Acumen

Wami Agro is an agri-tech company focused on empowering smallholder farmers in Ghana to improve agricultural production and market access. By utilizing a tech-enabled platform, Wami Agro partners with over 10,000 smallholder farmers to grow, aggregate, and sell a variety of crops, including rice, maize, soya bean, and cassava. The company emphasizes sustainable agricultural practices such as precision farming, which enhances productivity while promoting environmental stewardship. Through its interventions, Wami Agro facilitates easy access to credit and markets, enabling farmers to sell their produce to poultry farmers, fast-moving consumer goods companies, distributors, and food service businesses. This approach not only supports the livelihoods of smallholder farmers but also contributes to food security and climate change mitigation.

RDG Collective was established in 2018 with the ambition to ‘Empower the Future’ by developing and distributing innovative solar home systems throughout Zambia, where an estimated 2.4 million households still lack access to electricity. While the cost of solar energy remained prohibitively high for almost all off-grid households, RDG Collective came up with innovative products distributed on a pay-as-you-go basis. By eliminating this financial barrier, RDG has enabled an increasing number of Zambian households to access solar home systems, refrigerators, solar water pumps and smartphones to improve and empower their lives.

SunCulture, located in Nairobi, Kenya, specializes in solar-powered drip irrigation systems designed to enhance agricultural productivity while promoting sustainability. The company offers the AgroSolar Irrigation Kit, which integrates solar water pumping technology with high-efficiency drip irrigation, providing farmers with a comprehensive solution to improve crop yields and reduce costs. This innovative kit not only supplies reliable access to water but also supports smallholder farmers by offering agronomic services, educational training, and access to financing and markets. SunCulture's unique approach positions it as a one-stop shop for Kenyan farmers, focusing on the quality of both its products and services, while also helping to minimize fertilizer waste through efficient application methods.

Ampersand is a company based in Kigali, Rwanda, that specializes in the manufacture of affordable electric vehicles and charging systems tailored for the three million motorcycle taxi drivers in East Africa. The company aims to enhance mass-market electric mobility by providing a battery swap network and an operating system that facilitates sustainable transport solutions. By making electric mobility accessible and affordable, Ampersand not only improves the livelihoods of drivers but also contributes to environmental sustainability. As of January 2024, the company's customer base has expanded to 2,000 users, who collectively cover 1.5 million kilometers weekly in Nairobi and Kigali.

Easy Solar is a prominent energy distribution company focused on providing solar solutions to off-grid communities in West Africa, particularly in Sierra Leone and Liberia. The company specializes in financing high-quality solar products, including solar lanterns and home systems, aimed at individuals with limited or no access to conventional electricity sources. Easy Solar offers flexible payment plans, allowing customers to make an initial deposit followed by weekly or monthly installments, payable through cash or mobile money. Since its inception, the company has positively impacted over 400,000 beneficiaries by leveraging a vast network of agents and outlets, thereby facilitating the transition to eco-friendly and affordable energy solutions.

Gram Vaani, based at IIT-Delhi, is a social technology company focused on empowering underserved communities through information sharing. The company aims to reverse the traditional flow of information, enabling communities to connect with companies, governments, and development agencies. Gram Vaani operates numerous community radio stations across India and parts of Africa, utilizing an intelligent Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system. This allows users to call in, leave messages about community issues, and listen to updates from others. With more than 2 million users in over 15 Indian states, as well as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Namibia, and South Africa, Gram Vaani effectively facilitates discussions on cultural matters, local updates, government schemes, and various community concerns, thereby fostering a bottom-up approach to information dissemination.

Kentaste Products Limited is a Kenyan company based in Nairobi that specializes in the processing, production, packaging, and distribution of coconut-based products. Founded in 2011, Kentaste offers a diverse range of natural and locally sourced items, including coconut milk, creams, virgin oil, desiccated coconut, and flour. Additionally, the company produces snacks and chips derived from coconuts, catering to various culinary uses such as sauces, drinks, curries, and desserts. Kentaste's products are available in supermarkets across Kenya, reflecting its commitment to providing quality food and beauty products made from the versatile coconut.

