Press release -
Swedfund invests USD 20 million to drive climate action and green business growth in Africa
Swedfund is investing USD 20 million in the Helios Climate, Energy, Adaptation and Resilience (CLEAR) Fund to support efforts that limit climate change and help communities adapt to its effects. The fund backs African companies that reduce emissions, strengthen resilience and create green jobs.
Africa contributes less than three percent of global carbon emissions but faces some of the most severe climate impacts. At the same time, the continent’s energy demand is expected to triple by 2050. Swedfund’s investment in Helios CLEAR will help channel capital to businesses that drive low-carbon growth in areas such as renewable energy, sustainable transport, climate-smart farming, efficient use of resources and digital climate solutions.
“By investing in this sector, we can reduce emissions, build resilience and create green jobs, all vital for sustainable growth that benefits more people. Africa currently receives only a small share of global climate investment, yet the potential for climate-smart business is enormous. Through Helios CLEAR we help build the next generation of African climate-focused businesses,” says Gunilla Nilsson, Investment Director for Energy & Climate at Swedfund.
Swedfund’s investment is expected to contribute to significant cuts in greenhouse gas emissions and to help businesses and small farmers adapt to a changing climate. The investment strengthens Swedfund’s work to drive a sustainable and inclusive green transition in Africa.
About Helios CLEAR Fund
The Helios Climate, Energy, Adaptation and Resilience (CLEAR) Fund is a Pan African growth equity fund managed by Helios Investment Partners, one of Africa’s leading private equity firms. The fund targets investments that deliver measurable climate mitigation and adaptation outcomes. The fund is supported by multiple development finance institutions.
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About Swedfund
Swedfund is Sweden’s development finance institution with the mission to reduce poverty through sustainable investments in developing countries. Swedfund plays an important role in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement on climate. Swedfund shares the same goal as development cooperation in general, but the tools Swedfund uses are different. Swedfund has two instruments to fulfil its mission: sustainable investments in the private sector and technical feasibility studies through the Project Accelerator targeting the public sector.
Swedfund's investments contribute to the creation of decent jobs and increased access to essential products and services such as electricity and food. Swedfund is a long-term investor and is additional and catalytic through its investments and by mobilising private capital. Swedfund's feasibility studies support sustainable public infrastructure development, trade, and export opportunities for Swedish solutions.
We are part of Swedish development cooperation, and we measure and report all our results. As a state-owned company, Swedfund is managed by the Ministry of Finance and financed through portfolio reflows and annual capital injections for which the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs is responsible.
For more information: please visit www.swedfund.se/en
