Norfund

Norfund is a Norwegian government organization founded in 1997, based in Oslo, that focuses on reducing poverty and enhancing economic development in low-income countries. It serves as an active, strategic minority investor, providing risk capital, equity, and loans to businesses in regions where access to financing is limited. Primarily operating in Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as selected areas in Southeast Asia and Central America, Norfund aims to foster sustainable business growth in environments where the private sector is underdeveloped. The organization also invests in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to further support local economic initiatives. Through its investments, Norfund seeks to create a significant positive impact on the economies of the countries it targets.

Fay Chetnakarnkul

Investment Director, Head of Asia Region

Carlos Escobar

Senior Investment Manager, Financial Institutions

Finn Marum

Executive Vice President

Athivadee Panuvatvanich

Investment Associate

Kjell Roland

Managing Director and CEO

Lisa Huun Thomsen

Senior Investment Manager, Clean Energy

Tellef Thorleifsson

CEO

Past deals in East Africa

d.light

Venture Round in 2021
d.light is a company that designs, manufactures, and distributes solar lighting and power products, primarily aimed at households and small businesses lacking reliable electricity. Founded in 2007 as a for-profit social enterprise, d.light has developed a range of products, including solar lanterns, home systems, and various appliances, to serve over 2 billion people globally. With distribution hubs in East and West Africa, India, Southeast Asia, and the United States, the company has reached over 65 million individuals, providing affordable and accessible solar solutions. d.light is committed to transforming energy usage and payment methods, enhancing the quality of life for users in rural and semi-urban areas through its innovative solar-powered products. The company operates from its headquarters in Palo Alto, California, with additional offices in key locations such as Shenzhen, China; Gurgaon, India; Nairobi, Kenya; Kampala, Uganda; and Lagos, Nigeria.

d.light

Series E in 2018
d.light is a company that designs, manufactures, and distributes solar lighting and power products, primarily aimed at households and small businesses lacking reliable electricity. Founded in 2007 as a for-profit social enterprise, d.light has developed a range of products, including solar lanterns, home systems, and various appliances, to serve over 2 billion people globally. With distribution hubs in East and West Africa, India, Southeast Asia, and the United States, the company has reached over 65 million individuals, providing affordable and accessible solar solutions. d.light is committed to transforming energy usage and payment methods, enhancing the quality of life for users in rural and semi-urban areas through its innovative solar-powered products. The company operates from its headquarters in Palo Alto, California, with additional offices in key locations such as Shenzhen, China; Gurgaon, India; Nairobi, Kenya; Kampala, Uganda; and Lagos, Nigeria.

M-Kopa

Debt Financing in 2017
M-Kopa Kenya Limited is a leading provider of solar home systems, specializing in pay-as-you-go energy services for off-grid customers. Founded in 2011 and based in Nairobi, Kenya, M-Kopa began commercial operations in 2012 and has since expanded its reach to Uganda and Tanzania. The company offers a range of solar products, including systems that provide lighting, phone charging, and solar-powered radios, which are sold through over 1,000 retail agents and shops. M-Kopa utilizes a proprietary technology platform that integrates mobile payments and IoT connectivity, allowing customers without credit histories to access essential products and services. With a dedicated team of over 500 staff, the company is committed to delivering innovative solutions that meet the needs of underserved communities, continually improving its offerings through data-driven insights and customer relationship management.

responsAbility Renewable Energy Holding

Private Equity Round in 2017
responsAbility Renewable Energy Holding are energy efficiency and renewable energy investments are dedicated to contributing to the mitigation of climate change through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Verde Beef Processing

Private Equity Round in 2017
Verde Beef Processing PLC is a beef production company based in Adami Tulu, Ethiopia, established in 2014. It operates a feedlot on a 1,300-hectare farm, specializing in cattle farming and industrial livestock production. The company focuses on raw beef meat processing and exports its products to markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, offering premium quality Ethiopian beef. Led by experienced agribusiness managers, Bruce Hamilton and Arnold Krul, Verde Beef Processing aims to leverage its expertise and local resources to meet the growing demand for beef in international markets.