Winock is a company focused on facilitating the transition to solar energy for micro businesses in Nigeria. It provides credit services tailored to support job creation and economic development, offering solar credit, equipment credit, and cash loans. By enabling small-scale entrepreneurs, such as barbers, welders, tailors, and kiosk owners, to adopt solar power, Winock helps them reduce operational costs and allocate savings towards business growth. The company combines expertise in African business with a commitment to sustainable energy solutions, positioning itself as a key player in the solar energy sector.

Easy Solar is a prominent energy distribution company focused on providing solar solutions to off-grid communities in West Africa, particularly in Sierra Leone and Liberia. The company specializes in financing high-quality solar products, including solar lanterns and home systems, aimed at individuals with limited or no access to conventional electricity sources. Easy Solar offers flexible payment plans, allowing customers to make an initial deposit followed by weekly or monthly installments, payable through cash or mobile money. Since its inception, the company has positively impacted over 400,000 beneficiaries by leveraging a vast network of agents and outlets, thereby facilitating the transition to eco-friendly and affordable energy solutions.

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 is dedicated to enhancing rural prosperity in Sub-Saharan Africa by providing and financing productive equipment for farmers and small businesses. The company specializes in energy-efficient, solar-powered solutions tailored for off-grid operations, including solar lights, irrigation systems, cold storage, and other tools that support agricultural and fishing activities. By offering innovative financing options, SimuSolar enables access to these essential technologies through flexible monthly payment plans, often facilitated by mobile money applications. This approach not only meets the specific needs of rural smallholders but also fosters sustainable economic growth in the region.

PEG is an asset financing company based in Accra, Ghana, that specializes in providing affordable solar energy solutions to off-grid households in West Africa. Founded in 2013 by Hugh Whalan and Nate Heller, PEG offers a Pay As You Go financing model that enables customers to acquire solar home systems, which enhance their quality of life by providing reliable lighting, mobile phone charging, and access to appliances like radios and televisions. By facilitating the transition from traditional, polluting fuels such as kerosene to sustainable solar energy, PEG empowers its customers to invest in clean technology while reducing their ongoing energy costs. The company's operations extend to countries including Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, and Senegal, where it addresses the energy needs of underserved communities.

PEG is an asset financing company based in Accra, Ghana, that specializes in providing affordable solar energy solutions to off-grid households in West Africa. Founded in 2013 by Hugh Whalan and Nate Heller, PEG offers a Pay As You Go financing model that enables customers to acquire solar home systems, which enhance their quality of life by providing reliable lighting, mobile phone charging, and access to appliances like radios and televisions. By facilitating the transition from traditional, polluting fuels such as kerosene to sustainable solar energy, PEG empowers its customers to invest in clean technology while reducing their ongoing energy costs. The company's operations extend to countries including Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, and Senegal, where it addresses the energy needs of underserved communities.

KopaGas is a technology company that designs, manufactures, and distributes environment-friendly cooking fuel. It develops software and hardware solutions that enable direct-to-customer business models for the next generation of LPG retail operations. The company aims to accelerate access to clean cooking solutions. In 2014, Francisco Rodriguez-Sanchez and Andron Mendes founded the company in Dar Es Salaam, Dar es Salaam.

Easy Solar is a prominent energy distribution company focused on providing solar solutions to off-grid communities in West Africa, particularly in Sierra Leone and Liberia. The company specializes in financing high-quality solar products, including solar lanterns and home systems, aimed at individuals with limited or no access to conventional electricity sources. Easy Solar offers flexible payment plans, allowing customers to make an initial deposit followed by weekly or monthly installments, payable through cash or mobile money. Since its inception, the company has positively impacted over 400,000 beneficiaries by leveraging a vast network of agents and outlets, thereby facilitating the transition to eco-friendly and affordable energy solutions.

PEG is an asset financing company based in Accra, Ghana, that specializes in providing affordable solar energy solutions to off-grid households in West Africa. Founded in 2013 by Hugh Whalan and Nate Heller, PEG offers a Pay As You Go financing model that enables customers to acquire solar home systems, which enhance their quality of life by providing reliable lighting, mobile phone charging, and access to appliances like radios and televisions. By facilitating the transition from traditional, polluting fuels such as kerosene to sustainable solar energy, PEG empowers its customers to invest in clean technology while reducing their ongoing energy costs. The company's operations extend to countries including Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, and Senegal, where it addresses the energy needs of underserved communities.

