African-focused climate funds for Canadian companies
This Climate Fund Guide highlights funds that are available to Canadian companies. It provides practical tips on developing projects in Africa and accessing climate-focused funding support.
Opportunities
Climate-focused funding and investment support are a rapidly growing opportunity for Canadian companies developing overseas projects. While Africa represents a relatively small share of total global climate finance, the amount of funding available is significant in comparison to total investments made in the continent.
Africa is the largest recipient of public sector climate finance from bilateral and multilateral donors. In the fiscal year 2016 to 2017, 34% of these funds targeted sub-Saharan Africa, including concessional finance, grants and other finance mechanisms to encourage investment in climate-focused projects in Africa.
Top seven climate funds for Canadian companies in Africa:
InfraCo Africa
Offers early-stage and development project financing. It mobilizes investment for infrastructure projects through partnerships that meet specific criteria. InfraCo Africa does not work on a grant or finance basis: instead, it seeks equity stakes in projects as a co-developer.
Development Bank of Southern Africa - Project Preparation Fund
Offers early-stage and development project financing. Managed by the Development Bank of Southern Africa, it funds the development phase of projects in infrastructure and energy.
Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa - Project Preparation Window
Offers project preparation grants. It is a multi-donor fund managed by the African Development Bank, targeting renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Renewable Energy Performance Platform
Offers early-stage and development project financing. It supports early-stage investments in small and medium-sized renewables projects in sub-Saharan Africa.
ElectriFi
Offers early-stage and development project financing. Each project must be able to demonstrate that it will create at least 1,000 new connections in a financially viable manner. Preference is given to off-grid solutions, although on-grid is also within scope.
Facility for Energy Inclusion Off-Grid Energy Access Fund
Offers local currency debt financing for off-grid projects. It was launched to support long-term debt and mezzanine finance for small-scale renewable energy projects (on-grid, mini-grid and off-grid).
United States Trade and Development Agency
A U.S. government agency that provides grants to projects that have the potential to use U.S. goods and services.
Connect with us
The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service will provide you with on-the-ground intelligence and practical advice on foreign markets to help you make better, timelier and more cost-effective decisions to achieve your goals abroad.
We can help by…
- providing qualified contacts
- introducing you to potential partners
- assessing market potential of a climate solution project
- identifying the best strategies and practices for accessing funds
- sharing upcoming opportunities
Please contact:
- Euloge Camara
Climate Finance, Trade Commissioner - Africa
Euloge.Camara@international.gc.ca
For more information, please consult Canada.ca/TCS-Climate-Finance.
