Acumen

SunCulture, located in Nairobi, Kenya, specializes in solar-powered drip irrigation systems designed to enhance agricultural productivity while promoting sustainability. Their flagship product, the AgroSolar Irrigation Kit, integrates solar water pumping technology with high-efficiency drip irrigation, equipping farmers with the necessary tools to increase crop yields and optimize water usage. SunCulture distinguishes itself as a comprehensive resource for Kenyan farmers by offering not only the irrigation systems but also agronomic services, educational training, and access to financing and markets. This holistic approach addresses the needs of smallholder farmers, enabling them to grow food more efficiently while minimizing fertilizer waste through direct application in irrigation systems. By combining innovative technology with essential support services, SunCulture aims to empower rural communities and improve their agricultural outcomes.

Ampersand is a company based in Kigali, Rwanda, that focuses on manufacturing affordable electric vehicles and charging systems specifically for motorcycle taxi drivers in East Africa. By providing a battery swap network and an operating system, Ampersand aims to make sustainable mobility more accessible and affordable in developing markets. The company's initiatives not only enhance the livelihoods of local drivers but also contribute positively to the environment. As of January 2024, Ampersand has attracted 2,000 customers who collectively travel 1.5 million kilometers weekly in Nairobi and Kigali, illustrating the growing demand for electric mobility solutions in the region.

Kentaste Products Limited is a Kenyan company that specializes in processing, producing, packaging, and distributing a wide array of coconut-based products. Founded in 2011 and based in Nairobi, the company offers natural and locally sourced items, including coconut milk, cream, virgin oil, and desiccated coconut. Additionally, Kentaste produces snacks and chips made from coconuts, catering to diverse culinary uses such as sauces, drinks, curries, and desserts. Their products are available in supermarkets throughout Kenya, highlighting their commitment to providing quality food and beauty products derived from this versatile fruit.

Winock specializes in providing financial services aimed at supporting micro businesses in Nigeria. The company offers various credit options, including solar credit, equipment credit, and cash loans, which enable small entrepreneurs such as barbers, welders, tailors, and kiosk owners to transition to solar power. By facilitating this shift, Winock helps these businesses reduce operational costs and save funds that can be reinvested to foster growth. In addition to its credit services, Winock leverages its expertise in solar energy investment and data analysis to promote economic development and job creation within the African market.

PowerGen Renewable Energy is a leading provider of energy solutions in East Africa, focused on transforming energy access for residential, community, commercial, government, and industrial customers. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, with additional offices in Arusha, Tanzania; Freetown, Sierra Leone; and Lagos, Nigeria, the company specializes in the development, construction, and operation of solar mini-grids. PowerGen offers a range of services including engineering, procurement, construction, and financing, ensuring affordable and reliable power for communities that are not connected to national electricity networks. As a pioneer in the solar mini-grid sector, PowerGen is committed to driving the clean energy transition across Africa and is a founding member of the Africa Mini-grid Developers Association, collaborating with various sector leaders to enhance energy access in the region.

Simusolar increases rural prosperity by selling and financing productive equipment to farmers and small businesses. It provides and finances accessible, affordable, and energy-efficient equipment designed for off-grid businesses in Sub-Saharan Africa. Its systems are designed to meet the needs of rural smallholders, from equipment specifications to innovative financing terms.

PEG is an asset financing company that specializes in providing Pay As You Go solar energy products to off-grid customers in West Africa, particularly in Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, and Senegal. Founded in 2013 by Hugh Whalan and Nate Heller, PEG aims to improve the quality of life for its customers by offering financing for solar home systems. This financing model allows households to transition from expensive and polluting fuel sources, such as kerosene, to sustainable solar energy, which not only enhances their living conditions but also serves as a long-term asset. PEG's solar systems provide access to better lighting, mobile phone charging, and appliances like radios and televisions, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient energy solution for underserved communities. Headquartered in Accra, Ghana, PEG is dedicated to promoting renewable energy and improving the standard of living for its customers through innovative financing solutions.

PEG is an asset financing company that specializes in providing Pay As You Go solar energy products to off-grid customers in West Africa, particularly in Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, and Senegal. Founded in 2013 by Hugh Whalan and Nate Heller, PEG aims to improve the quality of life for its customers by offering financing for solar home systems. This financing model allows households to transition from expensive and polluting fuel sources, such as kerosene, to sustainable solar energy, which not only enhances their living conditions but also serves as a long-term asset. PEG's solar systems provide access to better lighting, mobile phone charging, and appliances like radios and televisions, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient energy solution for underserved communities. Headquartered in Accra, Ghana, PEG is dedicated to promoting renewable energy and improving the standard of living for its customers through innovative financing solutions.

