GDC heads to Kigali for the Last Mile Distribution Forum and GOGSFE 2026

This October, the Global Distributors Collective (GDC) is heading to Kigali, Rwanda, for two exciting events!

Last Mile Distribution Forum, 26 October

On Monday 26 October, the GDC will bring members and key sector partners together for the invite-only Last Mile Distribution Forum. The day will combine practical workshops, panel discussions and networking. The focus is on building stronger, more profitable last mile distribution businesses. The Forum is a chance for distributors from across our network to share what’s working, tackle common challenges and connect with partners who can help them grow. The day will conclude with an exclusive invitation-only cocktail reception and networking drinks event, hosted by the GDC and the Off-Grid Solar Repair Lab, with the support of the Agri-Energy Coalition, Energy Saving Trust and CLASP.

GDC member event, Nairobi 2026

Global Off-Grid Solar Forum & Expo, 27–29 October

Photo credit: GOGLA

From 27 to 29 October, we’ll join the wider energy access community at the Global Off-Grid Solar Forum & Expo 2026 (GOGSFE) at the Kigali Convention Centre. GOGSFE is organised by GOGLA and the World Bank’s Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP), and co-hosted by Rwanda’s Ministry of Infrastructure. It brings together investors, manufacturers, policymakers, distributors and development partners; more than 1,600 people attended the last edition in Nairobi. As a PowerON event partner, the GDC has worked closely with GOGLA to make sure the agenda represents diverse stakeholders, particularly last mile distributors, and a broad range of energy technologies.

Sessions spotlights for GDC and Practical Action teams:

• Wednesday 28 October, 13:30–14:45 (Powering Lives track): Head of GDC Cynthia Makunganya speaks in “What does it take to survive the maturing market? Powering lives needs profitable businesses.” Drawing on more than a decade of company data, the session explores what separates resilient businesses from those that struggle. Link here

• Wednesday 28 October, 15:45-17:00 (Putting Solar to Work track): Zibusiso Ncube, Africa Lead for Energy and Livelihoods at Practical Action, joins “Before the pump: Putting water smart agriculture at the heart of solar irrigation.” Solar irrigation programmes often start with the energy technology. This session starts instead with the farmer, the farming system and the water resource. It looks at how energy, agriculture and water actors can work together on soil health, groundwater management, finance and market access. The aim is to raise farmer incomes while keeping solar irrigation commercially viable and environmentally sustainable. Link here

• Thursday 29 October, 09:00–10:15 (Powering Lives track): Robert Mutalindwa of Practical Action joins “Uninvestable? The untapped market of humanitarian, fragile and conflict affected settings,” on the market approaches, policy, data and guarantees needed to reach some of the hardest places to serve. Link here

• Thursday 29 October, 11:00 – 12:15 (Putting Solar to Work track): Zibusiso Ncube, Africa Lead for Energy and Livelihoods at Practical Action, joins “Beyond the Credit Line: What Will Make End-User Finance Work for PURE?”, the second part of a workshop on productive use of renewable energy (PURE). Link here

The full agenda, venue details and registration are on the event website.

Member discounts

GDC members can still get 15% off their GOGSFE ticket. You’ll find the discount code in your member email and WhatsApp groups. If you can’t find it, contact the team gdc@practicalaction.org.uk

Connect with the GDC team

Our team will be at both events in person, and you can find us at the CROWD booth and the Agri-Energy Coalition booth throughout GOGSFE. Members can connect with us and each other, and follow our event activities, through our WhatsApp member groups. Follow us on LinkedIn for updates from Kigali, using #LMDForum2026 and #GOGSFE26.  

The GDC Last Mile Distribution Forum – Kigali is supported by UK government, via the Transforming Energy Access platform.