Imagine for a moment that the light used in your home was a poison. One that could damage your lungs, irritate your eyes, even impact the health of your unborn child. You’d think twice about flicking on that switch. Kerosene lamps—used by an estimated 290 million people across Africa—contribute to household air pollution. Such pollution is … Continued
In these uncertain times, when progress towards a more just world sometimes seems to be slowing, or even reversing its course, I often ask myself the question, what can I do? It’s easy to feel small or isolated in the face of so many challenges, many of which seem to have escalated over the past … Continued
In the last decade, solar lanterns have emerged as a clean, cost-effective solution to provide access to modern energy to the 1.2 billion people currently living off-grid. These small, portable and rechargeable lights fulfill an immediate need for the poor and, as a result, have become increasingly widespread in countries across Africa, South Asia and … Continued
We live in a world that is piloting driverless cars and commercial space flight yet, when the sun goes down across the globe, one in six people live more or less in darkness. For these 1.2 billion mostly poor, mostly rural people, a lack of reliable, affordable energy has an overwhelmingly negative impact on their … Continued
Last month, Acumen held a celebration ceremony for the Pakistan Fellows Class of 2016 to commemorate the completion of the cohort’s first year as Acumen Fellows. Keynoted by Acumen President, Carlyle Singer, the event brought together Acumen community members from across Pakistan and showcased the leadership journeys of these 21 dynamic social change-makers. This year’s … Continued
An assertion crucial to the increasing popularity of impact investing was challenged at a debate in central London on Monday evening. Acumen, the charitably funded investor that offers loans or equity, hosted a debate together with Business Fights Poverty at the headquarters of professional services firm EY. The motion put forward was: “This house believes impact … Continued
It is estimated that one billion people will be without the necessary skills to find a job. Many young children across sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia are living without any kind of formal education. Even with access to schools, students are discriminated due to their gender, class and caste. Additionally, classes are taught by absent, … Continued
Over the last decade, Acumen has invested roughly $20 million in 18 social enterprises in East Africa, India and Pakistan to build the largest portfolio of off-grid energy companies serving the poor. Working across every step of the energy ladder, these social enterprises have provided tens of millions with access to energy and helped them … Continued