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African pioneers dominate Ashden Awards finalists

GOGO Electric, finalist in the Powering Futures in Clean Energy category, revving up the electric motorcycle industry in Uganda. (Image source: Ashden Awards)

The finalists for this year’s Ashden Awards have been unveiled with all nominees from the Global South coming from African countries

The annual awards are dedicated to boosting outstanding, inclusive climate innovation in the UK and Global South. This year, rooftop power stations, rainforest defenders and refugee pioneers are all in contention for recognition with winners also receiving grands; global publicity; and connection to funders, investors and partners.

Seven awards categories are up for grabs this year with the champions being announced in a ceremony on 27 June 2024 at the Institute of Engineering and Technology, part of London Climate Action Week. Four of the award categories focus on the Global South, with three of these highlighting pioneers widening the access to clean energy. The fourth Global South award celebrates organisations boosting sustainable livelihoods for indigenous people and other communities inhabiting threatened environments. The other three, UK-focused categories highlight work creating natural defences to extreme weather, and clean energy innovation.

Ashden’s head of awards, Stephen Hall, commented, “We’re thrilled with this year’s Ashden Awards finalists. They’re brimming with epic climate ambition – ambition to slash global emissions and transform our world. They’re also pioneers of climate justice, building a world that’s fairer and greener. It’s no surprise to find these two qualities together: when it comes to climate action, they go hand-in-hand.

“Change happens faster when more people believe in it, back it, and enjoy the benefits. We’re really proud to celebrate these organisations, and urge investors, funders and policymakers to support them too.”

Ashden Awards 2024 finalists for Global South categories:

Ashden Award for Energising Refugees and Displaced People, supported by the Linbury Trust and the J.A.C Trust:

• OffGridBox (Rwanda and Uganda): The OffGridBox is an all-in-one solution that brings refugees safe drinking water, Internet access, and clean power for their homes and businesses. Local woman can earn an income as Boxkeepers – helping the systems run smoothly.
• Patapia (Uganda): Patapia, an organisation founded by refugees, helps displaced women take out affordable loans to buy clean energy products. Smart tech and strong community links make Patapia’s work a success.

Ashden Award for Natural Climate Solutions (Global South), supported by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero:

• Ujamaa Community Resource Team (Tanzania): UCRT has helped 120 Indigenous communities establish and defend their land rights, and earn a sustainable living from their territory. 1.5mn hectares have been protected so far.
• Tropical Forest and Rural Development (Cameroon): TFRD fights poverty, and protects ecosystems and endangered species, for the benefit of local communities in rural Cameroon.

Ashden Award for Powering Futures in Clean Energy, supported by LinkedIn:

• GOGO Electric/Bodawerk (Uganda): GOGO Electric contributes to the skilling and employability of managers, technicians and motorcycle operators in the Ugandan e-mobility sector, fostering a green transition in the transport industry.
• Solar Sister (Nigeria, Kenya and Tanzania): Solar Sister has supported more than 10,000 woman entrepreneurs to launch businesses selling solar products – creating opportunities for them, and access to clean power in their communities.

Ashden Award for Energy Innovation (Global South), supported by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero:

• Salpha (Nigeria): Salpha produces made-in-Africa solar home systems, and helps households and businesses switch on to clean power by giving customers access to fair loans and finance.
• SunFi (Nigeria): SunFi makes solar technology more affordable through apps and services for consumers, solar companies, and the lenders that can fuel Nigeria’s clean energy revolution.

Ashden Awards 2024 finalists: UK categories:

Ashden Award for Nature Based Solutions, supported by the Lund Trust:

• Friends of Gledhow Valley Woods
• Wild Haweswater

Ashden Award for Energy Innovation (UK), supported by Impax Asset Management:

• Emergent Energy
• tepeo

Ashden Award for People’s Energy:

• Yorkshire North & East District of the Methodist Church
• South East London Community Energy
• Heating Swaffham Prior and Cambridgeshire County Council
• Power Station
• Energise Barnsley


The full, detailed, list of Ashden Awards finalists can be found at: https://ashden.org/awards/2024-ashden-award-announcements/

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