The Facility for Energy Inclusion
Generating Africa's Future
The Facility for Energy Inclusion (FEI) is a debt fund unlocking capital for clean energy across Africa. We finance distributed renewable energy companies — from mini-grid developers to Commercial and Industrial (C&I) solar providers and Independent Power Producers (IPP) — helping deliver affordable, reliable, sustainable power to households, businesses and public services. Conceived by the African Development Bank and managed by Cygnum Capital, FEI offers flexible financing that mobilises private capital, creates jobs, cuts carbon and drives inclusive growth — building resilient infrastructure and powering Africa’s path to a net-zero future.
Our Mission
Power Growth Through Innovative and Customised Debt Financing
FEI’s mission is to provide the crucial debt financing needed to build the small- and medium-scale renewable energy infrastructure that Africa needs to thrive. These projects are often considered too small for large international development banks and too technically complex for many local lenders. FEI was designed specifically to fill this gap.
Smart & Flexible Financing
Financing solutions tailored to the realities of Africa’s energy markets.
Unlocking Growth
Structured support that empowers entrepreneurs to scale sustainably.
Long-Term Impact
Building resilient businesses that create jobs and drive inclusive growth.
Investment Parameters
We take a commercially driven approach to providing debt capital for opportunities that align with our investment criteria.
Africa-only mandate
Direct company loans and indirect lending via Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs).
Lending rates
Competitive, market-based rates adjusted to transaction structure and risk.
Ticket size
Up to USD 30 million per underlying project, with the ability to finance multiple projects under a portfolio approach.
Currency
USD and EUR. Local currency can be provided subject to hedging.
Environmental & Social requirements
Compliance with AfDB Integrated Safeguards System and IFC Performance Standards, with any gaps addressed through an E&S Action Plan
FEI Project Preparation Facility
Helping projects achieve bankability.
Product Offering
We empower entrepreneurs and businesses across Africa to advance their sustainable energy strategies through tailored financial solutions.
Financing solutions tailored to the realities of Africa’s energy markets.
Syndicated facilities where FEI acts as arranger
Bridge / Construction loans of 1 to 3 years
Subordinated debt
Asset backed financing
Vendor financing
Impact Overview
Our Impact in Numbers (2024)
Committed amount to date
Co-investment mobilised
# of investments to date
# of countries with investments
Financed to date
Financed to date
tCO2e emissions avoided since
# of jobs supported
Our Commitment to the SDGs
FEI directly contributes to SDGs 5, 7, 9, 13 and 17 through its clean energy investments.
Transforming Energy Access: Our Impact in Africa's Clean Energy Sector
Across Africa, access to reliable power remains one of the biggest barriers to growth. FEI bridges this gap by financing innovative clean energy companies that bring affordable, sustainable power to communities and businesses — transforming how energy is delivered across the continent.
Transforming Energy Access: Our Impact in Africa's Clean Energy Sector
Across Africa, access to reliable power remains one of the biggest barriers to growth. FEI bridges this gap by financing innovative clean energy companies that bring affordable, sustainable power to communities and businesses — transforming how energy is delivered across the continent.
Resources
We take a commercially driven approach to providing debt capital for opportunities that align with our investment criteria.
