Energise Africa is the sister platform to Ethex. It was created to tackle energy poverty and climate change by funding clean energy access for families and entrepreneurs in sub‑Saharan Africa, where 600 million people live off the grid without access to electricity.
The deal
Energise Africa is a UK-based impact investing platform that enables people to invest directly in solar businesses delivering clean, affordable energy solutions to off‑grid communities across sub‑Saharan Africa.
Launched in 2017 by ethical investment platform Ethex in partnership with Dutch organisation Lendahand, the platform invites everyday investors to fund solar companies via bonds – a type of loan where you lend money for a fixed period in return for interest. These companies then deliver clean energy solutions, such as pay-as-you-go solar home systems to families in need, green mini-grids to help power entire rural communities, or electric vehicle solutions. Investors can target returns of up to eight per cent.
So far, Energise Africait has raised more than £44 million through investments, helping around 750,000 people to access solar electricity and avoiding around 870,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
You can start investing from just £50, and the projects are eligible for the Innovative Finance ISA (IFISA). This means your returns are tax‑free, subject to tax status. Bond terms typically run for between six months and four years, with expected returns of around four to eight per cent per year.
User-friendliness
- Hassle‑free setup. It takes about 15 minutes to open an account, complete ID checks, and get started.
- Straightforward listings. Every investment offer includes clear information on what your money supports, the expected impact, repayment schedule (how your money will be paid back to you with interest), and risks.
- Low minimum investment. You can begin with just £50, making ethical investing accessible.
- Regular updates via your individual portfolio dashboard once account is opened. You’ll receive impact and progress reports from the solar businesses you support.
What you need to know about: Ethex
Sustainable investing options
Energise Africa exclusively invests in solar power – including green mini grids – for communities and small enterprises in Africa. Projects focus on replacing kerosene and polluting fuel, improving health, education, clean cooking, and economic opportunity in rural areas where there is no grid connection.
Many of the projects supported are also creating local jobs through the distribution and maintenance of the systems, as well as supporting small businesses through clean energy access.
Unique selling points
- Real-world impact. Investment helps bring clean energy to underserved communities.
- Supports positive change. The opportunity to build a diverse portfolio of impact investments, supporting positive environmental, social and economic change for sub Saharan Africa
- Tax-efficient returns. All bonds qualify to be held within an IFISA.
- Low minimum investment. You can invest from just £50.
- Customer satisfaction. Average Trust Pilot reviews of 4.6 at time of writing
- Developed with impact-focused partners. Supported by CEI (for match funding), UK Aid, Virgin Unite, Good Energies Foundation and P4G.
The plus points
- Measurable impact. Over 750,000 people have had access to renewable energy to date.
- Transparent terms. Bond durations and expected interest rates are made crystal clear.
- Match funded. Projects are match funded meaning your investment brings more impact
- No hidden fees. All costs are built into the bond terms.
- Short‑to-mid term. Bonds typically mature within up to four years.
- Trusted platform. Its partnerships and governance are backed by experienced ethical investors.
Any drawbacks?
- Higher risk. These are unsecured bonds, and are not FSCS-protected, so your money isn’t guaranteed.
- Illiquid investments. Funds are tied up for the full term and no early withdrawals are allowed.
- Returns are not guaranteed. Payments depend on the underlying business’s performance.
Cost of use
It’s free to set up an account, invest or explore. There are no platform fees and all costs are included in the terms of each bond. You can start with as little as £50, and any interest earned is clearly laid out. How this compares If you’re looking to align your money with global climate action beyond the UK, Energise Africa is a good choice. It blends positive impact and potential returns in a tax-efficient way.
Other options to consider
- Ethex
- Abundance Investment
- Triodos Crowdfunding
Risk warning: Investing with Energise Africa involves risk, including the loss of all of your capital, illiquidity (the inability to sell assets quickly or without substantial loss in value), and it should be done only as part of a diversified portfolio.
This article is in partnership with Energise Africa.
