KawiSafi Ventures Launches $200 Million Fund to Address Climate Challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa
KawiSafi Ventures, an impact investment fund focused on climate solutions in sub-Saharan Africa, has unveiled its KawiSafi II project. The project aims to establish a $200 million venture equity fund dedicated to closing the investment gap in three critical areas where sub-Saharan countries face challenges in attracting investors: energy transition, productivity, and mobility & logistics.
While sub-Saharan Africa contributes only about 3% of the world’s yearly human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, the region is expected to experience severe climate change impacts, including rising temperatures, which could have far-reaching consequences on health, agriculture, food security, economic development, and human welfare.
The KawiSafi II fund will target local enterprises that are developing scalable climate action projects that benefit climate-vulnerable African communities. In addition to providing funding, KawiSafi II will establish a $10 million technical assistance facility to help these enterprises maximize their climate impact. The facility will also support the implementation of robust management systems to address potential environmental, social, and governance risks.
This initiative builds on the success of the first KawiSafi project and reflects the growing recognition of the need for substantial investments in Africa’s infrastructure, manufacturing capacity, and economy to enhance adaptation and mitigation efforts on the continent. The KawiSafi II project represents a significant step toward addressing climate challenges in sub-Saharan Africa and supporting sustainable development in the region.