Скачать или смотреть Ashden Awards: Patapia, powering access to renewable energy for refugees in Uganda

Meet Patapia – winner of the 2024 Ashden Award for Powering Refugees and Displaced People.

In Uganda, Patapia’s affordable loans for refugee women help them launch and grow businesses powered by clean energy.

Solar panels – and the lights, fridges and tools they power – can spark new or higher earnings for entrepreneurs running snack kiosks, hair salons and other businesses. But banks are reluctant to lend to refugees, and don’t understand the economic potential of clean energy.

Patapia is a refugee-led organisation, giving displaced people loans for clean power products. Their technicians check what energy supply and equipment customers will need, and also give training and support in using and maintaining it.

Women can manage the loans on their phones, and there’s no need for a bank account, collateral or credit history. The organisation also helps women form ‘business families’, who provide guarantees and support for each other.

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