Helios CLEAR Fund
Introduction
Swedfund is investing USD 20 million in the Helios Climate, Energy, Adaptation and Resilience (CLEAR) Fund to support efforts that limit climate change and help communities adapt to its effects. The fund backs African companies that reduce emissions, strengthen resilience and create green jobs.
Africa contributes less than three percent of global carbon emissions but faces some of the most severe climate impacts. At the same time, the continent’s energy demand is expected to triple by 2050. Swedfund’s investment in Helios CLEAR will help channel capital to businesses that drive low-carbon growth in areas such as renewable energy, sustainable transport, climate-smart farming, efficient use of resources and digital climate solutions.
Read more in our press release: Swedfund invests USD 20 million to drive climate action and green business growth in Africa
Facts
SDG in focus
No Poverty
End poverty in all its forms everywhere.
Climate Action
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
Gender Equality
Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
Sector
Energy & Climate
Within the Energy & Climate sector, Swedfund only invests in renewable energy sources. The expansion of sustainable energy supplies requires a broad approach and innovative solutions.
Value creation
Impact
The investment supports largescale climate change mitigation and adaptation in Africa by providing growth capital and valueadd support to climatefocused businesses. By scaling inclusive green enterprises across clean energy, sustainable agriculture and circular economy solutions, the fund contributes to emissions reductions, climate resilience and improved livelihoods, supporting Africa’s transition to a lowcarbon, climateresilient economy.
Additionality
Swedfund’s investment is additional by supporting the mobilisation of private capital in a challenging market environment and enabling coinvestments where capital is scarce. Swedfund also contributes through active investor engagement and support to ESG and impact priorities.
ESG
Requirements
In line with Swedfund’s Policy for Sustainable Development, the portfolio company is required to materially comply with, inter alia: (i) all internationally recognised human rights (ii) the EDFI harmonized exclusion list and EDFI Fossil Fuel Exclusion List, (iii) local environmental, health & safety and labour laws and regulations, (iv) applicable IFC Performance Standards, (v) the ILO’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and the ILO’s Basic Terms and Conditions of Employment.
ESG Risk
E&S risk categorisation is MediumHigh Risk (Fund B+), based on potential environmental and social risks inherent in the portfolio and pipeline projects, contextual risks related to the fund’s geographical and sectoral focus, and the investment mandate.
ESG Mitigation Measures
Swedfund supports the Manager in further developing environmental and social management systems (ESMS), strengthening sustainability processes and expanding the use of applicable environmental and social reference frameworks.
Applicable IFC Performance Standards
IFC Performance Standards (PS) 1–8 are applicable.
Whistleblowing channels and Grievance Mechanism
Swedfund’s whistleblowing services can be used by employees, contractors and others at Swedfund, and by the companies and funds in which Swedfund invests. The complaints mechanism can be used for all types of complaints concerning Swedfund and Swedfund’s portfolio companies, but not for complaints concerning individuals as a result of restrictions arising from data protection legislation. 🔹 Link in website footer.
Other investments within
Energy & Climate