The Power to Change programme is an Actis-backed initiative that works alongside governments and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to create positive social impacts for local communities across Nigeria, Senegal, and Mozambique.

Power to Change is run in partnership with energy producer Azura Power, which is majority-owned by Actis. It focuses on education, work and economic growth, good health and wellbeing, which relate to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4, 8 and 3.

Actis reports Power to Change has helped to improve school facilities, safety and attendance while promoting internships and training, facilitated access to micro-credit loans, particularly among women, to support entrepreneurial income generation as well as increased clean water access and maternal and infant care in the areas Azura has energy projects.

"As a leading sustainable infrastructure investor, Actis builds sustainable value creation into the core of our businesses," said James Magor, director of sustainability at Actis. "Our work with Azura Power exemplifies this with Azura's 'Power to Change' programme delivering life-changing impact for communities in Senegal, Nigeria and Mozambique."

Examples include the Azura-Edo natural gas power station in Nigeria where 300 kW of roof-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) power was provided at tertiary education facilities, while a vocational skills and training programme was started for the farming community with an initial 30 trainees taken on. In addition, six mechanical and electrical engineering students at the University of Benin undertook internships with Azura.

Elsewhere, in Senegal, Azura reports it catalysed a $120,000 investment to provide pottery manufacturing facilities over three years and a $6,000 grant from Azura provided training for 64 women across 15 different villages in soap production.

In addition, an Azura grant has constructed a new maternity building and a residence for healthcare workers at Tenga Health Centre in Mozambique's Moamba District.