d.light

Grant in 2017
d.light is a company that designs, manufactures, and distributes solar lighting and power products, primarily aimed at households and small businesses lacking reliable electricity. Founded in 2007 as a for-profit social enterprise, d.light has developed a range of products, including solar lanterns, home systems, and various appliances, to serve over 2 billion people globally. With distribution hubs in East and West Africa, India, Southeast Asia, and the United States, the company has reached over 65 million individuals, providing affordable and accessible solar solutions. d.light is committed to transforming energy usage and payment methods, enhancing the quality of life for users in rural and semi-urban areas through its innovative solar-powered products. The company operates from its headquarters in Palo Alto, California, with additional offices in key locations such as Shenzhen, China; Gurgaon, India; Nairobi, Kenya; Kampala, Uganda; and Lagos, Nigeria.

Freight in Time

Private Equity Round in 2016
Freight in Time Limited is a logistics company based in Nairobi, Kenya, specializing in integrated freight and supply chain solutions across East Africa, including South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Djibouti. Established in 1998, it offers a range of services such as sea and air freight, project cargo, express and courier services, warehousing, and inter-regional transportation. The company caters to various sectors, including perishables, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, telecommunications, humanitarian relief, and oil and gas. Freight in Time has developed expertise in handling complex logistics challenges and provides end-to-end solutions, including brokerage services, regional cross-border air and road freight, and both full truckload and less-than-container-load options. With a strategic presence at major ports, airports, and border points, Freight in Time plays a crucial role in enhancing supply chain efficiency in the region.

Globeleq

Private Equity Round in 2015
Globeleq Africa Holdings Limited is a company based in London, United Kingdom, specializing in the development, construction, and operation of independent power plants across Africa. Founded in 2002, it manages a diverse portfolio of power generation assets, including natural gas, solar, wind, heavy fuel oil, and fuel oil facilities. Globeleq aims to empower Africa's growth by implementing various power-generating technologies tailored to different geographical locations. Through its operations, the company seeks to deliver positive impacts on local communities while contributing to a sustainable energy future in the region. Regional offices are located in Nairobi, Kenya; Cape Town, South Africa; and Douala, Cameroon.

Vertical Agro

Venture Round in 2015
Vertical Agro Limited is an independent, vertically integrated company based in Naivasha, Kenya, specializing in the production, processing, exporting, and marketing of fresh and frozen vegetables and fruits. The company operates a state-of-the-art processing facility that adheres to strict food safety standards, ensuring high-quality products for its customers. As a leading grower and exporter in the region, Vertical Agro focuses on delivering the best quality produce, thereby meeting the demands of both local and international markets.

Advans Group

Private Equity Round in 2015
Advans Group is an international microfinance organization established in August 2005 and headquartered in Luxembourg. As the venture capital investment arm of Horus Development Finance, it specializes in providing equity, loans, and guarantees primarily to microfinance institutions across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Advans Group aims to strengthen local businesses, enhance job creation, and improve living standards, thereby promoting private sector-led economic and social development in these regions. One of its subsidiaries, Advans Tunisie, focuses on offering microfinance and credit solutions tailored for retailers, wholesalers, artisans, small industries, services, and small-scale farmers in Tunisia. As a majority shareholder in its investments, Advans Group typically assumes a lead role in the microfinance institutions it supports.

African Century

Private Equity Round in 2014
African Century is a private equity firm established in 2008 and located in Grand Baie, Mauritius. The firm focuses on investments in various sectors, including food, financial services, real estate, and agriculture. Additionally, African Century Infrastructure Services, a subsidiary, specializes in leasing equipment to support the oil and gas industry in Tanzania and Mozambique. This division provides large-scale machinery and equipment, such as forklifts and portable heavy-duty cranes, to facilitate industrial development in these regions.