Easy Solar is a leading energy distribution company in West Africa, financing high-quality solar products and appliances for those with limited or no access to the conventional grid. Customers can finance their purchase over time by paying in weekly or monthly installments, with the option to pay via cash or mobile money. To date, Easy Solar has reached more than 400,000 beneficiaries, distributed through its extensive network of agents and outlets throughout Sierra Leone and Liberia.

PEG is an asset financing company that specializes in providing Pay As You Go solar energy products to off-grid customers in West Africa, particularly in Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, and Senegal. Founded in 2013 by Hugh Whalan and Nate Heller, PEG aims to improve the quality of life for its customers by offering financing for solar home systems. This financing model allows households to transition from expensive and polluting fuel sources, such as kerosene, to sustainable solar energy, which not only enhances their living conditions but also serves as a long-term asset. PEG's solar systems provide access to better lighting, mobile phone charging, and appliances like radios and televisions, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient energy solution for underserved communities. Headquartered in Accra, Ghana, PEG is dedicated to promoting renewable energy and improving the standard of living for its customers through innovative financing solutions.

Sanergy, Inc. is dedicated to enhancing sanitation infrastructure in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. The company aims to provide accessible and hygienic sanitation facilities by establishing a network of low-cost sanitation centers that include toilets and hot showers. These centers are franchised to local entrepreneurs with support from microfinance institutions. Sanergy also implements a waste collection system, where human waste is safely removed and transported to a central processing facility. At this facility, the waste undergoes anaerobic digestion to produce biogas, which is converted into electricity for sale to the national grid, and organic fertilizers, which are marketed to commercial farms and smallholder farmers. By creating a sustainable sanitation cycle, Sanergy promotes the fundamental right to sanitation and improves living conditions for residents in urban areas lacking sewer infrastructure. The company was founded in 2010 and operates from Atlanta, Georgia.

Devergy is a social energy utility that focuses on delivering reliable and affordable electricity services to low-income populations in developing countries, particularly in off-grid rural villages. The company operates village-sized energy micro-grids powered by solar energy, allowing households and businesses to access electricity. By utilizing adaptive capacity and regular monitoring, Devergy ensures that its energy services are sustainable and accessible, ultimately enabling communities to benefit from affordable electricity. Based in Ghana, the company aims to improve the quality of life for its customers by providing essential energy solutions.

Paga is a mobile payment company focused on creating a digital ecosystem that facilitates the sending and receiving of money. It aims to provide simple financial access to a broad user base, with a mission to enable one billion people to effectively manage their finances. Operating primarily in Nigeria, Paga has established itself as the leading mobile payment provider in the region. Its application allows users to transfer money to anyone with a mobile phone, as well as purchase and send airtime credits, make bill payments, and conduct retail transactions. By addressing the challenges associated with payment options, Paga is committed to enhancing financial service accessibility for its users.

SolarNow is a company that provides solar energy solutions and financing in East Africa, particularly through its operations in Uganda and Kenya. Founded in 2011 by Willem Nolens and headquartered in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, SolarNow focuses on delivering solar home systems, electrical appliances, and tailored power solutions for rural and urban households, small businesses, farmers, and institutions. The company aims to meet the growing demand for clean and affordable energy by offering high-quality, reliable solar products, along with flexible credit options that enable customers to access these essential services. Through its comprehensive approach, SolarNow addresses the energy needs of various sectors while promoting sustainable energy use in the region.

Esoko Networks Limited operates a mobile-based market information exchange tailored for individuals, businesses, and agricultural projects in Africa. Founded in 2007 and based in Accra, Ghana, the platform delivers personalized market price alerts, buy and sell offers, and agricultural advice directly to farmers via SMS. By providing essential information such as market prices, weather forecasts, and growing tips, Esoko aims to enhance agricultural yields and profitability. The company also supports businesses in connecting with farmers, offering apps and services that facilitate marketing, monitoring, and sourcing. Esoko's ecosystem includes content, software, and field support, enabling NGOs, mobile operators, and governments to track market trends and improve communication in rural communities. Through its innovative approach, Esoko aims to promote market transparency and efficiency, transforming African agricultural markets into more viable opportunities for both individuals and businesses while reducing operational costs for organizations.

