Acumen’s Hardest-to-Reach Initiative (H2R) is a blended finance vehicle focused on closing the clean energy gap in sub-Saharan Africa. H2R invests in solar distributors, manufacturers, and innovators to deliver first-time energy access, scale proven solutions, and build inclusive energy markets for communities in 17 of the continent’s least developed economies. H2R aims to: bring clean power to 70 million low-income customers, including more than 50 million first-time energy users; avoid about 4 million tons of carbon emissions; create about 12,000 clean energy jobs, and demonstrate that off-grid solar businesses are investable market opportunities to provide clean energy to low-income people, thereby crowding more commercial capital into the sector.