SN Power

Private Equity Round in 2013
SN Power invests in clean, renewable energy on commercial basis in emerging markets. The company has operations in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Central America and the focus is to acquire, develop, construct and operate hydropower assets. SN Power has several running Hydropower plants in The Philippines, Laos, Zambia and Panama, and the company consist of a multinational team of people employed globally in its operations and projects. In addition to the operating assets, SN Power has an office in Amsterdam, Netherlands and is Head-quartered in Oslo, Norway.

Asilia Africa

Private Equity Round in 2013
Asilia Africa Ltd. is an ecotourism company based in Arusha, Tanzania, founded in 2004. It operates 13 luxury camps and lodges, offering a variety of safari experiences, including flying safaris and combinations of safari and beach properties. The company prioritizes conservation and aims to positively impact the natural habitats where it operates, as well as the local communities. Asilia Africa is dedicated to providing exceptional wilderness experiences characterized by personalized service and knowledgeable guiding. Through its sustainable economic models, the company seeks to enhance wildlife conservation efforts and improve the livelihoods of people living in and around these unique ecosystems.

DFCU Bank

Private Equity Round in 2013
DFCU Bank, established in 1964 and headquartered in Kampala, Uganda, offers a range of commercial banking products and services. The bank provides savings and investment accounts, personal and corporate credit, trade finance, and foreign exchange services. It also facilitates medium and long-term financing for various sectors, including agriculture, education, health, manufacturing, transport, hospitality, tourism, and construction. DFCU Bank actively promotes small and medium enterprises and supports women in business through its tailored financial solutions. With a network of 63 branches and 100 ATMs, the bank ensures accessible banking through internet and mobile platforms, allowing customers to manage their finances conveniently and securely. As a subsidiary of Arise B.V., DFCU Bank has played a significant role in Uganda's economic development.

African Century Foods

Private Equity Round in 2013
African Century Foods (ACF) is Sub-Sahara Africa’s aquaculture producer with tilapia farms in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Uganda. Its supply of affordable, high-quality fresh protein is important in countries facing challenges related to the availability and affordability of food supplies.

Basecamp Explorer AS

Venture Round in 2010
Basecamp Explorer AS is a tourism company based in Oslo, Norway, that specializes in offering tour services focused on natural environments. Founded in 1998, the company operates various hotels, trips, and expeditions in several global destinations, including Svalbard in Norway, Masai Mara and Lamu in Kenya, Solovki in Russia, Rajasthan and Dharamsala in India, and the Pyrenees in France. Basecamp Explorer emphasizes responsible and sustainable travel experiences, catering to nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. The company has established subsidiaries in Norway, Sweden, Kenya, India, and Russia, reflecting its commitment to connecting travelers with unique and pristine landscapes worldwide.

Family Bank

Private Equity Round in 2010
Family Bank is a fully-fledged commercial bank since May 2007. The Bank is regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) and is a member of the Kenya Deposit Insurance Corporation. The Bank is growing with over 1.7 million customers and a network of 93 branches countrywide. It was the first Bank in Kenya to introduce paperless banking through smart card technology.

Agrica

Private Equity Round in 2010
Agrica Limited, founded in September 2005, is an agricultural company based in Guernsey that focuses on developing sustainable agribusinesses in East Africa. The organization aims to address the growing need for modern commercial agriculture and innovative smallholder technologies in the region to enhance food security. Agrica's strategy involves creating a portfolio of model commercial farms complemented by concentric smallholder schemes, fostering thriving local communities and contributing to national food security. The company utilizes intensification techniques to produce quality grains and vegetable oil, thereby supporting import displacement and meeting the demands of local markets.

Serena Hotels

Private Equity Round in 2010
Serena Hotels create buildings of outstanding ethnic design; to offer the highest standards of service and product.

Green Resources

Private Equity Round in 2009
Green Resources is a afforestation company and a leader in East African wood processing. The company has 40,000 ha of standing forest in Mozambique, Tanzania and Uganda, established through its own planting activities. It operates East Africa’s largest sawmill in Tanzania and electricity pole and charcoal plants in Mozambique, Tanzania and Uganda.
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