#South Africa #Cape Town #Africa Energy #GEAPP #CLASP

Major Initiative to Empower African Communities

In an ambitious move to tackle energy inefficiency and promote economic growth, CLASP, a leading international non-profit organization, has partnered with the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP). Together, they are launching an expanded initiative worth $6.1 million aimed at increasing access to energy-efficient, income-generating appliances across Africa under the Productive Use Financing Facility (PUFF).

This strategic collaboration seeks to empower local businesses, farmers, and communities particularly in Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Kenya by providing them access to energy-efficient technologies at affordable rates. With the financial backing from the PUFF, up to 10,000 essential appliances, including solar-powered refrigerators, water pumps, and milling machines, will be delivered to those in need, thereby unlocking new business opportunities across the region.

This initiative is not just about providing appliances, but also about enhancing productivity and climate resilience. By enabling small enterprises to acquire modern energy-efficient tools, it aims to fuel economic self-reliance and generate employment. Initial projections indicate that this initiative could create over 3,000 green jobs over the course of its implementation.

Building on Past Success

The PUFF's expansion builds on a successful two-year pilot program that underscored the significant demand for energy-efficient appliances across various African markets. Between 2022 and 2024, the pilot initiative engaged 24 companies across six emerging and developing nations, maximizing distribution networks and allowing around 16,000 appliances to reach the market.

The pilot demonstrated the effectiveness of innovative business models and strengthened local supply chains, ultimately benefiting over 58,000 households. Notably, almost half of the appliance buyers were women. Households participating in the program experienced a dramatic 94% increase in average income, demonstrating the profound impact of access to these appliances on economic well-being.

The current phase of PUFF aims to further strengthen its focus on gender equality and youth empowerment. By tailoring outreach and financing strategies, the initiative is poised to meet the specific needs and aspirations of women and young entrepreneurs. For instance, Abibat Akinwale, a shopkeeper from Nigeria, shared her positive experience with a solar-powered refrigerator stating, "Before, we relied on ice blocks which didn’t last long and led to debt. Now, my solar fridge has significantly boosted my sales and overall business performance.’’

Driving Economic Growth and Job Creation

The expanded PUFF will enhance partnerships with local manufacturers, distributors, and service providers to foster market growth, expand customer access, and scale up appliance distribution. By facilitating the availability of high-impact appliances, PUFF 2.0 is set to stimulate enterprise growth and improve the market for efficient energy technologies.

Recognizing the challenges facing low-income communities in affording these vital appliances, PUFF works to bridge the affordability gap. By offering essential support and resources to businesses, it empowers them to reduce prices and reach more customers over time.

This initiative aligns with Mission 300, a broader public-private-philanthropic effort led by the World Bank and the African Development Bank, aiming to connect 300 million people to electricity in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030 while also fostering economic development and job opportunities.

Conclusion

In summary, the partnership between CLASP and GEAPP marks a significant milestone in addressing energy needs and driving sustainable economic development in Africa. The commitment to expand access to energy-efficient appliances not only enhances productivity but also promises substantial growth in employment opportunities while promoting a greener future for the continent. By empowering local communities and businesses with critical resources, this initiative sets the stage for transformative change and demonstrates the power of strategic partnerships in overcoming energy challenges.