Two of Europe’s leading online impact investing platforms Lendahand and Ethex with support from UK aid and Virgin Unite have launched Energise Africa – a new initiative enabling eligible UK investors to invest in pioneering businesses that install solar systems in homes in sub Saharan Africa – bringing clean energy and economic opportunities to families, whilst aiming to generate up to a 6% annual return for investors. Investors will also be able to benefit from tax free returns by holding their Energise Africa solar investments within an Innovative Finance ISA.

The Energise Africa initiative is supported by Energy 4 Impact which received a grant from UK aid to establish the platform. Energy 4 Impact contracted with Lendahand Ethex Ltd in December 2016 following a formal procurement process, and is overseeing the project to ensure targets are met over the next three years. This initiative draws on knowledge generated by the Crowd Power project, also managed by Energy 4 Impact and funded by UK aid.

Read our latest Crowd Power report here.

To find out more about Energise Africa, read the official press release for the announcement.