ACE DELIVERS: Distribution of Energy to the Last-Mile through an Inclusive Value-Chain Ensuring Responsible Services

Partners: Challenges Catalyst

Country: Uganda

Technology: Modern cooking

Stage: Mid

Stage: Round 10

African Clean Energy (ACE) and The Challenges Group seek to establish a scalable, decentralised and digitised distribution model for sustainable briquettes in Uganda. ACE has demand for its briquettes, but the existing delivery method is impractical and unsustainable.
Through Energy Catalyst support this project will develop an inclusive approach to reconfigure and incentivise Uganda’s physical infrastructure, including local retailers and motorcycle riders, to promote efficient and cost-effective last-mile delivery. The approach will use a digital framework, enhanced by ACE’s app, ACE Connect, to improve access to affordable sustainable cooking options.

This innovation is timely, for tackling Uganda’s heavy reliance on charcoal for cooking. ACE’s approach will catalyse a just transition from the charcoal value chain and have a lasting impact on energy access in sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.