Experience in the US, as well as in Asia, also underscores the importance of favorable government policy and regulations, including capital subsidies.
The challenge, of course, will be for each African government to design a mini-grid strategy around the options and models that work locally.
That means setting appropriate tariffs and establishing a coherent framework of technical, financial, and procedural regulations.
It also requires building up the necessary skills and capacities in the labor force.
In developing their electricity systems, most African countries will have to consider and combine many different models and options.
For many, mini-grids can play an important role.
If African governments embrace diversity in the way electricity is generated and distributed, they could provide modern energy to millions of people, while placing the continent at the forefront of a global energy transformation.
By Strive Masiyiwa and Richard Branson. Tjis article was first published by Project Syndicate
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