Hardest-to-Reach
![A man and woman enjoying access to lighting in their home](https://acumen.org/app/uploads/2024/03/EasySolar_Energy_WA-1-2-1024x1024.jpg)
We’re scaling off-grid solar distribution into sub-Saharan Africa’s underserved markets to help achieve universal energy access.
- Program
- Energy
- Sub-Saharan Africa H2R
Over 10 years, our goal is to help achieve universal energy access in sub-Saharan Africa.
The Hardest-to-Reach are within our reach.
Using a creative approach to finance, we will invest in off-grid solar companies working to provide energy access for unelectrified households.
Off-grid solar distributors, including local enterprises, bring developed distribution networks and context-specific knowledge. Supporting these companies is critical for accessing last-mile customers.
Established businesses that manufacture and distribute off-grid solar products play a key role in scaling up clean energy delivery in underserved markets, as well as driving the most effective practices.
Mini-grids are part of the solution towards SDG 7, providing reliable and affordable energy that can power economic growth for remote and underserved communities. Newer technologies will play a role in addressing unique use cases and evolving market contexts.
![](https://acumen.org/app/uploads/2024/05/Yellow_Energy_H2R_1280x1200-1024x960.jpg)
![Technician shows man how to operate solar powered lighting in East African home](https://acumen.org/app/uploads/2024/04/BioLite_Energy_EA-4-1024x683.jpg)
![An aerial shot of a minigrid in rural Kenya](https://acumen.org/app/uploads/2024/03/RVE.SOL_Energy_EA-9-1-1024x683.jpg)
Stay connected
Sign up for The Current newsletter for the latest on Hardest-to-Reach, industry analysis, and Acumen’s perspectives on the path to universal energy access.
![Woman smiles while holding solar powered light in her East African home](https://acumen.org/app/uploads/2024/04/RVE.SOL_Energy_EA-14-1024x960.jpg)
Our Partners
![Green Climate Fund Logo](https://acumen.org/app/uploads/2021/09/GCF.png)
![](https://acumen.org/app/uploads/2020/08/The-Osprey-Foundation.png)
![USAID Power Africa Logo](https://acumen.org/app/uploads/2024/04/USAID-Power-Africa.png)
![UKaid Transforming Energy Access Logo](https://acumen.org/app/uploads/2018/01/UKaid-Transforming-Energy-Access-.png)
![Good Energies by Porticus Logo](https://acumen.org/app/uploads/2024/04/GoodEnergies.png)
![](https://acumen.org/app/uploads/2024/04/ShinhanBank.png)
![](https://acumen.org/app/uploads/2024/05/Norad.png)
![Logo of Soros Economic Development Fund](https://acumen.org/app/uploads/2024/05/Soros-Logo.png)
Electricity for all
Solar solutions form the backbone of the continent’s low-carbon future.
Pioneer Energy Investment Intiative (PEII)
Partnering for energy access
![](https://acumen.org/app/uploads/2024/04/Ampersand-3-1024x1024.jpg)