Energy for livelihoods
We work with businesses to eradicate energy poverty in Africa
Energy helps local communities to thrive, improves quality of life and breaks the cycle of poverty
1.3 billionWith no electricity
1.3 billion people around the world lack access to electricity - 84% are in rural areas.
2.7 billionRelying on biomass
2.7 billion people - 38% of the world's population - use solid biomass for cooking and heating.
4.3 millionPremature deaths
Each year, 4.3 million people die prematurely from burning biomass in inefficient stoves in poorly ventilated spaces.
Energy access changes everything
We develop markets to close the energy gap
How it works
Most initiatives are targeting large infrastructure projects. This however does little to expand energy beyond the grid.
To achieve universal access, 60% of new electricity provision should come from small-scale, decentralised, renewable energy solutions to off-grid areas. This is the natural domain of small businesses.
This is the focus of our work.
Our strategy is to support the growth of these businesses, which translates into:
Our approach has provided access to 15.5 million people
- 3,634 businesses supported
- 9,366 jobs created
- 12.3 million tonnes of CO2 avoided
- $111 million raised to support businesses
Our business model
Building markets for a sustainable impact
We provide energy businesses some of the enabling resources they need to grow including: skills, technology, capital, delivery network.
Our services include
Latest news
2016-17 Global LEAP Awards for Off-grid TVs & Fans announced
Winners and Finalists of the 2016-17 Global LEAP Awards for Outstanding Off-Grid Televisions and Fans were announced on 16 August by USAID’s Power Africa. This year’s competitions identify the...
Energy 4 Impact and OVO Foundation launch electrification project in...
Energy 4 Impact has partnered with OVO foundation, OVO Energy’s charity, to launch a pioneering new project to install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in schools and health clinics in Kenya. The...
Mentorship to boost business and tackle challenges in early stages of...
An entrepreneur with a passion for improving lives with solar products, has set her eyes on expanding her business and bring solar products to remote communities, thanks to mentorship from Energy 4...
WATCH: HELPING COMPANIES DELIVER RENEWABLE ENERGY IN AFRICA
To find out more about our work please download our annual review.