The productive use of energy combined with innovation plays a crucial role in promoting rural industrialisation. Through the efficient and sustainable use of energy resources, rural communities can unlock their economic potential and promote local opportunities.

Bobby Gyesi co-founded and runs SGA Farms in Ghana. With support from Green People’s Energy, the farm bought a solar irrigation system for CO₂-free watering – all year round. His farm is now one of 82 in Ghana that tell the tale of renewable energy. His message: Access to further financing is crucial.

Women are key to the spread of decentralized renewable energy. More needs to be done to develop their competencies and skills. Green People’s Energy supports women in their development in various ways to promote a gender-sensitive change process in society.

Facing climate change, smallholders need to keep irrigation costs low and conserve precious water resources. In Ethiopia, Green People’s Energy initiated a pilot with local partners that does both.

In Ghana, over 90,000 people in rural areas now benefit from solar infrastructure built in the past three years – with the support of the Green People’s Energy project.

In Namibia, the Green People’s Energy programme for results-based financing (RBF) has enabled 44 rural businesses and farmers to buy solar tech for productive use. The results show communities are open to decentralized renewable energy.

As Green People’s Energy is exploring in western Africa, mobile payments based on the pay-as-you-go model show potential for opening the market for renewable energy products and services. They can also improve business and living conditions for rural populations.