Aid & Investment: Building a greener future

Aid & Investment: How grassroots funding is building a greener future in Africa

For decades, international aid has played a vital role in supporting Africa’s development – from tackling poverty to boosting education, health and infrastructure. Many lives have been improved through carefully targeted programmes and partnerships, and we continue to believe that well-delivered aid can be a powerful force for good.

That’s why the recent cuts to UK foreign aid are so concerning. At a time when communities across Africa are facing growing challenges – from climate change to energy poverty – this funding is more important than ever.

According to a recent Greenpeace article, many Africans feel that aid from Western countries isn’t always neutral or helpful. It can be politically used to push foreign interests and even cause division or instability, so this makes the need for investment in grassroots infrastructure all the more important.

Filling the gap and building resilience
While traditional aid remains crucial, it has its flaws and can’t meet every need on its own. And when funding falls short, it’s essential to find other ways to empower local communities.
That’s where Energise Africa comes in. We’re helping fill the gap by enabling everyday people to invest directly in African-led businesses that are delivering practical, sustainable solutions – particularly in the clean energy space. These are enterprises rooted in their communities, led by people who understand local challenges and are best placed to create lasting change.

A blended finance approach
In fact, the Energise Africa model can work alongside aid, not in opposition to it. By combining public grants and concessional finance with private capital raised through our platform, we’re supporting blended finance approaches that are scalable, effective and inclusive.
This approach ensures funding isn’t overly prescriptive. Instead of one-size-fits-all solutions, we back businesses that are designing projects tailored to their communities – from solar home systems to clean cookstoves and beyond.

Why grassroots investment matters
By investing through Energise Africa, you’re supporting local entrepreneurs who are creating jobs, improving health, and bringing clean, affordable energy to the people who need it most. These investments do more than deliver financial returns. They contribute to thriving rural economies, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and support long-term development led by African innovation. As businesses grow, they hire local people, reinvest in their communities, and build resilience from the ground up.

A future built together
We continue to believe in the power of well-targeted aid. But it’s clear that grassroots investment also has a critical role to play in achieving a fairer, greener future for Africa. Together, they form a powerful combination – supporting local leadership, driving sustainable change, and ensuring African communities aren’t just recipients of support, but active agents in their own development.

Join us in powering change
From as little as £50, you can invest in projects that are transforming lives and protecting the planet. Help African entrepreneurs lead the way to a cleaner, more equitable future – and be part of the solution.