The Climate and Finance Innovations (ClimaFii) Alliance has opened applications for its second cohort, aiming to bring clean energy and sustainable financing solutions to microenterprises in sub-Saharan Africa and India. Led by UK charity Shell Foundation and global nonprofit Accion, in partnership with BFA Global and Upaya Social Ventures, the program supports startups and SMEs delivering emission-reducing technologies such as renewable energy-powered agri-processing, electric mobility, bioenergy, and solar-powered productive-use solutions. The initiative combines catalytic funding, technical assistance, and connections to financing partners to accelerate adoption and scale solutions shaped by local market needs.
The second cohort will strengthen the focus on climate innovation and financial sector partnerships. ClimaFii Alliance participants will benefit from support in designing and deploying affordable financial products, enabling microenterprises to access the tools, inventory, and clean technologies necessary to improve productivity, resilience, and income. The program targets microenterprises most affected by climate shocks, aiming to reduce emissions while enhancing economic opportunities.
Shell Foundation frames the initiative as part of its charitable mission to increase incomes and reduce emissions for underserved communities across South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, co-funded with UK aid through the Transforming Energy Access platform. Jonathan Berman, CEO of Shell Foundation, emphasized that the green transition succeeds when it raises incomes, highlighting the Alliance’s role in accelerating impactful solutions for millions of microentrepreneurs.
Accion CEO Michael Schlein noted that small businesses are highly vulnerable to climate shocks, underscoring the urgent need to expand access to affordable clean technologies and financing. BFA Global and Upaya Social Ventures will continue to support climate enterprises in scaling solutions that integrate local market needs with innovative energy and mobility solutions, while promoting dignified and inclusive employment opportunities.
The ClimaFii Alliance builds on the organizations’ long-standing expertise: Shell Foundation has supported early-stage innovations for 25 years; Accion provides digital financial solutions for underserved populations globally; BFA Global catalyzes innovation ecosystems across emerging markets; and Upaya Social Ventures invests in early-stage businesses creating stable, inclusive employment. Collectively, the initiative leverages this network to increase access to climate solutions, strengthen local economies, and improve livelihoods in vulnerable communities.