Esoko Networks Limited operates a mobile-based market information exchange tailored for individuals, businesses, and agricultural projects in Africa. Founded in 2007 and based in Accra, Ghana, the platform delivers personalized market price alerts, buy and sell offers, and agricultural advice directly to farmers via SMS. By providing essential information such as market prices, weather forecasts, and growing tips, Esoko aims to enhance agricultural yields and profitability. The company also supports businesses in connecting with farmers, offering apps and services that facilitate marketing, monitoring, and sourcing. Esoko's ecosystem includes content, software, and field support, enabling NGOs, mobile operators, and governments to track market trends and improve communication in rural communities. Through its innovative approach, Esoko aims to promote market transparency and efficiency, transforming African agricultural markets into more viable opportunities for both individuals and businesses while reducing operational costs for organizations.

Sanergy, Inc. is dedicated to enhancing sanitation infrastructure in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. The company aims to provide accessible and hygienic sanitation facilities by establishing a network of low-cost sanitation centers that include toilets and hot showers. These centers are franchised to local entrepreneurs with support from microfinance institutions. Sanergy also implements a waste collection system, where human waste is safely removed and transported to a central processing facility. At this facility, the waste undergoes anaerobic digestion to produce biogas, which is converted into electricity for sale to the national grid, and organic fertilizers, which are marketed to commercial farms and smallholder farmers. By creating a sustainable sanitation cycle, Sanergy promotes the fundamental right to sanitation and improves living conditions for residents in urban areas lacking sewer infrastructure. The company was founded in 2010 and operates from Atlanta, Georgia.

Husk Power Systems ("Husk") owns, builds and operates solar-hybrid microgrids that serve off-grid and weak-grid communities in rural Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. It provides its business and residential customers with 100% renewable electricity and access to energy efficient appliances. In the process, it is contributing to climate resilience while also avoiding a significant amount of emissions from diesel generation. Husk has more than 200 minigrids in operation, the largest fleet in the world. The company is a catalyst for economic growth and social well-being, helping rural communities increase incomes and create employment by starting or expanding microenterprises and running electricity-operated machines that increase productivity. It also provides reliable power to local clinics and schools and education, improving healthcare and educational outcomes. Husk Power Systems was founded by co-founded by CEO Manoj Sinha in 2008 and is based in the United States, with operations in India and Nigeria.

Paga is a mobile payment company focused on creating a digital ecosystem that facilitates the sending and receiving of money. It aims to provide simple financial access to a broad user base, with a mission to enable one billion people to effectively manage their finances. Operating primarily in Nigeria, Paga has established itself as the leading mobile payment provider in the region. Its application allows users to transfer money to anyone with a mobile phone, as well as purchase and send airtime credits, make bill payments, and conduct retail transactions. By addressing the challenges associated with payment options, Paga is committed to enhancing financial service accessibility for its users.

Juhudi Kilimo provides asset financing, technical assistance, and business training services to smallholder farmers and small-to-medium agro businesses in Kenya. It offers financing for dairy cows and goats; poultry, pigs, rabbits, and other livestock as well as fish farming; agricultural equipment, including irrigation, agro-processing, and energy-related equipment; and motorcycles, bicycles, and other vehicles primarily to transport farm goods. The company was founded in 2004 and is based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Gulu Agricultural Development Company (GADC) is a cotton ginning enterprise that supports over 55,000 smallholder farmers in Northern Uganda by facilitating their access to both national and international agricultural markets. The company focuses on revitalizing the region's cotton industry, which has been severely affected by years of conflict and instability. In addition to providing essential agricultural inputs to enhance crop yields, GADC offers agricultural extension and post-harvest management services. The company purchases cotton and sesame from farmers for cash, ensuring they have immediate financial support. Furthermore, GADC cleans, processes, packages, and exports these products to exclusive buyers, thereby improving production efficiency and market access for smallholder farmers. This initiative not only aids in economic recovery but also helps former refugees rebuild their livelihoods.

Western Seed is a Kenya-based company whose mission is to address the lack of maize productivity among smallholder farms in East Africa. Using its hybrid seed varieties allows farmers to double crop yields and increase their income. In the last two growing seasons, Western Seed reached more than 300,000 farmers. By 2014, Western Seed hopes to impact 800,000 households which translates into more than 4 million people.

Husk Power Systems ("Husk") owns, builds and operates solar-hybrid microgrids that serve off-grid and weak-grid communities in rural Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. It provides its business and residential customers with 100% renewable electricity and access to energy efficient appliances. In the process, it is contributing to climate resilience while also avoiding a significant amount of emissions from diesel generation. Husk has more than 200 minigrids in operation, the largest fleet in the world. The company is a catalyst for economic growth and social well-being, helping rural communities increase incomes and create employment by starting or expanding microenterprises and running electricity-operated machines that increase productivity. It also provides reliable power to local clinics and schools and education, improving healthcare and educational outcomes. Husk Power Systems was founded by co-founded by CEO Manoj Sinha in 2008 and is based in the United States, with operations in India and Nigeria.