Post it 11 hours ago
Submitted by Cisco Systems, Inc.
Our belief in Africa’s enormous potential is part of what fuels the Cisco Foundation’s climate investment strategy. In our vision, we see the transition to clean energy not just as a necessity, but as a catalyst for inclusive growth and digital innovation. And through the Cisco Foundation’s $100 million Commitment to the climate, we are wholeheartedly invested in this vision. Our recent investments in early-stage climate ventures SHYFT Power Solutions and Jaza Energy, following our previous limited partnership with The Catalyst Fund, are critical steps in our journey to help build a sustainable future across the continent.
Addressing Africa’s energy gaps
Africa’s energy landscape faces a critical deficit, with about 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa electricity is still missing, accounts for over 80% of the world’s population living without electricity. Due to the impracticalities of expanding networks due to geographic and financial constraints, the focus has shifted to distributed energy resources. Microgrids and off-grid solutions are not just alternatives, but necessary, especially for reaching remote and rural communities with affordable and cost-effective energy solutions. Solar mini-grids have been at the forefront of this sustainable transformation, with according to the World Bank, an increase from around 500 facilities in 2010 to more than 3,000 in sub-Saharan Africa today, and with plans for another 9,000. By 2030, it is expected that the cost of electricity from mini-grids could be reduced to the same as low as $0.20/kWh, making it the most affordable option for more than 60 percent of the population. Minigrids could help us achieve the ambitious UN Sustainable Development Goal 7which aims for universal energy access by 2030.
Digitization in Africa’s energy transition
In digital innovation, we need to create seamless integration between off- and on-grid systems to ensure reliable and continuous access to electricity. This integration is key to transitioning from intermittent supplies to a stable and resilient energy infrastructure. Other innovation priorities include developing cost-effective, scalable off-grid solutions that can reach the most vulnerable citizens, who live at or below the global poverty line of $2.15 per day, as defined by the The World Bank. Technology and digital solutions are central to this endeavour, enabling the efficient and effective adoption of renewable energy sources, vital to bridging Africa’s extensive energy gap.
Internet of Things (IoT) solutions are also essential to improve the efficiency and scalability of distributed energy resources such as off-grid systems, solar panels and storage solutions. These technologies enable monitoring and management of energy resources in real time, thus optimizing energy distribution and consumption. The Cisco Foundation is eager to support the potential of information and communications technologies, including IoT and software-enabled off-grid energy, to support climate transition.
Enter our new portfolio investors, SHYFT Power and Jazz Energy. SHYFT Power is pioneering the use of IoT to efficiently manage energy resources, while Jaza Energy is innovating by integrating solar power hubs with telecom towers. These initiatives illustrate the powerful synergy between connectivity and energy, which play a central role in empowering underserved communities and contribute to a more connected and sustainable future in Africa. As part of the larger Cisco family, these Cisco Foundation Climate Commitment investors can access a wide range of in-kind resources and advisory volunteers. This support not only advances these technologies, but also underscores our commitment to promoting innovative, sustainable and more inclusive solutions worldwide.
SHYFT Power: Software & IoT Innovation for Reliable Clean Energy
SHYFT Power Solutions, a recipient of the 2017 Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge that emerged from Stanford University, is transforming power management in Nigeria and has become a key player in the Cisco Foundation’s investment portfolio. Their advanced platform integrates various energy sources to improve energy efficiency and encourage clean energy adoption. The innovation that SHYFT brings to the table is further demonstrated by the use of IoT, software and smart meter solutions, which are essential to address the energy access and reliability issues prevailing in Nigeria.
The positive impact of SHYFT Power has been echoed by its customers as evidenced by glowing comments from Bola Yusuf, General Manager of Wemabod Towers in Ikoyi. He asserts, “As property and facility managers of a building that provides 24-hour power, energy efficiency is vital to us and SHYFT has been instrumental in achieving transparency. Their smart energy solutions allow us to effectively monitor and optimize consumption, reducing costs and supporting sustainability. What sets SHYFT apart is our excellent customer support – prompt, experienced and providing solutions tailored to our needs. They have been a valuable partner in our journey towards energy efficiency and cost savings.”
This immediate approval highlights the seamless integration of IoT technology into their systems, showing how digital solutions can significantly enhance sustainable energy management. SHYFT’s approach is key to reducing carbon emissions and serves as a model in managing distributed energy resources. It is with great excitement that we join a distinguished list of climate investors backing SHYFT Power, including Powerhouse Ventures, Third Sphere and KawiSafi Ventures.
Jaza Energy: Empowering Communities with Sustainable Energy
Jaza Energy, another new investment portfolio company, is revolutionizing access to clean energy in Tanzania and Nigeria with its solar hubs.
In Tanzania, 66% of households still use kerosene for energy needs. Jaza hubs offer a sustainable alternative to those dependent on kerosene and generators, lighting over 11,500 homes and benefiting 90,000 people. Jaza’s effective partnership with IHS Towers, one of the world’s largest owners, operators and developers of shared communications infrastructure, integrates energy with telecommunications services, extending its reach.
By leveraging digital tools and advanced batteries, Jaza is tackling the energy deficit affecting 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa, where annual fossil fuel spending reaches $27 billion. Stories from Jaza hubs, such as Agineta’s in Msambara, Tanzania, show the significant improvement in living standards” “The quality of light allows me to work after dark and my children can study,” she says.
Jaza employs more than 250 local women as ‘Jaza Stars’, further enhancing its social impact. A Jaza Star, a sales and community development employee from Mchori expressed, “After working with Jaza, I am involved in decision-making in my family,” highlighting the empowerment these roles provide.
We proudly support Jaza’s mission for an inclusive future, along with partners like Canada’s Active Impact Investments. This initiative exemplifies our commitment to innovative, sustainable solutions that align with the Cisco Foundation’s vision for sustainable community development.
Climate investments for a sustainable and inclusive future
The Cisco Foundation is a separate legal entity established in 1997 by a gift from Cisco. But the Foundation’s work reflects Cisco’s strength as a technology leader. its purpose to feed a comprehensive for all. and environmental sustainability strategic priorities to accelerate the adoption of clean energy, transition to a circular model and invest in resilient ecosystems. By supporting climate businesses like SHYFT Power and Jaza Energy and innovation platforms like The Catalyst Fund, the Cisco Foundation is investing in a vision of a regenerative future where connectivity, advanced technologies and sustainability come together to fuel growth without blockades in Africa. Our climate investments through the Cisco Foundation reflect our vision for an inclusive, resilient and sustainable future for Africa and embody our belief in a world where technology can drive sustainability, promoting an inclusive future for all .
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