The Africa Just Transition Network (AJTN), in partnership with its Renewable Energy Working Group, has premiered Lighting Up Mafikope, a new documentary highlighting how a rural, off-grid community in Ghana is redefining access to energy through locally driven, sustainable solutions.

The film follows the community of Mafikope as it designs and builds a solar-powered community centre, an initiative led by residents themselves, with technical collaboration from AJTN’s network. At a time when millions across Africa still lack access to reliable electricity, the documentary offers a grounded, real-world example of how decentralized renewable energy can transform lives while advancing climate justice.

More than a story about infrastructure, Lighting Up Mafikope captures the social, economic, and environmental impact of community-led energy systems. From enabling safer public spaces to supporting local enterprise and strengthening community cohesion, the project illustrates the far-reaching benefits of a people-centred approach to the energy transition.

The premiere, held on 31 March 2026, convened a global audience of civil society actors, policymakers, and development practitioners, sparking renewed discussion on the role of grassroots innovation in addressing energy poverty and climate inequality.

Mafikope’s significance lies not only in the technology itself, but in the process behind it. The project demonstrates a model in which communities are not passive beneficiaries, but active leaders shaping their own energy futures, challenging traditional top-down approaches, and offering a practical example of what a truly just transition can look like.

Across Africa, over 600 million people still lack access to electricity, according to the International Energy Agency. As governments and institutions accelerate efforts toward universal energy access and climate targets, Lighting Up Mafikope positions community-led renewable energy as a critical, scalable pathway.

The documentary also underscores the importance of inclusive development, particularly in ensuring that energy solutions are accessible, affordable, and responsive to local realities. By centring local voices and knowledge, the Mafikope project reflects a broader shift toward participatory approaches in climate and development work.
Produced as part of AJTN’s ongoing efforts, the film contributes to a growing body of evidence supporting just transition pathways across the continent, where social equity, environmental sustainability, and community empowerment are pursued in tandem.

Lighting Up Mafikope is now available for public viewing.
Watch the documentary: https://youtu.be/3joUNlgOB-I?si=dk-Y7eWdOdRkigU2