Thousands of Nigerians will soon benefit from more affordable solar-powered appliances, thanks to a $6.1 million expansion of the Productive Use Financing Facility (PUFF) by CLASP and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP).
The initiative is aimed at helping small businesses, farmers, and low-income households access clean, energy-efficient tools like solar refrigerators, water pumps, milling machines, and agricultural equipment. These appliances, often too expensive for many users, will now be made more accessible through a mix of grants, subsidies, and technical support offered to suppliers and distributors.
According to the partners, this financial model is designed to break down cost barriers that have prevented widespread adoption of clean energy solutions. The expanded funding is expected to deliver at least 10,000 appliances across Nigeria, Kenya, and Ethiopia.
This move builds on the success of a two-year pilot that worked with 24 companies in six developing economies. That phase delivered 16,000 appliances, improved local supply chains, and reached over 58,000 households. Nearly half of the buyers during the pilot were women, with those households seeing up to a 94% increase in average income.
One of the beneficiaries, Nigerian shopkeeper Abibat Akinwale, said her business improved significantly after acquiring a solar-powered refrigerator through the program. “We used to rely on ice blocks, which melted and affected our sales. With the solar fridge, we now sell cold drinks consistently. Business is doing well,” she said.
Emmanuel Aziebor, CLASP’s Senior Director for Africa, said that efficient appliances are essential in transforming energy access into meaningful economic impact. GEAPP’s Makena Ireri added that the program fills a critical gap by ensuring electricity leads to tangible business growth, especially in sectors like agriculture and manufacturing.
PUFF 2.0 is expected to generate over 3,000 green jobs and further boost clean energy adoption, with special attention to youth and women-led households.
