Shell Foundation

Sistema.bio makes biodigester equipment that converts farm waste into renewable energy. This can be used for cooking, heating or electricity. The process also reduces greenhouse gas emissions from livestock farming. So far, more than 4,100 units have been installed across Mexico and Latin America, improving the lives of 24,600 people. In 2017, SF supported Sistema.bio to expand their operations into Kenya and India, where 800 units have been sold to date.

M-KOPA provides low-income consumers in East Africa with financing to purchase solar energy products on a pay-as-you-go basis. M-KOPA acquired over 600,000 products to date, benefiting more than 3 million people. In 2017, it raised a new working capital facility of $55 million with a consortium of commercial lenders that will help the company to reach 1 million more homes by 2020.

Tugende offers affordable finance to motorcycle taxi drivers in Uganda, most of whom have limited access to banking products and services. Tugende enables these drivers to buy vehicles and increase their earnings. The company also offers road safety training, safety equipment and insurance. In 2017, Tugende doubled its loan portfolio and revenue and has served more than 10,000 customers in seven locations. In total, Tugende has transferred $2.6 million in funds to customers and improved their credit. Around a third of customers used their improved financial status to start new ventures or invest in existing businesses.