Acumen has announced the launch of its second Kawisafi fund, securing \$90 million in approved capital to drive climate solutions across Africa. This milestone fund aims to back companies that provide clean and affordable energy to underserved communities, develop resilient transport solutions, expand access to safe cooking alternatives, and open new opportunities for carbon financing. The initiative underscores Acumen’s commitment to tackling climate change while unlocking economic opportunities across the continent.
The Kawisafi Fund II is a strong response to the growing investor interest in Africa’s climate-tech ecosystem. In the first half of 2025, climate-tech accounted for 21% of total funding raised on the continent, reflecting both urgency and opportunity in the sector. Yet, despite being one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change, Africa only receives 3% of global climate finance while contributing 4% to global emissions. This fund aims to bridge that gap by channeling much-needed capital into high-impact ventures.
Building on the success of Kawisafi Fund I, which launched in 2016 with \$67 million, the second fund is strategically positioned to scale solutions further. Fund I had already reached 213 million people and saved 45 million tons of carbon emissions by Q3 2024, setting a powerful precedent for impact. With Fund II, Acumen aims to support innovators who can reach 50 million people and prevent 50 million tons of emissions, thereby amplifying both environmental and social outcomes across Africa.
Acumen’s approach combines equity with deep partnership, enabling entrepreneurs to scale beyond their home markets and professionalize operations. As highlighted by Aman Inamdar, Managing Director of KawiSafi Ventures, the fund will serve as a catalyst for startups strong enough to attract international interest while delivering transformative solutions to local markets. A recent example is the \$11 million Series A funding for Koolboks, a solar-powered freezer startup, co-led by KawiSafi to expand across Africa and build a local assembly plant in Nigeria.
While the fund has secured approval for \$90 million, \$40 million has already been committed and is ready to be deployed. Key backers include the African Development Bank’s Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA), the Green Climate Fund, the Schmidt Family Foundation, and the Quadrature Climate Foundation. According to João Duarte Cunha, Head of Division at the African Development Bank, KawiSafi’s launch comes at a critical time, providing essential venture and growth capital to scale innovative low-carbon solutions and mobilize private investment.
The second Kawisafi fund represents more than capital—it signals a vision for Africa’s energy transition. By blending global capital with local innovation, it positions climate-tech startups not just as regional players but as global leaders in sustainability. This momentum demonstrates how targeted investments can empower Africa to leapfrog traditional systems, build resilience, and lead in creating scalable climate solutions.
