The key to unlocking solutions to our most pressing social and economic problems lies hidden in plain sight: investing in African agriculture. Yet, this critical sector is underfunded and overlooked, despite holding the power to lift millions out of poverty and feed a growing global population. By the World Bank’s estimates, boosting agriculture’s output is two … Continued
Dave Okech remembers the rich life around Lake Victoria. Born and raised on its shores, he witnessed its flourishing biodiversity and the generations who thrived on its seemingly unlimited supply of fresh fish. But by the mid-90s, overfishing, invasive species, and pollution had cast a shadow. “When my community around Victoria was harvesting fish, life … Continued
Call them boda bodas, piki pikis, or motos. Motorbike taxis are an increasingly popular mode of transportation in East Africa. And for good reason. They are an affordable, convenient, and zippy form of travel in the region’s bustling meccas. For the last 50 years, the mass of motorized bikes has played a key role in … Continued
Content Warning: This post contains mention of suicide. If you need support, please seek assistance through available resources. Social innovators – inclusive of investors like Acumen and the entrepreneurs we fund – walk a fine line. We invest in early-stage companies to address problems of poverty, but to do that our investees must work closely … Continued
One day after her 40th birthday, on July 27, 2023, Winter Van Alstine conquered the Everesting Challenge on Aspen Mountain in Colorado. The feat required hiking the mountain, bottom to top, nine times without sleep. It took Winter 21 hours and 30 minutes, and through her efforts, she was able to raise a total of … Continued
“A Puerto Leguízamo solo se llega en avión o en deslizador” dice Nini Johana Medina, una pequeña productora de Camu Camu y una de las mujeres que hacen parte de la cadena de suministro de Selva Nevada, cuando habla de las dificultades de vivir en este municipio del departamento de Putumayo al sur del país. … Continued
In a world where electricity is an everyday convenience for billions, there are still 675 million people living without access to this essential resource. A staggering 80% of these individuals reside in sub-Saharan Africa, their lives out of the spotlight, and lacking the opportunities that electricity could bring. Amidst this challenging landscape, a group of … Continued
Women entrepreneurs are driving innovation and designing solutions to the biggest issues of our time – the climate crisis, food security, maternal care, and more. But they still face myriad barriers, including systemic bias and exclusion from traditional investment structures, lack of investment readiness, and most fundamentally, restrictive gender norms. These challenges are exacerbated for … Continued
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