-
Acumen Acquire SolarAid’s Off Grid Energy Research and Impact Division
Acumen, the global social impact organization, announced today its acquisition of the award-winning Research and Impact division of SolarAid, the international nonprofit and leading impact practitioner in the solar energy sector. In acquiring SolarAid’s research arm, Acumen builds on its decade of investing in off-grid energy, further deepening its understanding of the energy needs of low-income populations while measuring the social impact of newly electrified individuals and households. Acumen began investing in off-grid energy solutions in 2007 and today has the largest portfolio of companies committed to serving the poor.
- Categories
- Energy
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
-
Why This $5 Million May Matter Most for Off Grid Electric
When it received a $5 million award from the U.S. Agency for International Development last month, Off Grid Electric became the first company to receive all three rounds of funding from the Development Innovation Ventures program.
- Categories
- Energy
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Tags
- renewable energy, solar
-
Electrifying India, With the Sun and Small Loans
A few years ago, the hundred or so residents of Paradeshappanamatha, a secluded hamlet in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, gathered along the central pathway between their 22 densely clustered homes, and watched as government workers hoisted a solar-powered streetlamp. As the first display of electricity in the town, it was an object of mild interest, but, being outside, the light didn’t help anyone cook or study, and only attracted moths.
- Region
- South Asia
-
After $19M equity round, Kenya’s M-Kopa is set to deliver solar power to a million homes
This month the company closed a $19 million financing round led by Generation Investment Management, and revealed plans to reach one million homes in East Africa by the end of 2017.
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
-
Vancouver-Based Social Enterprise Plastic Bank Wins Big at COP21
Vancouver-based social enterprise Plastic Bank won the Sustania award at the COP21 Paris climate talks in Paris. The award is based on 10 top sustainability solutions and projects from around the world, from which one winner is selected.
- Categories
- Environment
- Tags
- solar
-
New Microfinance Initiative to Bring First ‘Lease to Purchase’ Sustainable Energy Product to Somalia
Dahabshiil Group showcase sustainable 'green microfinancing' initiatives to foster economic and social development across Somali region.
- Categories
- Energy, Environment
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Tags
- microfinance, solar
-
Solar Solution for Saltwater Stress
MENA is the most water-stressed region in the world. The top sixteen countries in the world facing shortages of renewable water supplies are those between Morocco and Oman, according to 2011 data from risk advisory firm MapleCroft.
- Categories
- Environment
- Region
- North Africa & Near East
- Tags
- solar
-
World Bank, IFC Unveil Off-Grid Lighting Solution for Nigeria
The World Bank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) have unveiled an off-grid solar power solution for Nigeria tagged Lighting Africa.
- Categories
- Energy, Health Care
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Tags
- renewable energy, solar
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.