The role of MSMEs in fostering inclusive and equitable economic growth in the context of the clean energy transition in MENA

This paper presents the broad statement of the global challenge of achieving universal access to electricity in Sub-Saharan Africa and gradually transitions to specific, actionable research and implementation guidelines for informing Mission 300 activities in fragile and conflict settings in Sub-Saharan Africa. Following this introductory section, Section 2 provides an overview of the Sudanese context, detailing its energy landscape and the structural role of MSME in the economy. Section 3 outlines the research program, proposing methodological approaches for assessing demand, mapping MSME capacity and analyzing the institutional environment. Section 4 explores the critical components of sustainable financing and delivery models. Section 5 investigates the transformative potential of Productive Uses of Energy (PUE) and methods for evaluating socio-economic contributions. Finally, Section 6 synthesizes the core analysis into lessons for Mission 300, concluding with recommendations for implementation for Sudan and other fragile contexts.

Access to affordable, reliable energy is becoming increasingly difficult across many parts of the MENA region, particularly for energy-importing countries. This challenge has made the shift to clean energy not only urgent, but essential. Fortunately, the region is naturally positioned to lead in renewables, with abundant solar and wind resources. Combined with rapidly falling technology costs, renewable energy now represents the most cost-effective option across much of MENA. Beyond mitigating climate risks, this transition offers an opportunity to promote inclusive economic development, generate jobs — especially for women and youth — and build resilience. This project was launched to explore how the clean energy transition can contribute to sustainable development in the region, with a focus on the role of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which form the backbone of MENA economies. The overarching aim was to provide strategic, evidence-based policy recommendations to ensure that the energy transition advances equity, inclusion, and long-term resilience.