Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA)

The Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) is a multi-donor trust fund administered by the African Development Bank (AfDB). It was established in 2012 with the primary objective of supporting African countries in their transition to sustainable energy.

SEFA provides technical assistance, capacity building, and funding to African governments, private sector entities, and other stakeholders to help develop renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. The fund focuses on four main areas: project development, equity investments, results-based financing, and capacity building.

SEFA's project development support includes feasibility studies, environmental and social impact assessments, and project structuring assistance. It also provides equity investments to early-stage projects and results-based financing to incentivize the achievement of predetermined energy access and greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. Capacity building activities are aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of African governments, utilities, and other stakeholders involved in the energy sector.

SEFA is supported by various donors, including Denmark, the United Kingdom, the United States, Sweden, and Italy. As of 2021, it has committed over US$240 million to 68 projects in 38 African countries, mobilizing over US$2.5 billion in private sector investments.

SEFA's activities contribute to the African Development Bank's New Deal on Energy for Africa, which aims to provide universal access to energy on the continent by 2025.

Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) History

The Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) was established in 2012 by the African Development Bank (AfDB), with initial funding from the Governments of Denmark and the United States. The fund was created in response to the need for increased investment in sustainable energy in Africa, as access to reliable and affordable energy is crucial for the continent's economic growth and social development.

SEFA's establishment was also driven by the need to promote the use of clean and renewable energy sources in Africa, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and combat climate change. The fund was designed to support African governments and other stakeholders in developing renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, which would improve energy access, reduce energy costs, and create employment opportunities.

Since its establishment, SEFA has received funding from other donors, including the United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy, and the African Development Bank itself. The fund has also collaborated with other institutions, such as the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the Climate Investment Funds (CIF), to increase its impact and reach.

SEFA's work has contributed significantly to the development of sustainable energy projects in Africa. As of 2021, the fund has committed over US$240 million to support 68 projects in 38 African countries, mobilizing over US$2.5 billion in private sector investments. These projects range from renewable energy generation, energy efficiency, and energy access initiatives.

SEFA has also played an important role in building the capacity of African governments and other stakeholders in the energy sector, through training programs and technical assistance. The fund's efforts have contributed to the African Development Bank's New Deal on Energy for Africa, which aims to achieve universal access to energy on the continent by 2025.

Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) Profile Data

Here are some profile data on the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA):

Year established: 2012

Administrator: African Development Bank (AfDB)

Primary objective: Supporting African countries in their transition to sustainable energy

Funding sources: Denmark, United States, United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy, and the African Development Bank

Focus areas: project development, equity investments, results-based financing, and capacity building

Total committed funding (as of 2021): over US$240 million

Number of supported projects: 68

Number of countries supported: 38

Private sector investments mobilized (as of 2021): over US$2.5 billion

Collaborating institutions: International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Climate Investment Funds (CIF)

Contribution to the African Development Bank's New Deal on Energy for Africa: Supporting the goal of achieving universal access to energy on the continent by 2025.

Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) Director Board and Member

The Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) is administered by the African Development Bank (AfDB), which appoints the Director of SEFA. The current Director of SEFA is Ousseynou Nakoulima.

SEFA's governance structure includes a Board of Directors, which is responsible for overseeing the fund's activities and ensuring that its objectives are met. 

The Board of Directors comprises the following members:

African Development Bank (AfDB)

Denmark

United Kingdom

United States

Sweden

Italy

A representative from the private sector

The Board of Directors meets twice a year to review SEFA's progress and approve new projects for funding. The Board is also responsible for ensuring that SEFA operates in line with its objectives and complies with international best practices in sustainable energy financing.

In addition to the Board of Directors, SEFA also has a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), which provides technical guidance and support to the fund's operations. The TAC is composed of experts from various fields, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, project finance, and environmental and social safeguards. The TAC meets twice a year to review SEFA's technical assistance and project development activities and to provide recommendations for improvement.

Headquarter, web, email and Phone

The headquarters of the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) is located at the African Development Bank (AfDB) headquarters in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire.

SEFA does not have its own website or email address. However, information about SEFA's activities and how to contact the fund can be found on the AfDB's website at https://www.afdb.org/en/topics-and-sectors/initiatives-partnerships/sustainable-energy-fund-africa-sefa.

To contact SEFA, you can send an email to [email protected] or call the AfDB headquarters at +225 2026 3900.

Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) Project

The Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) has supported a variety of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in Africa. 

Here are some examples of SEFA projects:

Solar power plant in Burkina Faso: SEFA provided a grant to support the construction of a 20 MW solar power plant in Burkina Faso. The project, which was completed in 2019, has increased the country's renewable energy capacity and improved energy access for its population.

Geothermal power project in Kenya: SEFA provided a grant to support the development of a 35 MW geothermal power project in Kenya. The project, which was completed in 2015, has helped to reduce Kenya's dependence on fossil fuels and increase its renewable energy capacity.

Energy efficiency program in South Africa: SEFA provided a grant to support an energy efficiency program in South Africa, which aimed to improve energy efficiency in public buildings and reduce energy costs. The program, which was completed in 2020, has resulted in significant energy savings and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Off-grid solar project in Rwanda: SEFA provided a grant to support an off-grid solar project in Rwanda, which aimed to improve energy access for rural communities. The project, which was completed in 2018, has provided electricity to over 4,500 households and created jobs in the local community.

Wind power project in Ethiopia: SEFA provided a grant to support the development of a 120 MW wind power project in Ethiopia. The project, which is currently under construction, will increase Ethiopia's renewable energy capacity and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.

SEFA's projects have contributed significantly to the development of sustainable energy in Africa, improving energy access, reducing energy costs, and creating employment opportunities.

Conclusion for Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) Review

The Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) is a key player in promoting sustainable energy development in Africa. Since its establishment in 2012, 

SEFA has provided significant support to renewable energy and energy efficiency projects across the continent. Its focus on project development, equity investments, results-based financing, and capacity building has helped to mobilize private sector investment and create employment opportunities, while also contributing to the achievement of universal access to energy on the continent. 

SEFA's partnerships with international organizations such as the African Development Bank, IRENA, and CIF have further strengthened its impact and effectiveness. As Africa continues to face energy challenges, SEFA's role in promoting sustainable energy development will remain critical to achieving a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future for the continent.