- Eight out of the ten finalists in the Ashden Awards’ Global South categories hail from Africa.
- The Ashden Awards recognize innovative initiatives that contribute to a greener, more resilient planet.
- From powering smallholder farms to providing energy in camps for displaced people, these pioneers are redefining the accessibility and sustainability of energy resources.
The Africa Climate Summit kicked off today in Nairobi with a focus on harnessing innovative climate solutions to address the pressing environmental challenges facing the continent.
As the summit commences, the spotlight shines on the groundbreaking efforts of climate pioneers who are making strides toward a more inclusive and sustainable future. Leading the charge is climate charity Ashden, which has unveiled the finalists for its prestigious 2023 Ashden Awards.
Eight out of the ten finalists in the Ashden Awards‘ Global South categories hail from Africa, showcasing the remarkable breadth of climate innovation emerging from the continent. The remaining two finalists hail from India and Peru, further highlighting the global impact of these transformative solutions.
Powering smallholder farms
The Ashden Awards recognize innovative initiatives that contribute to a greener, more resilient planet. Among the five award categories centered on the Global South, a major emphasis is placed on visionary trailblazers who are bringing clean and affordable energy to where it is needed most.
From powering smallholder farms to providing energy in camps for displaced people, these pioneers are redefining the accessibility and sustainability of energy resources.
One remarkable finalist is a Nigerian small business dedicated to training solar energy technicians within their community. Another initiative, based in Kakuma refugee camp, is turning invasive trees into clean cooking fuel for the very cookstoves they manufacture, addressing both the environmental toll of invasive species and the health hazards posed by traditional cooking methods.
The Ashden Award for Nature Based Solutions recognizes the imperative to protect threatened forests. The finalists in this category include organizations working diligently to safeguard these vital ecosystems.
Notably, many Indigenous Communities, often threatened themselves, are at the forefront of these efforts, underscoring the symbiotic relationship between environmental conservation and social justice.
Improving health outcomes
Dr. Stephen Hall, Head of Awards at Ashden, emphasized the urgency of addressing global energy disparities, stating, “It’s shocking that about 775 million people around the world lack access to electricity, and many more are unable to cook safely.” He went on to commend the finalists for showcasing the transformative potential of clean energy in uplifting communities, improving health outcomes, and fostering economic opportunity.
As the world’s attention turns to the Africa Climate Summit and other pivotal climate events like COP28, Dr. Hall called upon financial institutions and political leaders to prioritize energy access. He stressed the need to channel effective finance towards innovative solutions in the Global South, empowering organizations on the frontlines of sustainable development.
In a resounding call to action, Dr. Hall articulated, “It’s vital we unlock new and effective finance for energy access solutions – and that it reaches frontline organizations like those on our shortlist. Meanwhile, our award for natural climate solutions highlights the vital work of often-threatened Indigenous Communities. This underlines that there is no safe future for humanity without climate justice.”
As the Africa Climate Summit unfolds, the innovative strides of Ashden Award finalists are a testament to the capacity of human ingenuity to address climate challenges and forge a path toward a more equitable and sustainable world.
Ashden Awards: Global South categories
The 2023 Ashden Awards also features six finalists in three UK categories. Discover them here: The 2023 Ashden Awards: Global South categories. Ashden Award for Powering Futures in Clean Energy; Building the workforce to energise the Global South.
Burasolutions Solar Academy, Nigeria – boosts skills and pathways to work for women and marginalised people, with support for innovation and entrepreneurship.
[Laeila Adjovi/ Ashden]
Ashden Award for Integrated Energy Africa – Boosting the continent’s clean energy pioneers
Supported by Integrate to Zero.
Power for All, Uganda – Utilities 2.0 Twaake project unites centralized and decentralized renewable energy companies to achieve faster and cheaper electrification, boost rural livelihoods, and end energy poverty.
