We offer free investment advice and negotiation services and connect African governments with investors to realize viable renewable energy projects across the continent.
Qualified financial services & consulting – free of charge.
Identification
We identify renewable energy projects in African countries that have the highest potential from investor’s perspective.
Strengthening
We conduct in-depth analysis and find ways to strengthen technical and financial aspects of the projects.
Presentation
We prepare compelling project documents, presentations and pitches, geared towards respective investment criteria.
Sourcing
We identify suitable sources of finance, explore blended and mezzanine finance solutions and use de-risking mechanisms.
Engagement
We engage with potential investors, address questions on technical and financial aspects and provide information as needed.
Negotiation
We offer efficient and effective expert support for investor negotiations to arrive at mutually agreeable terms.
We analyze and strengthen technical and financial project plans, prepare clear and compelling project documents, find suitable financing and support negotiations until closure.
We bring green energy projects over the finish line.
African Energy Now bridges the gap between investment-ready projects
and their future investors.
Are you an investor? Contact us!
90
USD investment in renewable energy projects over the past decade (2010 — 2020).
46
sustainable energy projects are investment-ready in Tanzania alone.
2000
USD investment in African power infrastructure is required by 2040.
60
of the best solar resources globally are located in Africa. Yet only 1% of installed PV is on the continent.
A growing market with many opportunities.
Most African countries are pursuing ambitious renewable energy targets through recently adopted national policies, strategies and incentive programmes. This has resulted in the preparation of hundreds of medium and large-scale renewable energy projects across the continent.
Projects are there – but unknown to investors.
Despite significant investments in the preparation of renewable energy, most of them have not secured financing to date. They often face problems with identifying suitable financial sources, bringing technical and financial aspects in line with investment criteria and managing time-intensive negotiations.
There is a capacity problem. Not a money problem.
On the other side, many investors are interested in the growing African renewable energy market, but unable to find bankable projects. Often both sides do not have the capacity to make project finance work.
We work it all out – from start to financial close.
African Energy Now is bridging this gap by presenting investment-ready projects and supporting both project owners and investors throughout the process. We facilitate targeted engagements, clarify questions, address concerns and negotiate terms for financial close.
5
USD in 2020: average annual renewable energy investment has increased ten-fold over the past decade.
A growing market with many opportunities.
Most African countries are pursuing ambitious renewable energy targets through recently adopted national policies, strategies and incentive programmes. This has resulted in the preparation of hundreds of medium and large-scale renewable energy projects across the continent.
46
sustainable energy projects are investment-ready in Tanzania alone.
Projects are there – but unknown to investors.
Despite significant investments in the preparation of renewable energy, most of them have not secured financing to date. They often face problems with identifying suitable financial sources, bringing technical and financial aspects in line with investment criteria and managing time-intensive negotiations.
2
USD investment in African power infrastructure is required by 2040.
There is a capacity problem. Not a money problem.
On the other side, many investors are interested in the growing African renewable energy market, but unable to find bankable projects. Often both sides do not have the capacity to make project finance work.
60
of the best solar resources globally are located in Africa. Yet only 1% of installed PV is on the continent.
We work it all out – from start to financial close.
African Energy Now is bridging this gap by presenting investment-ready projects and supporting both project owners and investors throughout the process. We facilitate targeted engagements, clarify questions, address concerns and negotiate terms for financial close.
10 African countries recently undertook regulatory reforms in the renewable energy sector to attract investment. These span changes to increase subsidies, improve debt-equity ratio for IPPs and provide government guarantees.
Projects
Projects are selected by our government partners based on our analytical work. African Energy Now aims to contribute to the proliferation of all renewable energy technologies on the continent and has strong technical and financing expertise in generation of solar, wind and geothermal energy.
Solar Energy
Wind Energy
Geothermal Energy
Ideal conditions and high effectiveness
Africa’s most abundant energy resource with a capacity to ensure climate-resilient power sectors on the continent.
