African Clean Energy – Addressing limited access to clean cooking energy solutions in Africa.

DATE 04/12/2024 

BY MINAH LEKAU- Monitoring Evaluation & Research Coordinator

BACKGROUND:

African Clean Energy (ACE) is an international social enterprise dedicated to providing off-grid communities in developing countries with access to clean and affordable energy cooking solutions. Through the manufacturing and distribution of the ACE 1 hybrid energy system, ACE offers users a cost-effective product that provides both clean thermal energy for cooking and essential electricity for device charging and lighting.

THE PROBLEM:

The project set out to address limited access to clean cooking energy solutions in remote and underserved communities where geographic isolation and infrastructure make it difficult for communities to obtain while also eradicating poverty levels due to limited job opportunities by providing local employment opportunities that empower communities economically and socially

THE SOLUTION

ACE commissioned rise to design and install 4 self-sufficient mobile shops in Nazareth, Motsekuoa, Mapoteng, and  Mphaki. Each mobile unit has a full photovoltaic (PV) solar system, batteries, fridges, printers, and other essential tools, enabling them to function independently. These mobile shops brought efficient, smoke-free cooking technologies directly to off-grid households, expanding access to life-changing solutions designed for these communities, improving health, reducing fuel usage, and fostering environmental sustainability.

THE METHODOLOGY 

With support from EU funds, the rise team, in collaboration with our 2018 and 2019 Pioneers (Pioneers are graduates from rise‘s 10-month Design, Build, and Entrepreneurship in loco Fellowship program. Upon completing the fellowship, these graduates enter a three-year business incubation program, which offers business coaching, mentorship, access to power tools and machinery, workspace, networking opportunities, and project referrals)  designed and constructed four mobile shops.

THE IMPACT:

Since the handover of these mobile energy hubs in 2019 to date  several key accomplishments have been realized:

• Strong Relationships with Village Leaders:
  ACE has successfully established a strong rapport with local village leaders, significantly improving their Know Your Customer (KYC) process. These relationships have facilitated smoother operations and increased trust in ACE’s products and services.
  
• Enhanced Marketing and Customer Base Expansion:
  The mobile energy hubs have served as effective marketing tools, helping ACE increase its customer base. By offering more direct access to remote rural areas, ACE has been able to onboard new customers, further expanding its reach and impact.
  
• Improved Service Delivery:
  The hubs have played a crucial role in maintaining a consistent and reliable fuel distribution network for ACE’s hybrid energy systems. Additionally, the mobile energy hubs have enabled ACE to respond to customer maintenance requests more efficiently and quickly.
  

•  After-Sales Support:
  These hubs, among the oldest in ACE’s network, have proven invaluable for providing after-sales support. They serve as a critical point of contact for a large portion of ACE’s customer base, offering essential repair services and guidance on the use of renewable energy technologies.
  
• Educational Opportunities:
  The hubs have created spaces where locals can educate themselves about renewable energy solutions and the benefits of transitioning to more sustainable energy sources. This shift in mindset is crucial for promoting the long-term adoption of clean energy technologies.
  
• Local Employment and Women Empowerment:
  Since the completion of the mobile shops, ACE has consistently hired three field agents and a watchman for each hub at any given time, specifically from the local area.

TESTIMONIALS

Rethabile Mafura- Director of ACE 

“This initiative has successfully expanded ACE’s reach into rural, underserved communities, improving service delivery and creating economic opportunities, particularly for women. By providing energy access and education, ACE is dedicated to scaling its impact and driving social and environmental change in these regions.”