Portfolio Partner Profile
Off-Grid Energy Access Fund (FEI OGEF)
The Facility for Energy Inclusion Off-Grid Energy Access Fund’s (FEI OGEF) mission is to support the growth of energy access companies across Africa and develop their capacity to sustainably access capital at scale.
FEI OGEF has two key impact objectives:
- Improving livelihoods and increasing regional economic growth by increasing energy access from renewable and clean energy sources for small businesses and households without access to stable on-grid power supply; and
- Addressing the sector’s long-term critical financing gaps by implementing transactions that innovate with local currency and local capital markets engagement.
To this end, FEI OGEF offers a wide range of debt instruments, predominantly oriented around local currency secured lending for consumer and inventory finance, to a variety companies in the household energy access sector including distributors, manufacturers, and end-user credit providers. The Fund supports financially sustainable transactions that engage local banks and institutional lenders to increase access to clean electricity for underserved households in Africa.
In addition, the Fund is supported by a technical assistance facility focusing on two critical sector concerns: (1) providing credit, strategic and legal support to their borrowers to ensure the long-term viability, scalability and replicability of their financing strategies; and (2) ensuring all borrowers comply with best practices with respect to environmental and social risk management, impact measurement and consumer protection principles.
The Fund is sponsored by the African Development Bank as part of the New Deal on Energy for Africa Initiative, and was structured with support from the Nordic Development Facility, Global Environment Facility and European Commission.
FEI OGEF is managed by Lion’s Head Global Partners’ fund management arm (LHGP Asset Management) from offices in Nairobi, Lagos and London.
Featured Impact Story
FEI-OGEF Easy Solar
Impact Story
Easy Solar
Easy Solar’s vision is to make energy, financial services, and life improving products affordable and accessible for all. They offer a range of products including solar lanterns, home lighting systems, appliances, and cookstoves on affordable financing plans.
Impact Story
M-KOPA
M-KOPA makes financing for everyday essentials accessible to everyone by offering fair and flexible financial services to their customers. The company was founded in 2011 and operates in Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa. M-KOPA places customers at the center of their model, offering affordable and responsible credit through digital micropayments and providing access to productive assets. With a small deposit, customers can get instant access to everyday essentials, including smartphones, electric motorcycles, and solar home systems. From there, customers can then graduate to digital financial services such as loans and health insurance.
One of M-KOPA's customers, Anthony, is an entrepreneur managing a delivery business. Anthony transitioned from a gas-powered motorbike, which he rented daily, to owning an electric motorbike through M-KOPA. The bike has not only increased Anthony’s savings but also opened up additional income streams, as he now serves as an M-KOPA sales agent during his regular deliveries. Anthony said of his transition from the gas-powered motorbike, “The fuel consumption prices were cutting into my daily margins, and I wasn’t able to save money to expand my business. With an M-KOPA electric bike, I know once I have paid off my loan, I will own the bike and be able to save more money. I am already saving more money and enjoy riding the electric bike more as it is faster, quieter and has a long radius. I can charge at home overnight and then it will last all day.’’
Looking ahead, Anthony aspires to grow his business, provide job opportunities, and contribute to the prosperity of others and their families.
Renewable Energy
Small Business
Gender Equity
