KfW, ATI establish credit facility to spur renewable projects in Africa

November 17, 2017
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
The facility is designed to assist independent power producers (IPP) developing renewable-energy projects in Africa to reach the liquidity they need in case their off-taker delays payment. Image: Presidencia de la Republica Mexicana / Flickr

The German Development Bank (KfW) and the African Trade Insurance Agency (ATI) have set up a new credit facility instrument built to support renewable energy projects in sub-Saharan Africa that targets small and mid-scale renewable energy projects (up to 50MW).

The German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), through the KfW, will provide funding up to US$38.8 million for the facility – which looks to allow small-and mid-scale renewable energy projects in Africa to reach financial close by meeting liquidity requirements that lenders frequently ask for in order to fund these projects.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Günther Nooke, personal representative of the German Chancellor for Africa, BMZ, said: “The Regional Liquidity Support Facility will address a key challenge in renewable energy project finance and de-risk private sector investments. We are pleased to provide the funding to this innovative instrument underlining Germany’s commitment to the objectives of the African Renewable Energy Initiative (AREI).”

The facility is designed to assist independent power producers (IPP) developing renewable-energy projects in Africa to reach the liquidity they need in case their off-taker delays payment.

The facility will provide immediate cash collateral supported by guarantees to a commercial bank that will in turn open a standby letter of credit to the benefit of the IPP. The amount provided will enable the IPP to operate and service the debt for up to six months.

Read Next

February 12, 2026
European solar PV module and component buyers’ sentiment improved significantly in January 2026, according to sun.store's pv.index report.
February 12, 2026
Greenbacker has raised US$440 million in finance to support the development of the 674MW Cider solar project in the US state of New York.
February 11, 2026
A round-up of a number of European project stories from this week, including METLEN, European Energy and TSE.
February 10, 2026
FinDev Canada has announced a US$56 million loan to support the development of project Illa, which will be the largest in Peru.
Premium
February 10, 2026
Market dynamics and growing concerns over Europe’s grid bottlenecks were key topics at this year’s Solar Finance & Investment Europe summit.
February 9, 2026
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is planning to provide dedicated support to European solar inverter manufacturers amid a call for greater energy security and strategic autonomy.

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Webinars
February 18, 2026
9am PST / 5pm GMT
Solar Media Events
March 24, 2026
Dallas, Texas
Solar Media Events
April 15, 2026
Milan, Italy
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA
Solar Media Events
October 13, 2026
San Francisco Bay Area, USA