The Enabling DRE Ecosystem for Livelihoods in Ethiopia (EDEL) program is our comprehensive initiative to build a self-sustaining market for clean energy solutions that transform livelihoods. Funded by the IKEA Foundation and implemented with PRECISE, EDEL tackles systemic barriers from innovation to scale.

We start by co-designing and piloting decentralized renewable energy (DRE) technologies—like solar pumps, cold storage, and processing tools—directly with farmers and small business owners through grassroots partners. We validate these across 56 pilot sites (small, medium, and large scale) to prove their feasibility and impact. Simultaneously, we incubate and accelerate local Clean Energy Enterprises and tech innovators, providing them with mentorship, capacity building, and piloting support to refine and deliver context-appropriate solutions.

A core pillar is facilitating inclusive finance. We partner with financial institutions to design and deploy tailored loan products, making these technologies affordable for end-users. Finally, we capture and disseminate knowledge through case studies, toolkits, and events like the South-South Summit, ensuring learnings are shared to replicate success. EDEL’s ultimate goal is to create a thriving ecosystem where technology providers, financiers, and users interact seamlessly, driving sustainable economic growth long after our direct involvement.