Sanergy, Inc. focuses on enhancing sanitation infrastructure in urban slums, particularly in Nairobi, Kenya. Established in 2010, the company builds a network of low-cost sanitation centers equipped with essential facilities such as toilets and showers. These centers are then franchised to local entrepreneurs, with financial support from microfinance institutions. Sanergy not only provides access to hygienic sanitation but also collects human waste daily for processing. This waste is converted into valuable byproducts, including organic fertilizers and renewable energy through a biogas generation process. The organic fertilizers are sold to both commercial farms and smallholder farmers, while the generated biogas is used to produce electricity for sale. Sanergy's mission is to promote public health and environmental sustainability by creating an efficient and equitable sanitation system that addresses the needs of underserved urban communities.

Devergy is a social energy utility based in Ghana that focuses on delivering reliable and affordable electricity services to low-income communities in developing countries, particularly in off-grid rural areas like Tanzania. The company operates village-sized energy micro-grids powered by solar energy, enabling households and businesses to access electricity. These micro-grids are designed with adaptive capacity and are regularly monitored to ensure efficient service delivery. By providing solar power, Devergy aims to improve the quality of life for underserved populations while promoting sustainable energy solutions.

Paga is a mobile payment company focused on creating a digital ecosystem for money transactions, primarily in Nigeria, where it is recognized as a leading provider in the sector. The company's application facilitates sending and receiving money through mobile devices, making financial services accessible to a broad audience. In addition to transferring funds, Paga's platform allows users to purchase airtime credits, pay bills, and make retail payments, addressing the growing demand for viable payment options. With an ambitious mission to simplify financial access for one billion people, Paga aims to overcome the challenges associated with traditional banking and enhance the overall financial inclusion in its target markets.

SolarNow is a company focused on providing solar energy and financing solutions in East Africa, with its headquarters in Nijmegen, Netherlands, and branch locations in Uganda and Kenya. Founded in 2011 by Willem Nolens, SolarNow manufactures high-quality solar home systems designed to meet the energy needs of both rural and urban households, as well as entrepreneurs and institutions. The company addresses the unmet demand for solar power services by offering a range of products, including solar home systems and electrical appliances. Additionally, SolarNow provides affordable and flexible credit options, enabling customers to access clean, reliable, and affordable energy solutions for households, small businesses, farming, and corporate needs.

Esoko Networks Limited is a mobile-based market information exchange focused on agricultural markets in Africa. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Accra, Ghana, Esoko provides a platform that delivers automated and personalized market information, including price alerts, buy and sell offers, and agricultural advice, directly to farmers via SMS. The company also offers solutions for businesses to effectively connect with farmers, facilitating improved marketing, monitoring, and sourcing. Esoko's comprehensive ecosystem includes specialized applications designed for businesses, NGOs, mobile operators, and governments, enabling them to manage information efficiently. By promoting market transparency and communication, Esoko empowers farmers to enhance their yields and profits while allowing businesses to operate more effectively in rural markets. The company's services also extend to data collection, biometric profiling, and analytics, enhancing the efficiency of developmental projects aimed at rural communities.

Esoko Networks Limited is a mobile-based market information exchange focused on agricultural markets in Africa. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Accra, Ghana, Esoko provides a platform that delivers automated and personalized market information, including price alerts, buy and sell offers, and agricultural advice, directly to farmers via SMS. The company also offers solutions for businesses to effectively connect with farmers, facilitating improved marketing, monitoring, and sourcing. Esoko's comprehensive ecosystem includes specialized applications designed for businesses, NGOs, mobile operators, and governments, enabling them to manage information efficiently. By promoting market transparency and communication, Esoko empowers farmers to enhance their yields and profits while allowing businesses to operate more effectively in rural markets. The company's services also extend to data collection, biometric profiling, and analytics, enhancing the efficiency of developmental projects aimed at rural communities.

