Neither the 2009 Maputo workshop nor a 2011 follow-up workshop in Dakar, Senegal, followed the

typical conference format. In particular, the sessions were not limited to the standard 20–25 minute
PowerPoint presentations followed by a few minutes for audience questions. Instead, they used a
mix of formats to maximize informal interaction. For example, the Maputo workshop included 50
presentations by experts and practitioners delivered in 12 plenary sessions, 17 breakout discussion
sessions designed to enable participants to pursue follow-up questions with one another, and 3
structured half-day clinics. The two workshops covered a wide range of topics—among them
different institutional models for grid and off-grid electrification, the role of small power producers
and mini-grid operators, the design and implementation of capital and consumption subsidies,
pricing for grid and off-grid suppliers, operation of rural electrification agencies and funds, low-cost
electrification techniques, design and implementation of connection charges, microfinance, carbon
finance, prepaid meters, alternative service and maintenance models, and economic and technical
regulation. (The presentations and handouts from the two workshops can be found at
http://go.worldbank.org/WCEDP90SZ0.)