KawiSafi Ventures

Overview

KawiSafi Ventures is a venture capital fund focused on transforming the energy landscape in Sub-Saharan Africa by investing in clean, affordable, and sustainable energy solutions. Established in 2016 and managed by Acumen, the fund aims to address energy poverty and climate change challenges by providing catalytic capital to scalable businesses. It is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, with operations extending to various African countries, including Rwanda and Nigeria. KawiSafi has so far raised significant capital through various fundraising rounds, including a recent $90 million for its second fund, aiming to impact up to 50 million people by enhancing energy access and reducing carbon emissions. The fund is backed by prominent investors such as the African Development Bank and the Green Climate Fund.

Recent Developments

September 2025: KawiSafi Ventures announced the launch of its second fund, KawiSafi Fund II, with $90 million in approved capital. This fund is intended to accelerate climate solutions across Africa, building on the success of its predecessor.
August 2025: The firm co-led an $11 million Series A funding round for Koolboks, a cleantech company specializing in solar-powered refrigeration solutions in Africa.
July 2025: KawiSafi was recognized as an Impact Assets Top 50 Impact Investor, highlighting its significant contributions to climate action and sustainable development in Africa.
March 2025: New strategies were introduced focusing on gender-smart initiatives, aiming to develop pipelines for women-owned businesses in the green energy sector.
Q4 2024: The fund reported impacting over 213 million lives and displacing 45 million tons of carbon emissions through its portfolio companies.
April 2024: KawiSafi launched a $5 million Technical Assistance Facility to support enterprises in overcoming market challenges through technical expertise and strategic guidance.

Attribute	Information
Founding Date	2016
Headquarters	Nairobi, Kenya
Founders	Established by Acumen
Revenue	Not publicly disclosed
Profits	Not publicly disclosed
Key Investors	Green Climate Fund, African Development Bank
Industry	Venture Capital, Clean Energy
Number of Employees	Estimated around 7 core team members

Early History

KawiSafi Ventures was launched in 2016 by Acumen to catalyze the development of off-grid renewable energy solutions in Africa. The fund's origin lies in Acumen's prior investments exceeding $115 million in addressing global poverty issues, especially in regions struggling with energy access. Recognizing a tremendous opportunity in decentralized energy solutions, KawiSafi was formed to provide scalable solutions that directly impact energy poverty and contribute to a sustainable future. This initiative was supported by several influential philanthropists and investors, such as the Green Climate Fund, who saw the potential in leveraging private capital for substantial social and environmental returns.

Company Profile and Achievements

KawiSafi's business model revolves around investing in high-growth companies that provide clean, affordable energy solutions in East Africa. It primarily supports enterprises delivering off-grid solar energy solutions, creating substantial social impacts. Significant achievements include:

Portfolio Companies: Notable investments in companies like d.light, Bboxx, and BioLite, which have collectively delivered clean energy to millions of people in Africa.
Impact Metrics: As of 2025, KawiSafi more than doubled its impact, influencing over 213 million lives and reducing carbon emissions drastically by supporting low-carbon initiatives across the continent.
Awards: KawiSafi was named an Impact Assets Top 50 Impact Investor annually from 2022 to 2025, underscoring its role in the impact investing landscape.
Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with major financiers like the African Development Bank, Schmidt Family Foundation, and Quadrature Climate Foundation support its endeavors.

Current Operations and Market Position

KawiSafi Ventures is at the forefront of Africa's transformation towards sustainable energy. It operates through strategic investments in clean energy technologies, focusing on scaling companies that drive the continent's energy transition. KawiSafi's current operations emphasize sustainable and inclusive economic growth, particularly through its involvement in ventures providing decentralized energy solutions. Its competitive advantages include a strong investment track record, significant partnerships, and a commitment to addressing structural inequalities in the energy sector, such as gender disparity.

Conclusion

KawiSafi Ventures plays a pivotal role in the renewable energy sphere in Africa. Its strategic investments aim to address energy poverty, reduce carbon emissions, and promote sustainable economic growth. By fostering scalable, impactful enterprises across the continent, KawiSafi not only fulfills immediate energy needs but also builds resilient communities poised for future challenges. The fund's ongoing commitment to innovation and inclusion embodies a holistic approach to climate resilience and economic empowerment, positioning it as a leader in the impact investing arena. As the global focus on sustainable solutions intensifies, KawiSafi is expected to remain at the vanguard of Africa’s energy transformation, potentially inspiring similar models worldwide.