OPIC - Overseas Private Investment Corporation

Peak Rare Earths is focused on developing the Ngualla Rare Earth Project in Tanzania, aiming to become a long-term, low-cost producer of neodymium and praseodymium, essential metals for high-growth applications in low carbon technologies, including electric mobility and clean energy. Based in Perth, Australia, Peak discovered rare earth mineralization at Ngualla in 2010 and is advancing the project in collaboration with investors such as the Appian Natural Resource Fund and the International Finance Corporation. The company is well-funded to progress its Bankable Feasibility Study, having already established a strong Mineral Resource base and a proven low-cost metallurgical process. Current development efforts are based on a fraction of the total Mineral Resource, indicating the potential for several decades of production and future expansion. In addition to rare earths, early-stage evaluations of nearby niobium-tantalum and phosphate mineralization may provide opportunities for further commodity development once rare earth production is underway.

Twiga Foods Ltd. is a mobile-based supply platform that caters to retail outlets, kiosks, and market stalls across Africa. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the company facilitates a cashless, business-to-business supply chain that connects small and medium-sized vendors with essential agricultural products. Twiga Foods enables vendors to order a variety of supplies, including bananas, pineapples, and tomatoes, through its innovative platform, streamlining the distribution process in urban markets. This approach not only enhances efficiency but also supports local businesses by improving access to quality produce.

D.light is a developer of solar home lighting and power products aimed at making clean energy accessible and affordable for rural and semi-urban populations. The company's offerings include a range of solar-powered devices such as lights, radios, televisions, fans, and other home appliances, all of which are part of rechargeable solar kits. These products are designed to improve health, increase productivity, and enhance the overall quality of life for users by providing reliable and sustainable energy solutions.

Union Bank of Nigeria Plc is a full-service commercial bank headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. Established in 1917, the bank serves a diverse clientele, including individuals, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and large corporations, primarily in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. It operates through four main segments: Retail Banking, Commercial Banking, Corporate Banking, and Treasury. Union Bank offers a variety of financial products and services, such as current and savings accounts, debit cards, online and mobile banking, SME solutions, loans, credit services, and cash management. The bank is a subsidiary of Union Global Partners Limited and is committed to supporting economic growth through its comprehensive banking solutions.

Cholamandalam is an Indian assurance firm that provides a range of assurance schemes, including accident, engineering, health, liability, marine, motor, property, travel, and rural insurance for individuals and corporate assurance. Cholamandalam’s assurance products targeted at individuals include health insurance, car insurance, travel insurance, home insurance, and personal accident insurance. While its products targeted at corporate firms include health, fire, engineering projects, engineering operations, property crime, marine insurance, and liability insurance. Cholamandalam was established in 2001 as a result of a joint venture between Murugappa Group, a major South Indian business conglomerate and Japan’s largest general insurance firm, the Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Group.

responsAbility Investments AG, established in 2003, is a leading impact asset manager based in Zurich, Switzerland. It manages over USD 3 billion in assets, invested in approximately 450 companies across 90 emerging economies. responsAbility focuses on three key investment themes: Financial Inclusion, Climate Finance, and Sustainable Food, aligning its strategies with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. The firm specializes in private market investments, including private debt and equity, and has disbursed over USD 10 billion since inception. responsAbility has local offices in Bangkok, Lima, Mumbai, Nairobi, Oslo, Paris, and Tbilisi, and is registered with the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA. It is owned by various reputable Swiss and international financial institutions, private investors, and its own employees.

Proximity Designs is a non-profit organization founded in 2004 that focuses on improving the livelihoods of farmers in Myanmar through innovative agricultural solutions. The organization designs and manufactures a range of farming equipment, including sprinklers, solar irrigation pumps, and hand-powered water pumps. In addition to its agricultural products, Proximity Designs offers agronomy advisory services, social services, and agricultural financing through Proximity Finance, a microfinance institution that currently serves approximately 100,000 households with plans to expand significantly in the coming years. The organization aims to promote sustainable farming practices and enhance economic opportunities for rural communities in Myanmar. Headquartered in South Pasadena, California, it also operates an office in Yangon, Myanmar.

ReNew is a leading decarbonization solutions company in India, focused on developing and operating clean energy projects to meet the country's growing energy demands sustainably and responsibly. As of March 31, 2023, ReNew's clean energy portfolio encompasses approximately 13.7 GW, making it one of the largest globally. The company offers comprehensive solutions that include wind and solar power, hydro power, and transmission lines, with a significant portion of its revenue generated from the wind power segment. Additionally, ReNew emphasizes the importance of digitalization, energy storage, and carbon markets in its operations, aiming to address climate change in an inclusive manner while contributing to the transition towards a cleaner energy future.

