AFC Invests in Djiboutis First IPP and Renewable Energy Project
Africa Finance Corporation ("AFC" or the Corporation"), the leading infrastructure solutions provider in Africa, declares a US$63 million strategic investment to construct and operate a 60MW wind project in the Ghoubet area, near Lake Assal in Djibouti. AFC has made this investment as lead developer together with Great Horn Investment Holdings (GHIH) and inviting further investment from Climate Fund Managers (CFM), and FMO, the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank.
AFC has led the improvement of the project since 2017, developing it from idea to bankability, securing a 25-year take or pay power buy agreement with lecticit de Djibouti as the off-taker, an implementation agreement and with the Government of Djibouti backed by a Government Guarantee. The Project also has MIGA guarantee cover. The wind project is predicted to commence commercial operations in 2021.
AFC and its partners adopted an innovative financing approach, an all sponsor equity financing for this transaction, which enabled the start of development within 2 years, a huge reduction from the typical 3-5 years development cycle. As part of this investment, Oliver Andrews, Chief Investment Officer, as well as Amadou Wadda Head of Project Development at AFC, will be a part as nominee non-executive directors to the Board of the project and the holding company, Red Sea Power SAS, and Djibouti Wind LP.
Currently Djiboutis power sector faces massive challenges, with much less than 100 MW reliably available for the population. Its electricity demand is also anticipated to notably increase due to various large-scale infrastructure projects which includes ports, free-trade zones and railways that the Government of Djibouti has undertaken. This wind project will be a key contribution to the electricity demand as the country targets to transition towards 100%-renewable energy-based electricity production by 2030.
This project exemplifies AFCs dedication to investing in early-stage projects that require de-risking in order to make them bankable and entice more investment when further developed. Another example is the 44 MW Singrobo hydroelectric power project which AFC developed via 174 million investment in January 2019. These projects align with AFCs partnership with the Green Climate Fund to further its low carbon emission investments.
Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO of AFC, commented: We are delighted to have the possibility to make investments and boost such a tremendous renewable power project in Djibouti. We have invested in many renewable projects in Africa, which includes the Cabeolica Wind Farm in Cape Verde, which received acknowledgement in the International Finance Corporation Emerging Partnerships top ten private-public partnerships in Africa. We see renewable and green projects as a key part of our investment strategy as we look to support a sustainable future in Africa.
Oliver Andrews, Chief Investment Officer of AFC, added: This is a huge project for Djibouti as its first renewable energy project and signifies the countrys efforts to establish its own energy production from its own resources. By taking this position on the board, I am delighted to be adding my knowledge to the improvement of the project with my colleague Amadou Wadda.
