After more than 15 years investing in off-grid electrification, we launched Hardest-to-Reach at #COP28 to extend possibility to the toughest energy markets in Africa. To do this at scale required creating a blended capital initiative that gives Acumen the ability to provide grants, equity and impact-adjusted loans to create new energy markets, reduce emissions and bring dignity to the hardest to reach. Our conviction is even stronger today as traditional aid funding shrinks and we’re looking for new models to invest in the dignity of the lowest-income communities overlooked by traditional capital. Today’s announcement that we’ve secured nearly $250M for Hardest-to-Reach is a proud moment for @Acumen, our partners, our supporters and the entrepreneurs who’ve doing the hard work of building this critical sector in the toughest contexts. And it’s a big deal for the 72 million low-income people this initiative is designed to reach with solar light and electricity. It will provide appropriate financial returns: the right capital focused on the right problems. We’re excited to do much more. Huge gratitude for our stakeholders whose courageous capital and moral imagination made today’s announcement possible. @theGCF, @IFC_org, @ShinhanBankENG, @BritishIntInv, @FCDOGovUK, Soros Economic Development Fund, Nordic Development Fund (NDF), Signify Foundation, @ImpactAssets, @noradno, The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (@EnergyAlliance), @cazenovecapital, @GoodEnergies Foundation, Osprey Foundation, @reedhastings, @bnussey, Sir Christopher Hohn, Andrea Soros, @TEDchris & Jacqueline Novogratz, @Schusterman_Org, and more.