Twiga Foods Ltd. is a mobile-based supply platform that caters to retail outlets, kiosks, and market stalls across Africa. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the company facilitates a cashless, business-to-business supply chain that connects small and medium-sized vendors with essential agricultural products. Twiga Foods enables vendors to order a variety of supplies, including bananas, pineapples, and tomatoes, through its innovative platform, streamlining the distribution process in urban markets. This approach not only enhances efficiency but also supports local businesses by improving access to quality produce.

Kashf Foundation, established in 1996, is a leading microfinance institution in Pakistan dedicated to empowering poor women and their families through financial services. The foundation has disbursed $202 million in loans, reaching over one million individuals and providing them with access to essential financial capital. Its offerings include general, business, and home improvement loans, along with insurance products, all aimed at improving the economic status of low-income households. By focusing on women's economic self-reliance, Kashf Foundation fosters entrepreneurship and enhances the overall well-being of its clients.

Tugende is a financial services company based in Kampala, Uganda, focused on empowering informal sector entrepreneurs and small to medium-sized enterprises. Founded in 2012, Tugende primarily assists motorcycle taxi drivers in transitioning from renting to owning their motorcycles within eighteen months, thereby enhancing their income, job security, and road safety. In addition to motorcycles, Tugende provides business assets such as special hire taxis, matatus, and boat engines, as well as supplementary assets for existing clients like smartphones and salon equipment. The company also offers a range of services, including care services for health and life insurance, safety training, and value-added services like genuine parts and maintenance support. By addressing the credit gap and facilitating asset ownership, Tugende helps clients achieve financial independence and sustainable livelihoods.

Grameen Impact India (GIII) is a registered non-banking financial company (NBFC) that specializes in lending to social enterprises, emphasizing the importance of both financial returns and social impact. Established to support a range of high-quality social enterprises, GIII provides loans across various stages of development, from early-stage to mature entities. The organization focuses on sectors such as financial services, affordable education and skills development, affordable health, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy. GIII aims to facilitate access to debt capital, which is essential for scaling up these social enterprises and extending their reach to underserved and marginalized populations.

Mobius Motors Ltd. designs, manufactures, and sells vehicles tailored for the African mass market, focusing on the specific needs of consumers in developing regions. Founded in 2011 and based in Nairobi, Kenya, the company produces affordable vehicles that facilitate the transportation of heavy cargo, operate effectively over rough terrains, and serve public transport and goods delivery needs. By providing appropriate transport solutions, Mobius Motors aims to enhance mobility in rural Africa and contribute to a more connected and prosperous continent.

Orb Energy specializes in providing affordable renewable energy solutions for off-grid households in India, primarily through solar home systems. The company offers these systems at a cost of USD 4 per month, catering to low-income customers by leveraging a robust retail distribution network. Currently operating 90 branches, Orb Energy plans to expand significantly, aiming to double its branches and workforce within the next two years, thereby reaching an estimated 250,000 individuals. In addition to solar home systems, Orb Energy is involved in the design, manufacture, installation, and servicing of solar photovoltaic systems for power generation, as well as solar thermal systems for hot water and related lighting components and appliances.

IndusInd Bank Limited, established in 1994 and headquartered in Mumbai, India, is a private sector commercial bank that provides a wide range of banking products and services to individuals, non-resident Indians (NRIs), businesses, and government entities. The bank operates through segments such as Treasury Operations, Corporate and Wholesale Banking, and Retail Banking. It offers various account types, including current, savings, and fixed deposits, as well as a variety of loans, including home, personal, and business loans. Additionally, IndusInd Bank provides transaction banking services, investment products, and insurance solutions. The bank also emphasizes technology in its operations, ensuring multi-channel delivery capabilities. As of recent reports, IndusInd Bank has a significant presence in India with numerous branches and ATMs, alongside representative offices in London, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. The bank is recognized for its role in the financial sector, serving both consumer and corporate needs effectively.

Yes Bank Limited is a private sector bank based in Mumbai, India, providing a wide range of banking and financial services primarily within the Indian market. The bank operates through various segments, including Treasury, Corporate/Wholesale Banking, Retail Banking, and Other Banking Operations. It offers corporate banking services such as working capital finance, term loans, trade finance, and cash management. Retail banking products include personal loans, home loans, and vehicle financing, as well as services tailored for micro, small, and medium enterprises. Additionally, Yes Bank provides financial advisory services to government entities and various financial institutions, along with transaction banking services like foreign exchange and supply chain finance. The bank also focuses on investment banking, offering mergers and acquisitions advisory and capital advisory services. As of March 2020, Yes Bank operated 1,135 branches and had 1,423 ATMs across the country. Founded in 2004, it has established itself as a significant player in the Indian banking sector.