Sanergy, Inc. focuses on enhancing sanitation infrastructure in urban slums, particularly in Nairobi, Kenya. Established in 2010, the company builds a network of low-cost sanitation centers equipped with essential facilities such as toilets and showers. These centers are then franchised to local entrepreneurs, with financial support from microfinance institutions. Sanergy not only provides access to hygienic sanitation but also collects human waste daily for processing. This waste is converted into valuable byproducts, including organic fertilizers and renewable energy through a biogas generation process. The organic fertilizers are sold to both commercial farms and smallholder farmers, while the generated biogas is used to produce electricity for sale. Sanergy's mission is to promote public health and environmental sustainability by creating an efficient and equitable sanitation system that addresses the needs of underserved urban communities.

Husk Power Systems Pvt. Ltd. is a renewable energy company based in Patna, India, that focuses on generating and distributing electricity to households, community services, small businesses, and factories. Founded in 2007, the company utilizes biomass waste—such as rice husks and other agricultural residues—to produce electricity through its proprietary technology. Husk Power Systems designs and operates mini-power plants and micro-grids, offering electricity as a pay-for-use service primarily to rural areas. This approach not only provides reliable lighting, reducing reliance on kerosene, but also fosters economic development by enabling microenterprises and the use of electricity-operated machinery. By creating a sustainable energy ecosystem at each power plant, Husk Power Systems aims to deliver shared value to its stakeholders and stimulate local economies.

Paga is a mobile payment company focused on creating a digital ecosystem for money transactions, primarily in Nigeria, where it is recognized as a leading provider in the sector. The company's application facilitates sending and receiving money through mobile devices, making financial services accessible to a broad audience. In addition to transferring funds, Paga's platform allows users to purchase airtime credits, pay bills, and make retail payments, addressing the growing demand for viable payment options. With an ambitious mission to simplify financial access for one billion people, Paga aims to overcome the challenges associated with traditional banking and enhance the overall financial inclusion in its target markets.

Juhudi Kilimo Company Limited is a Nairobi-based organization that specializes in providing asset financing, technical assistance, and business training services to smallholder farmers and small-to-medium agro-businesses in Kenya. Founded in 2004, the company offers financing options for various agricultural needs, including livestock such as dairy cows, goats, poultry, pigs, and fish farming. Additionally, it finances agricultural equipment, including irrigation systems and agro-processing machinery, as well as vehicles like motorcycles and bicycles for transporting farm goods. By offering these financial products and services, Juhudi Kilimo aims to improve the livelihoods of rural farmers and micro-entrepreneurs, empowering them with the resources and knowledge necessary for sustainable agricultural practices and business growth.

Gulu Agricultural Development Company (GADC) is a cotton ginning company based in Northern Uganda that supports over 55,000 smallholder farmers by providing them with access to the international agricultural market. The company aims to revitalize the region's cotton industry, which was severely impacted by decades of war and political instability. GADC offers essential support to former refugees, helping them regain their livelihoods. It provides farmers with inputs to enhance yields, purchases cotton and sesame for cash, and processes these crops for export to national and international buyers. This enables smallholder farmers to improve production efficiency and gain market access.

Western Seed Company Limited is a Kenya-based agricultural firm that focuses on the production of high-quality seed varieties to enhance crop yields for smallholder farmers. Established in 1986 and headquartered in Kitale, the company specializes in hybrid maize seeds, bean seeds, and other crops such as sorghum, millets, and peas. Its seed varieties are engineered to resist common agricultural challenges, including maize streak virus, grey leaf spot, and drought. By implementing advanced breeding and research techniques, Western Seed aims to significantly improve agricultural productivity, allowing farmers to potentially double their crop yields and increase their incomes. Over the last few years, the company has reached hundreds of thousands of farmers and continues to work towards impacting millions of households in East Africa.

Husk Power Systems Pvt. Ltd. is a renewable energy company based in Patna, India, that focuses on generating and distributing electricity to households, community services, small businesses, and factories. Founded in 2007, the company utilizes biomass waste—such as rice husks and other agricultural residues—to produce electricity through its proprietary technology. Husk Power Systems designs and operates mini-power plants and micro-grids, offering electricity as a pay-for-use service primarily to rural areas. This approach not only provides reliable lighting, reducing reliance on kerosene, but also fosters economic development by enabling microenterprises and the use of electricity-operated machinery. By creating a sustainable energy ecosystem at each power plant, Husk Power Systems aims to deliver shared value to its stakeholders and stimulate local economies.