Last week, São Tomé and Príncipe (STP) officially joined AMP and hosted a two-day project launch workshop, becoming one of the newest national projects under active implementation.
Although around 70% of rural areas in STP are electrified, many communities remain off-grid or face unreliable supply. Extending the central grid to every remote settlement, particularly on islands or isolated locations—is both costly and complex.
Through AMP, a community in São Tomé and Príncipe will pilot the direct commissioning of 0.7 MW of solar photovoltaic capacity and 1.0 MWh of battery storage, laying the foundation for clean, reliable, and scalable energy solutions.
Maria Teresa Mendizabal, Portfolio Manager with CESA (Climate, Environment, Sustainable Energy and Agriculture), UNDP, said:
“The Africa Minigrids Program is a continental initiative, currently involving 21 African countries, implemented with the support of UNDP and funded by the GEF, with a common goal: to increase access to clean energy in Africa by improving financial viability and promoting commercial investment in renewable energy minigrids. Here in São Tomé and Príncipe, we want to turn this goal into reality and bring clean energy to the communities that need it most.”
MSc. Eng. José Bastos Sacramento, Directorate-General for Natural Resources and Energy, added:
“Access to energy is more than just a basic service. It is a catalyst for economic growth, social advancement, and prosperity.”
Stephen Kansuk, PhD, Regional Technical Advisor for Africa, Climate Change Mitigation and Energy, UNDP, was present at the launch, emphasizing AMP’s commitment to building strong partnerships with governments and local communities.
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