IndusInd Bank Limited, established in 1994 and headquartered in Mumbai, India, is a private sector commercial bank that provides a wide range of banking products and services to individuals, non-resident Indians (NRIs), businesses, and government entities. The bank operates through segments such as Treasury Operations, Corporate and Wholesale Banking, and Retail Banking. It offers various account types, including current, savings, and fixed deposits, as well as a variety of loans, including home, personal, and business loans. Additionally, IndusInd Bank provides transaction banking services, investment products, and insurance solutions. The bank also emphasizes technology in its operations, ensuring multi-channel delivery capabilities. As of recent reports, IndusInd Bank has a significant presence in India with numerous branches and ATMs, alongside representative offices in London, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. The bank is recognized for its role in the financial sector, serving both consumer and corporate needs effectively.

Atlas Mara Limited is a financial services group based in Road Town, British Virgin Islands, that focuses on providing banking operations across sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. The company offers a range of corporate and retail financial services tailored to corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises, and individual customers. It operates primarily in Nigeria, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, with the majority of its revenue generated from its Botswana segment. Atlas Mara, formed by Atlas Merchant Capital LLC and Mara Group Holdings Limited, seeks to engage in potential acquisitions, particularly within the financial services sector, and has plans for future growth and expansion through both internal development and additional acquisitions.

Tikona Infinet, a subsidiary of Tikona Digital Networks, specializes in providing wireless broadband services tailored for the domestic enterprise market in India. Founded in 2008 and based in Mumbai, Tikona has developed an extensive IP network that operates in 25 cities, with plans for expansion into tier-III and semi-urban markets. The company holds an all-India class A ISP license, allowing it to offer next-generation wireless broadband solutions, including 4G LTE connectivity. Tikona Infinet’s services encompass secure Virtual Private Network (VPN) access, business mailing, data center management, and internet solutions, facilitated through strategically placed Points of Presence (POP) and Wireless Broadband (WBB) base stations. The company focuses on delivering reliable and scalable broadband services, ensuring optimal bandwidth usage and high-quality connectivity for its clients. Tikona's commitment to meeting global standards is reflected in its advanced data center infrastructure, which has garnered positive feedback from customers for its flexibility and manageability in supporting modern business needs.

Nova Lumos, based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, specializes in generating and distributing renewable electricity through off-grid solar systems. The company offers residential rooftop solar solutions designed to power various devices, including lights, phone chargers, small televisions, and fans. Its smart solar systems can be managed through a mobile phone, allowing customers to pay for their electricity usage using airtime, making it accessible and user-friendly. By targeting small businesses and homes, Nova Lumos aims to promote sustainable energy solutions while providing reliable electricity access to underserved communities.

Azure Power is a leading provider of solar energy in India, specializing in the development, construction, ownership, operation, and maintenance of solar power plants. The company focuses on generating solar energy while managing all associated responsibilities and complexities, allowing customers to benefit from renewable power without incurring high upfront costs. Azure Power generates revenue from a diverse clientele that includes both central and state government utilities, as well as commercial entities. Its operational capacity is primarily concentrated in regions with high solar irradiation, such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh.

Mawingu Networks Limited is a telecommunications company based in Nanyuki, Kenya, that focuses on providing wireless Internet services to rural and underserved communities in Africa. Founded in 2013, the company leverages high-performance, low-cost wireless technology combined with solar power to establish fast and reliable internet networks. Mawingu Networks offers Wi-Fi access through public hotspots and broadband connectivity for homes and businesses, employing open technologies to create a scalable network that ensures secure and seamless connectivity even in challenging geographical conditions. By addressing the connectivity gap in remote areas, Mawingu Networks plays a crucial role in enhancing digital access and promoting economic development in the region.

Ashv Finance Limited is a non-banking finance company based in Mumbai, India, dedicated to providing tailored debt financing solutions to small and growing businesses, particularly those classified as 'missing middle' enterprises. Incorporated in 1998 and rebranded in November 2020, the company specializes in offering collateral-free working capital loans and supply chain financing, including bill discounting loans for sectors such as agriculture, clean energy, education, healthcare, and water and sanitation. Ashv Finance focuses on supporting businesses by assessing their cash flow trajectories rather than relying solely on traditional collateral, positioning itself as a debt solutions provider for early-stage and high-growth enterprises. Through its innovative approach, Ashv Finance aims to empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to unlock their growth potential and contribute positively to Environmental, Social, and Governance outcomes.

