Micro Energy Credits

MOBILE TECHNOLOGY ADVANCING LAST-MILE ACCESS TO CLEAN ENERGY

This project increased access to clean energy financing for low-income consumers by utilising mobile technology to remove barriers such as high loan transaction costs and difficulty in vetting customers and predicting their repayment risk. MEC’s unique mobile platform, Chaguzi, uses big data, predictive statistics and machine learning to build risk profiles for energy loan customers. The Chaguzi solution creates a marketplace in which clean energy suppliers and finance providers can tailor product offerings to a customer’s risk profile. With EEP Africa financing, MEC fine-tuned the technology based on its successful market trial, then launched it on a commercial scale.

Outcome and Impact

The project rolled out an innovative tool that expanded access to clean energy products for low-income consumers in Kenya, particularly women. MEC increased financial inclusion and stimulated income-earning potential. This had a positive impact on family budgets, health and well-being, while also promoted carbon reducing behaviour.