Shell Foundation is an independent philanthropic foundation working to raise incomes while lowering emissions in Africa and Asia. Its charitable mission is to help people earning less than a net living wage benefit from clean energy solutions, with a focus on smallholder farmers, transporters, and micro-entrepreneurs. The foundation supports technologies and business models that can improve livelihoods while reducing or avoiding carbon emissions.

Rather than selling products directly, Shell Foundation helps de-risk emerging technologies and markets, foster early-stage innovation, and scale commercial energy solutions through partnerships with established organisations. It collaborates with public and private sector partners, including the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and helps mobilise catalytic finance for clean energy initiatives. Its work also includes research, market analysis, impact reporting, and events that share learning and build partnerships.

Gender inclusion is part of its approach: the foundation supports solutions that expand women’s access to products, resources, and finance.