Politics

ONE OF MICROFINANCE PIONEERS RUPERT SCOFIELD JOINED PRESIDENT OBAMA S FORUM

FOR OFF-GRID CLEAN ENERGY MARKETS


(Source: FINCA, International)
(Source: FINCA, International)
USPA NEWS - On October 22, 2015, Speaking at the White House Forum on Catalyzing Markets for Off-Grid Clean Energy Access, FINCA International's President and CEO, Rupert Scofield, announced the organization's commitment to provide affordable solar energy products to benefit 1.5 million people in Africa...
On October 22, 2015, Speaking at the White House Forum on Catalyzing Markets for Off-Grid Clean Energy Access, FINCA International's President and CEO, Rupert Scofield, announced the organization's commitment to provide affordable solar energy products to benefit 1.5 million people in Africa by 2019. FINCA will also facilitate the off-grid market by fostering other social enterprises that bring solar solutions to low-income consumers and small businesses.

The White House Forum gathered private sector, philanthropic and government stakeholders to make commitments to address the need for clean, low-cost energy access in developing countries.
Approximately 1.3 billion people worldwide, and more than 200 million in Africa alone, live without access to electricity. Many rely on kerosene lamps which bring harmful pollutants into the home and frequently lead to burns and fires.

All participants will sign the Guiding Principles of the Global Lighting and Energy Access Partnerships (Global LEAP) to support off-grid appliance markets and mini-grid quality assurance efforts.

FINCA, a Washington, DC based provider of microfinance services in 23 countries, plans to help 300,000 households acquire quality solar products such as lamps and cell phone chargers.
Clients who have purchased solar systems and lanterns report improved respiratory and eye health, better light that allows children to study at night, and substantial savings on lighting and phone charging. FINCA-endorsed solar lanterns are 15 times brighter than kerosene and a single day's charge can provide 36 hours of light.

Source : FINCA, International

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