Africa’s ‘first’ C&I solar funds get US$6 million from OPIC

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The finance will be used for six projects totalling 5.75MW. Credit: IBC Solar.

The US government's Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) has provided US$6 million of debt for a commercial and industrial scale solar fund.

CrossBoundary Energy provides zero upfront solar for businesses in Africa who then sign long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) with it. The funds will be used for six projects with a total capacity of 5.75MW. So far it has a pipeline of completed or contracted assets of 28.8MW, all in Sub-Saharan Africa.

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“A lack of reliable and affordable power is holding back private sector-led development in manufacturing and other large industries in Africa,” said Matthew Tilleard, co-managing partner, CrossBoundary Group. “This commitment from OPIC provides us with additional, affordable financing that in turn allows companies across Sub-Saharan Africa to benefit from affordable solar that delivers energy savings, business growth and a lower carbon footprint.”

In a recent blog for PV Tech, solar consultant Dr Thomas Hillig revealed his firm's top C&I projects in Africa across the most attractive off-taker verticals.

“By offering PPAs, CrossBoundary Energy takes complete responsibility for project financing, delivery, and management of technical risk of the solar project,” said Jake Cusack, co-managing partner of the CrossBoundary Group. “During the contract term, we can also provide storage, energy efficiency, and electricity generation upgrades for our clients, ensuring businesses maintain fully-optimized energy systems to fuel their long-term growth.”

2 February 2027
London, UK
Returning in 2027 for its 14th edition, Solar & Storage Finance Europe will bring together the brightest minds representing funds, banks, developers, utilities, government and industry across Europe and the UK on a programme that is solutions-focused from top to tail. The event is designed to enable leaders at the forefront of solar and storage investment and deployment in Europe to scale, learn and land themselves industry defining partnerships.

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