Huge untapped potential
Wind is a growing energy resource in Africa, where some of the world’s highest potential for wind energy generation remains untapped.
Complementing solar and wind power in the energy mix
With high capability for stable power generation, geothermal energy is an ideal energy resource to meet base load power demand.
Solar Energy
Ideal conditions and high effectiveness
Africa’s most abundant energy resource with a capacity to ensure climate-resilient power sectors on the continent.
Wind Energy
Complementing solar power in the mix
Wind is a growing energy resource in Africa, where some of the world’s highest potential for wind energy generation remains untapped.
Geothermal Energy
The foundation for steady power supply
With high capability for stable power generation, geothermal energy is an ideal energy resource to meet base load power demand.
Renewable energy has a crucial role in ensuring low-emission and climate-resilient development pathways of African countries in line with the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals.
African Energy Now is a grant-funded programme designed to connect African governments with investors and realize renewable energy projects across the continent.
Our team provides free expertise on technical, financial and presentational aspects of renewable energy projects.
We support investments from initial exchanges of information to negotiated terms for financial close.
Our work is made possible through the generous support provided by the ClimateWorks Foundation.
Meet the team
We are a team of seasoned renewable energy project development and financing experts with vast experience in different African countries.
Amb. Seyni Nafo
Senior Strategy and Policy Advisor
Amb. Nafo is a seasoned climate diplomat and expert in renewable energy financing. He spearheaded the Africa Renewable Energy Initiative and served as Director of the Initiative’s Secretariat.
He is a member of the Green Climate Fund Board and of the UN Secretary-General High-Level Advisory Group on Climate Action. For over a decade, Amb. Nafo served as Chair- & Spokesperson of the African Group in the climate change process.
Dr. Belachew Fikre
Senior Investment Advisor
Dr. Fikre is a senior investment advisor and former commissioner of the Ethiopian Investment Commission.
He has worked for the Government of Ethiopia, development cooperation agencies and the private sector on the identification and facilitation of international and domestic investments in Ethiopia, including on financing of large-scale investments in energy and industry.
Dr. Richard Muyungi
Senior Renewable Energy Financing Expert
Dr. Muyungi is a senior expert in climate finance and renewable energy.
He has worked for the Government of Tanzania for over thirty years, including as Director of Environment of the Vice-President’s Office and as Manager for the government-owned Tanzania National Energy Company, overseeing the renewable energy portfolio implemented under the Ministry of Energy.
Hilawe Tesema
Senior Renewable Energy Project Developer
Mr. Tesema has extensive experience in the energy sector with particular emphasis on the utilization of renewable energy resources, including solar, wind, micro hydro and biomass.
He is a senior energy and environment analyst and adviser with over thirty years of experience in the development and management of renewable energy projects in African countries.
Dr. Cornelia Tremann
Research Manager
Dr. Tremann is an expert in researching, analyzing, and synthesizing renewable energy data and information into clear and engaging knowledge products.
She holds a PhD in political economy of development with a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa and China-Africa relations, is a published author in academic and policy journals, and has spent her career living and working in Madagascar, China, Senegal and Gabon.
Manal Ismail
Analyst & Researcher
Ms. Ismail is a renewable energy analyst with experience in solar and wind energy, green hydrogen and transmission grid substations.
She has worked for IRENA, Siemens Energy, Siemens Gamesa, Schneider Electric and the University of Oslo.
Nobantu Modise
Communications & Outreach Manager
Ms. Modise is a multi-media journalist and multi-discipled creative with experience in digital and traditional marketing, custom publishing, sustainability and strategic communications.
In her various roles she has catered to clients and initiatives from the business and media industries in different markets from all continents.
Alexander Demissie
Executive Director
Mr. Demissie is a senior investment advisor with extensive experience in project development and project financing, including in the areas of renewable energy, transportation and industry.
He has worked with governments, multilateral organizations and the private sector across the African continent, Europe and China.
Stay informed – join our mailing list
Get updates on renewable energy investment opportunities in Africa,
upcoming events and the work of the team.
