During its first 18 months, the SWARM-E project developed an integrated technical, scientific, and financial framework enabling the design, implementation, and long-term viability of SWARM grids across five pilot sites in Rwanda and Tanzania. By combining empirical field data, engineering design, socio-technical capacity building, and financial modelling, the project established a scalable and inclusive model for community-based decentralised electrification. Site Characterisation and Preparation formed the analytical foundation of the project. Harmonised survey tools, sampling methodologies, and behavioural demand modelling using RAMP-generated datasets linking electricity demand with productive uses of energy (PUEs). Over 600 household and enterprise surveys across seven sites produced validated consumption profiles and geospatial datasets that directly informed technical system sizing. Supply-side assessments identified gaps in technology quality, after-sales services, and mobile-money infrastructure. A transparent, multi-criteria site selection process confirmed four pilot sites in Rwanda and one in Tanzania. In parallel, a comprehensive Monitoring and Evaluation framework was established, defining more than 40 KPIs covering technical, financial, gender, and environmental outcomes. Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building strengthened socio-technical understanding and local ownership. Institutional arrangements, value chains, and regulatory environments were analysed using PESTLE and SWOT approaches, identifying community readiness and skills gaps. A multi-tier capacity-building strategy was developed for households, P2P operators, OffGridBox users, and SWARM technicians, supported by training-of-trainers, demonstrations, mentoring, and dedicated modules for women to ensure effective skills transfer. Technical Feasibility and Grid Design delivered complete engineering designs for the hybrid SWARM grid architecture. Using empirically derived load curves and simulations, interoperable P2P DC grids for energy trading were designed alongside AC systems for higher-power applications. The SWARM Controller enabled real-time metering, peer-to-peer exchange, and mobile-money integration, while PV generation, storage, and inverter performance were validated to confirm reliability and scalability. Finally, Financial Modelling and Tariffication produced site-specific PUE business cases—including cold storage, water purification, seaweed processing, and e-mobility—demonstrating strong commercial potential and informing tariff structures that balance affordability with cost recovery.
