Jacaranda Maternity 2025
Introduction
Swedfund has committed USD 600,000 to support Jacaranda Maternity to expand its network of affordable maternity hospitals in Kenya. The funding supports innovations in neonatal intensive care and strengthens Jacaranda Maternity’s ability to provide life‑saving services to underserved populations.
Maternal and newborn health outcomes in Kenya remain a challenge, with maternal mortality still high despite improvements in skilled birth attendance. Public health facilities play a central role but face capacity constraints, while access to reliable, quality care varies across regions and income groups. Private healthcare providers offering essential maternity services at accessible price points can complement public provision.
Jacaranda Health Limited (“Jacaranda Maternity”) provides high-quality maternal health care at more affordable pricing than typical private providers, focusing on women in Nairobi’s low- and middle-income communities. The new funding will support the opening of new hospitals, upgrading of neonatal care, and improvements to existing facilities.
Read more in our press release: Swedfund invests in Jacaranda Maternity to expand affordable maternal healthcare in Kenya
Facts
SDG in focus
Decent Work and Economic Growth
Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.
No Poverty
End poverty in all its forms everywhere.
Reduced Inequalities
Reduce inequality within and among countries.
Gender Equality
Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
Sector
Financial inclusion & MSME financing
Swedfund’s investments in Financial Inclusion are made in regulated banks and microfinance institutions in order to increase access to debt capital for entrepreneurs, MSMEs and low-in come earners, or in local investment platforms, local companies or through so-called private equity funds to increase access to equity capital for MSMEs.
Value creation
Impact
The investment increases access to quality and affordable maternal healthcare. It contributes to women’s economic empowerment by promoting female leadership, creating employment opportunities for women, and providing products and services that benefit women and girls.
Additionality
Swedfund’s bridge financing is additional, as it has enabled the mobilisation of further capital to construct hospitals five and six. The investment also improves access to essential, quality and affordable healthcare services, while supporting Jacaranda’s work on key ESG and impact initiatives.
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 Direct B, based on inherent environmental and social risks related to the company, the sector and the operating context, including healthcare quality, workforce constraints, and risks related to patient safety and privacy.
ESG Mitigation Measures
Swedfund continues its E&S monitoring and engagement to ensure that Jacaranda’s established E&S practices are maintained as the company expands.
Applicable IFC Performance Standards
IFC Performance Standards (PS) 1–4 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
Financial Inclusion & MSME Financing