Replacing diesel generators
Husk Power, Nigeria – Husk Power’s Nigeria Sunshot initiative is emerging as a beacon of hope. With a bold commitment to construct a minimum of 500 clean energy minigrids by 2026, Husk Power is poised to catalyze a transformative shift in Nigeria’s energy paradigm.
These minigrids are not just wires and poles, but conduits of progress, poised to empower businesses, schools, hospitals, and over two million individuals across the nation. In doing so, Husk Power’s initiative holds the potential to make significant strides in reducing environmental impact by replacing an average of 25,000 diesel generators, while simultaneously lighting up the path to a more sustainable and prosperous future.
Ashden Award for Powering Refugees and Displaced People; Taking on the humanitarian energy crisis
Award delivered in partnership with Global Refugee Network. Supported by NextEnergy Foundation, The Linbury Trust, JAC Trust, The Alan & Babette Sainsbury Charitable Fund.
USAFI Green, Kenya – In the heart of Kenya’s Kakuma Refugee Camp, USAFI Green’s transformative impact shines as a beacon of innovation and compassion. Through the manufacturing and distribution of affordable, low-carbon cookstoves, USAFI Green is effecting meaningful change by creating employment opportunities and enhancing health outcomes for both displaced individuals and their host communities.
These cookstoves not only mitigate carbon emissions but also ignite the promise of a healthier and more sustainable future for those facing adversity.
By providing access to clean energy, Care for Social Welfare International is not only bringing much-needed light to these communities but also ensuring a reliable source of water that is essential for their well-being. In doing so, the organization is weaving a tapestry of hope and empowerment, demonstrating that even in challenging circumstances, the synergy of social welfare and clean energy can illuminate a brighter path towards a better future.
Ashden Award for Powering Agriculture; Tackling hunger and poverty in the Global South
Supported by the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Collectives for Integrated Livelihoods Initiatives (CInI), India – Clnl stands as a beacon of empowerment and progress, fostering change in the heart of India’s Central Tribal Belt through the potent combination of clean energy and women’s leadership. By equipping women with the tools to harness clean energy resources, the organization is not only elevating their incomes but also propelling them into roles of influence within their communities.
This dual impact not only addresses economic disparities but also reshapes the social fabric, illustrating how sustainable solutions can be catalysts for gender equality, financial independence, and community transformation.
Mobility for Africa’s visionary approach showcases the ripple effect that sustainable and accessible transport can have, amplifying economic opportunities, social inclusion, and the overall well-being of the communities they serve.
Ashden Award for Natural Climate Solutions – Defending and empowering Indigenous communities
Supported by the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
CERAF-NORD, is a champion of environmental stewardship and community resilience. It is working to rejuvenate the landscapes surrounding Benue National Park and the northern regions of Cameroon. Through their dedication to agroforestry, the organization is driving a harmonious marriage between sustainable land restoration and local empowerment.
CERAF-NORD’s efforts transcend soil and seed, weaving a narrative of cooperation between humans and nature that not only revitalizes degraded land but also cultivates a sustainable future for the communities they serve. In restoring ecosystems through agroforestry, CERAF-NORD exemplifies the profound impact that grassroots initiatives can have on forging a greener and more promising path forward.
Means to combat illegal logging and mining
ECA-Amarakaeri, in Peru emerges as a guardian of both livelihoods and ecosystems, extending a helping hand to communities seeking sustainable prosperity. By empowering individuals with agricultural skills and knowledge, the organization paves the way for self-reliance while fostering a symbiotic relationship between people and the land.
However, their impact transcends cultivation, as ECA-Amarakaeri also equips these communities with the means to combat illegal logging and mining. Through vigilant monitoring and reporting, the organization not only safeguards pristine natural resources but also empowers local voices in the fight against environmental exploitation.
ECA-Amarakaeri’s multi-faceted approach underscores the intrinsic connection between sustainable livelihoods and environmental preservation, setting an inspiring example for holistic and community-driven conservation efforts.
