-
From Energy Access to Economic Empowerment: Workable Models for Financing a Just Transition in Emerging Markets
Today 2.1 billion people live without clean cooking fuels and technologies, and over 660 million people lack electricity access. Yet as Anthony Osijo at Bboxx points out, as global conversations largely focus on decarbonizing energy resources to combat climate change, these millions of households still cannot access essential products and services the rest of the world takes for granted. He argues that emerging markets can't simply be left in the dark because their kerosene lamps and diesel generators aren’t environmentally viable, especially if they lack access to suitable alternatives. He explores ways to finance and deliver a just climate transition — while also eradicating energy poverty.
- Categories
- Energy, Environment
-
M-KOPA Posts First Ever Profit, Bets on E-Mobility for Next Growth Phase
The Nairobi-based fintech swung to a US$9.2 million profit in 2024 from a US$20.6 million loss the previous year, according to audited results seen by The Kenyan Wall Street.
- Categories
- Finance, Technology, Transportation
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
-
MOPO Secures £5 Million Investment From Norfund to Expand Clean Energy Access Across Africa
MOPO operates a pay-per-use battery rental system that delivers clean and dependable energy to households and businesses through solar charging hubs managed by local agents.
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
-
Nigeria’s Koolboks Raises $11 Million to Scale Solar-Powered Refrigeration Across Africa
The company designs solar-powered refrigeration units that pair ice-battery thermal storage with IoT telemetry.
- Categories
- Energy, Technology
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
-
Local Banks Back Sun King’s $156 Million Pay-As-You-Go Solar Financing in Kenya
The scale of this raise highlights Sun King’s leadership in off‑grid energy, but it also accentuates a growing divide in the market.
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
-
Four Key Lessons for Implementing PAYGo 2.0: How the PAYGo Solar Sector Can Fulfill its Potential
In response to the recent NextBillion article by Dan Murphy and Willem Nolens at PAYGo Lab, on how companies and investors can move PAYGo solar toward "PAYGo 2.0,” Yariv Cohen at Ignite Energy Access argues that it's time for deep reflection and realignment in the industry. He explains why PAYGo 2.0 — an approach aimed at boosting repayment rates and profitability through improved customer selection and support — is the only way forward for the sector, and shares four lessons Ignite has learned from its efforts to implement this model.
- Categories
- Energy, Environment, Finance, Investing
-
BURN Secures US $5 Million Investment From ElectriFI to Scale Electric Cooking in Kenya
BURN, Africa’s leading clean cookstove manufacturer, distributor, and carbon project developer, has received a USD 5 million investment from EDFI Management Company (EDFI MC) through the EU Funded Electrification Financing Initiative (ElectriFI).
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
-
Ending the Vicious Circle in PAYGo Solar: How Companies and Investors Can Move the Sector Toward ‘PAYGo 2.0’
The Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGo) solar industry is facing decreases in both sales and investment capital, as rising customer default rates are driving a vicious circle of worsened unit economics and higher product prices. However, as Dan Murphy and Willem Nolens at PAYGo Lab explain, some companies are thriving by implementing systems to improve customer selection, education and support — an approach often referred to as "PAYGo 2.0." They analyze the industry’s challenges and share key lessons and best practices that can enhance its operational efficiency, financial resilience and sustainable growth.
- Categories
- Energy, Environment, Finance, Investing
Subscribe to Our Weekly Newsletter, "NextBillion Notes"
Published each Wednesday, our e-newsletter features NextBillion's latest original articles, along with a selection of news, jobs, bizdev opportunities and events from our recent coverage — and regular conference ticket giveaways.
We respect your privacy. Your information is safe and will never be shared.
Don't miss out. Subscribe today.