The coronavirus pandemic has sent shockwaves through the climate sector in developing countries. Now the fight to create a low-carbon future, and bring clean energy to almost one billion people, is at risk.
Building on our global networks and knowledge, Ashden has compiled a list of opportunities and resources that can help organisations endure the challenge ahead.
We continue to track the impact of the virus on the climate sector, and to connect affected organisations with support in a range of ways. For more information contact info@ashden.org.
Finance opportunities
Vital Capital Impact Relief Facility
Debt facility providing loans to businesses in sub-Saharan Africa. The fund is currently targeting enterprises in Kenya and Uganda, with plans to expand to Cote d’Ivoire, DRC, Senegal, Angola and Ghana.
GET.invest Covid Finance Window
Advisory support and funding for acute and critical finance-related problems caused by Covid-19 in clean energy companies and projects.
Searchable database of capital relief resources for entrepreneurs everywhere.
Pioneers Post coronavirus resources
Directory of grants, loans and other funding for social enterprises.
Response, Recover and Resilience Investment Coalition (R3 Coalition)
Coalition of prominent impact investing networks, supported by leading foundations, to accelerate impact investments in the face of coronavirus.
Insights
CGAP coronavirus insights for inclusive finance
Insights for inclusive finance from CGAP, a global partnership of more than 30 development organisations. Particularly focused on understanding the impact on customers and providing guidance for funders and investors.
Coronavirus content on CGAP’s independent knowledge sharing platform, which brings together the global financial inclusion community to share latest on research, lessons and ideas on making financial services work for the poor.
Support from energy access industry associations
Resources for off-grid companies exploring how other industries, development partners and consulting agencies are attempting to mitigate the impacts of coronavirus.
Global Off-Grid Lighting Association
Resource centre with up-to-date information helping the off-grid solar industry deal with the impact of coronavirus. Includes business advice, funding opportunities and technical assistance.
African Mini-grid Developers Association
Practical business advice and guidance for mini-grid companies in Africa.
Global Distributors Collective
Resources for last mile distributors, including crisis management, human resources/leadership, financial planning and fundraising, and insights from key members.
Latest information on sector-wide response dedicated to maintaining the progress in energy access, including a targeted emergency relief fund for companies in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.
Surveys on energy access and coronavirus
Survey identifying options for supporting the off-grid sector during the crisis.
Market survey of small and medium-sized off-grid energy businesses.
Survey of stakeholders in the clean cooking ecosystem.
General support for social entrepreneurs
Framework and resources to support the most vulnerable.
Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs
A range of resources for small and growing businesses.
Alliance of over 40 leading global organisations coordinating the response for social entrepreneurs.
Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship
Resources on business resilience and disaster recovery for social entrepreneurs.
