Innovation Illustration. / PHOTO ; Pexel
Shell Foundation, Accion, BFA Global, and Upaya Social Ventures have announced the opening of applications for the second cohort of the Climate and Finance Innovations (ClimaFii) Alliance.
The program invites climate-focused startups and small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across sub-Saharan Africa and India to apply for support aimed at accelerating the adoption and financing of emission-reducing energy and electric mobility technologies for microenterprises.
Launched in January 2025, the ClimaFii Alliance was designed to promote clean energy adoption in low-income communities across sub-Saharan Africa and India.
The initiative provides catalytic funding, technical assistance, and connections to financing partners for startups delivering clean energy and electric mobility solutions to microenterprises, helping them scale impact while addressing climate challenges.
“The green transition works when it raises people’s incomes. This partnership with Accion aligns fully with our global mission to help microentrepreneurs increase their incomes while reducing emissions through clean energy solutions,” said Jonathan Berman, CEO of Shell Foundation.
“Through the ClimaFii Alliance, and by working with proven partners such as Accion, BFA Global, and Upaya Social Ventures, we are proud to accelerate the expansion of impactful solutions that enable millions of people to improve their livelihoods.”
The first cohort of the program already supports twenty companies across sub-Saharan Africa and India, connecting them with potential financing partners and scaling pathways.
The second cohort aims to expand this impact, with a strengthened focus on climate innovation, productive-use energy, and electric mobility solutions tailored to local market needs.
“Small businesses are highly vulnerable to extreme heat, floods, and other climate shocks. Urgently, we need to build resilience and reduce emissions. Today, we’re accepting applications for the second cohort of the ClimaFii Alliance to help increase access to affordable financing for clean technologies for small businesses around the world.” Michael Schlein, President and CEO of Accion, highlighted the urgency of the work.
The Alliance targets solutions that reduce emissions and improve productivity for microenterprises, including renewable energy-powered agri-processing and cold-chain systems, electric mobility, battery innovations, bioenergy, solar-powered productive-use technologies, and clean energy distribution and financing models.
Accion will work closely with financial service providers to design affordable financial products, enabling microenterprises to access and afford these technologies.
By closing the financing gap, the initiative helps small businesses secure the tools, inventory, and clean energy solutions needed to increase both productivity and resilience while also raising incomes.
For the second cohort, BFA Global and Upaya Social Ventures will continue supporting climate enterprises in scaling solutions shaped by local market realities.
The program emphasizes collaboration between technology providers and the financial sector to unlock resources for impactful climate action in low-income communities.
Shell Foundation’s support for the ClimaFii Alliance forms part of its broader charitable mission to improve livelihoods while reducing emissions across South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
The program also benefits from co-funding by UK aid through the Transforming Energy Access platform, further strengthening its capacity to accelerate the deployment of sustainable, income-generating solutions for microenterprises.
Through the ClimaFii Alliance, startups and SMEs gain not only funding and technical support but also a network of partners, financial tools, and practical expertise to deliver scalable climate and clean energy solutions that improve lives and reduce environmental impact.
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