CLASP and GEAPP expand PUFF program to scale appliance access in Africa

CLASP and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) have announced a $6.1 million USD expansion of the Productive Use Financing Facility (PUFF), aiming to accelerate access to energy-efficient appliances for small businesses and farmers across Africa. The announcement was made at the Africa Energy Forum in Cape Town.

PUFF supports suppliers and distributors of energy-efficient equipment by providing grants, subsidies, and technical assistance to reduce appliance costs and expand market reach. The facility targets productive use technologies such as solar-powered refrigerators, water pumps, and milling machines, enabling affordable access for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and households.

From 2022 to 2024, PUFF partnered with 24 companies in six countries, deploying nearly 16,000 appliances and benefiting over 58,000 households. Building on this pilot, PUFF 2.0 will focus on Ethiopia, Kenya, and Nigeria, aiming to support the sale and use of 10,000 appliances over four years and create over 3,000 green jobs. The expanded program will include technologies such as coffee pulpers and honey extractors.

The initiative also emphasizes equity. During the pilot, women comprised nearly half of all appliance buyers, and those households saw a 94% increase in average income. PUFF 2.0 will continue to prioritize outreach and financing strategies that center women and youth.

“Access to energy is foundational for economic growth. Efficient appliances and equipment, which are how people turn energy into opportunity, need to be considered essential energy infrastructure, alongside renewables,” said Emmanuel Aziebor, Senior Director for Africa at CLASP.

Makena Ireri, Managing Director for Productive Use of Energy at GEAPP, added: “Through initiatives such as PUFF 2.0 collaboration with CLASP, we are addressing these shortfalls by ensuring that new energy connections drive productivity and power agriculture, energizing ambition in small and medium sized enterprises.”