Carbon Market: A guide for startups” from the GSMA ClimateTech programme, produced in collaboration with research partner Social Finance, provides accessible and tailored information designed to empower startups to independently evaluate their potential of entering the VCM. Read more about the guide here.