Root Capital, Inc. is a non-profit organization based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, founded in 1999. It focuses on supporting poor and environmentally vulnerable communities in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia by providing capital, financial training, and market connections to small and growing agricultural businesses. The organization aims to enhance rural prosperity by investing in agricultural enterprises that purchase crops such as coffee, cocoa, and grains from smallholder farmers. Through its initiatives, Root Capital helps these businesses thrive, thereby transforming rural communities and addressing their financial and market challenges. The organization has additional offices in Costa Rica, Kenya, Nicaragua, Senegal, and Mexico.

Bayport Management Ltd is a financial services provider founded in 2001 and headquartered in Ebene, Mauritius. Through its subsidiaries, the company offers a range of retail financial services across multiple countries, including Mauritius, Botswana, Colombia, Ghana, Mexico, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. Its product offerings include personal loans, such as payroll and retail loans, as well as savings accounts, flexible deposits, and transaction accounts. Additionally, Bayport provides mobile banking solutions, e-wallets, payment kiosks, and ATM services. The company also offers various insurance products, including credit insurance, education protection plans, and coverage for hospital and funeral expenses. Bayport Management generates revenue primarily through interest income and administration fees associated with its financial products and services.

Caspian Impact Investments, established in 2013, is a Hyderabad-based investment advisory firm that specializes in growth capital investments. It focuses on seed, startup, and early-stage companies, primarily in India, seeking to generate both social and environmental impact alongside competitive financial returns. The firm invests in a range of sectors, including microfinance, affordable housing, small business financing, and last-mile banking, with a particular emphasis on addressing the needs of the excluded low-income and informal sector population. Caspian Impact Investments provides debt and equity capital, as well as lending and investment services, to support the growth and sustainability of its portfolio companies.

BMR Energy plans, builds, and operates bioenergy plants, wind turbines, and solar power plants. It is based in Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany.

Simpa is a company based in Karnataka, India, that provides solar power systems to households and shops in rural areas. Founded in 2010, the company aims to make clean energy simple, affordable, and accessible. Customers pay a small initial fee to have a solar photovoltaic (PV) system installed, after which they use a pay-as-you-go model for electricity, similar to pre-paid cell phone plans. The payments contribute towards the total purchase price of the system, and once fully paid, customers own the solar system outright, gaining access to clean and reliable electricity at no further cost. Simpa's offerings include an integrated set of hardware and software for essential services like lighting, cooling, and entertainment, enhancing the convenience and quality of life for users in underserved regions.

SunEdison is a global energy solutions provider, specializing in solar power. The company offers a comprehensive range of services, from design and installation to maintenance, catering to residential, commercial, and utility customers. SunEdison's expertise lies in developing, financing, and operating renewable power plants, delivering reliable and cost-effective energy solutions tailored to each client's unique needs.

SunEdison is a global energy solutions provider, specializing in solar power. The company offers a comprehensive range of services, from design and installation to maintenance, catering to residential, commercial, and utility customers. SunEdison's expertise lies in developing, financing, and operating renewable power plants, delivering reliable and cost-effective energy solutions tailored to each client's unique needs.

BURN Design Lab is a nonprofit organization focused on creating customized biomass stove solutions for the developing world. The organization collaborates with implementing partners to establish sustainable stove dissemination systems that address cooking needs while tackling issues such as deforestation, women's health, and global warming. BURN's primary activities include the design, local manufacture, and distribution of fuel-efficient cooking products aimed at enhancing the lives of underserved communities. Operating a modern manufacturing facility near Nairobi, BURN produces a stove every minute, making it the largest facility of its kind in Africa. Their range of affordable and durable cookstoves, which include biomass, liquid fuel, and electric options, is designed to reduce harmful emissions and improve indoor air quality, enabling families to cook safely and sustainably while protecting their health and the environment.

IONIQ Group is an entrepreneurial investment firm based in Berlin, established in 2011 by Jan Beckers, Hendrik Krawinkel, and Tim Koschella. The firm focuses on building platforms of synergistic companies across various emerging digital markets. Initially starting in the data and advertising sector, IONIQ has successfully launched over 20 companies, including notable ventures like Zeotap and finleap, which is now a leading fintech platform in Europe. In 2017, IONIQ expanded into the healthcare sector with its digital health platform, Heartbeat Labs. Employing more than 1,200 professionals across over 10 global locations, many of IONIQ's companies have achieved profitability within three years of launch, establishing themselves as leaders in their respective fields.