West Africa
Operating out of Lagos, we invest in off-grid energy, resilient agriculture, and youth employment.
- Agriculture
- Energy
- Workforce
Our impact in West Africa
A young and surging population is primed for possibility.
West Africa is home to some 350 million people, more than half of whom are under 25. Increasing access to basic services can drastically improve health and well-being for 75% of the population who live on less than $2 per day. We back visionary entrepreneurs who can positively disrupt systems for generations to come.
Smallholder farmers represent the majority of the population but their productivity is among the lowest in the world. We focus on helping smallholder farmers increase yields and incomes with climate-resilient practices and access to markets.
In the region, the youth unemployment rate is a staggering 80% including both formal and informal sectors. We support companies that provide decent work conditions and are creating 15,000 youth jobs in Nigeria.
In rural West Africa, electricity access can be as low as 10%. We’re ending energy poverty by providing first-time access, decarbonizing rural livelihoods, and building clean energy infrastructure.
Repairing broken systems, one idea at a time
We don’t have to settle for the status quo. The solutions to poverty exist and they are within our reach.
Don’t just take our word for it.
The proof is in the progress. From Lagos to Freetown, West African companies are moving the needle on problems of poverty.
Warc Africa
Where resilient farmers meet regenerative agriculture
Lizard Earth
Connecting cocoa farmers to premium markets
Our Partners
Where action meets insight
Still curious? Explore our blog to learn more about what we’re up to.
Zebra CropBank’s 1960s-Inspired Vision for Nigerian Agriculture
New Investment: CropSafe’s Innovative Grain-Drying Method Increases Farmer Incomes
More about Acumen
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Our donor community makes possible our unique approach to solving problems that breaks the cycle of poverty.
Partner with us
We partner with foundations, governments, and corporations to generate insights, create influence, and scale change.
Grow your business
We invest in intrepid entrepreneurs and early-stage innovators tackling the problems of poverty.