Powering Clean Energy Investment

Unlocking investment into locally-led clean energy enterprises

A woman is riding an electric vehicle from Mobility Africa who provide green mobility services to rural communities using custom-built electric tricycles and bespoke batteries.

Across the Global South, locally-rooted enterprises are building the clean energy solutions communities urgently need. But many fall into the “missing middle” because they are too advanced for grant funding, yet too early or too small for mainstream investment.

Across the Global South, locally-rooted enterprises are building the clean energy solutions communities urgently need. But many fall into the “missing middle” because they are too advanced for grant funding, yet too early or too small for mainstream investment.
Ashden’s Powering Clean Energy Investment (PCEI) programme helps bridge that gap. Through flexible grants, tailored technical assistance and hands-on investor engagement, we help high-potential enterprises strengthen their business fundamentals, improve investability and access the finance needed to scale.
Our portfolio spans inclusive climate solutions including energy access, productive-use energy, clean cooking, cooling and circular energy systems.
Explore our cohort of climate enterprises or reach out to Emily Benson for more information:

Our portfolio of clean energy climate enterprises

AceleAfrica

Scalable battery recycling and manufacturing for Africa’s energy transition

A woman is installing a solar panel in a refugee settlement in Africa. This will provide clean energy for the community to use.

Solar Freeze

Solar powered refrigeration and connectivity infrastructure for underserved markets in Kenya.

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BuraSolutions

An integrated engineering company providing reliable, cost-effective clean energy solutions in Nigeria.

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A school cook is making a huge pot on food for pupils using a clean cooking stove from Eco Bora

EcoBora

Solar electric kitchens for climate smart schools 

Vittoria Technology

Technical design and creative interventions to scale renewable energy across developing markets in Africa.

A man is storing meat in one of Baridi's solar powered cold rooms and bulk milk coolers built for farm gate aggregation and cooperative scale use.

Baridi

Scalable solar cold storage for growing food markets

Off Grid Box - an all-in-one system using solar energy to purify water and distribute clean energy.

OffGridBox

An integrated solution bringing clean water and renewable energy to clinics, schools, refugee camps and other settings.

A worked at Gogo Electric is sitting on one of their electric motorbikes which are greening travel in Uganda.

GOGO Electric

Powering the rise of electric mobility for mass urban transport in Uganda, through vehicle assembly and repair, battery charging, training and more.

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A woman in Africa is driving a clean energy scooter from Mobility Africa

Mobility for Africa

Helping rural communities in Southern Africa get on the move with electric tricycles.

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A male and female installing solar panels on a roof

Patapia

Empowering refugee women in Uganda, through microfinance to launch clean energy businesses and other ventures.

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Staff at Salpha Energy are manufacturing high-quality clean energy products which are sold on affordable pay-as-you go finance.

Salpha Energy

Manufacturing high-quality clean energy products in Nigeria, with affordable finance that helps more consumers enjoy modern technology.

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How are we powering investment?

Powering Clean Energy Investment supports enterprises that have proven their potential but need the right resources and networks to navigate the challenging path to scale.

The programme is designed to cater to the needs of clean energy innovators who are targeting a broad range of investments and funding — from philanthropic grants to debt-based financing

Powering Clean Energy Investment is giving social impact investors access to a diverse, high-impact portfolio of clean energy enterprises. These enterprises are empowering people and communities across the Global South — delivering affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy to those who need it most.

The programme offers:

  • Development grants that help organisations address key challenges, strengthen operations, and explore growth opportunities, positioning them for long-term success.

  • Access to expert support to enhance organisations’ financial management, governance, business strategy, legal status and investment readiness, ensuring they can effectively secure and deploy capital.

  • Strategic communications support to build our portfolio’s storytelling, build their brand presence, and connect them with funders and investors.

  • Funder and investor engagement through curated events, roundtables, and networking opportunities that create effective investment pathways.

Find out more

To find out more about the programme and our portfolio of innovators, contact Emily Benson – Investor Engagement Lead (International Programmes) 

emily.benson@ashden.org

The programme is supported by

The Waterloo Foundation logo
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Aurora Trust logo