Low Energy Inclusive Appliances programme (LEIA) Impact Evaluation
Eight Years of Research, Innovation and Market Transformation
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Over the past eight years, the Low Energy Inclusive Appliances (LEIA) programme has worked to accelerate the development and adoption of off- and weak-grid appliances across sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
Supported by the UK government via the Transforming Energy Access platform and the IKEA Foundation, LEIA has combined research, innovation funding, quality assurance and market development activities to strengthen appliance markets and expand access to modern energy services.
This independent Impact Evaluation explores LEIA’s contribution to sector development and explores the lessons that will pave the way for the next steps in energy access.
Key findings
The evaluation finds that LEIA has contributed to significant progress across the off- and weak-grid appliance sector.
Key areas of impact include:
Strengthening quality assurance systems and informing international standards.
- 50+ programmes or institutions adopted VeraSol recommendations into policy or programme design
Generating evidence that has helped shape sector priorities and investment decisions.
- 165 research reports published
Supporting appliance companies serving underserved communities.
- £8.2M granted to 49 companies through the Efficiency for Access R&D Fund
Expanding access to technologies that improve livelihoods, productivity and resilience.
- 1,138,435 people with improved access to clean energy
The evaluation also identifies important priorities for the future, including affordability, quality assurance infrastructure, workforce development and continued support for early-stage innovation.
Why this matters
Energy access is about more than electricity.
Expanding access to solar-powered appliances can help strengthen people’s livelihoods and incomes, increase agricultural productivity, and enhance climate resilience. As markets mature, understanding what works, what remains challenging and where future investment should be directed becomes increasingly important.
Drawing on stakeholder interviews, programme data and sector evidence, this evaluation provides insights for donors, policymakers, researchers, investors and market actors working to advance clean energy access.
Discover how eight years of research, innovation and market development have contributed to the growth of off- and weak-grid appliance markets across sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
Download the full report here