November 10, 2025 – The capital will support the scale-up of distributed solar and battery energy systems in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zambia, improving access to stable electricity for small and medium-sized enterprises affected by power shortages and high energy costs.
“Access to dependable and affordable energy is essential for private sector growth, job creation and climate resilience,” says Jonas Kolijn, Senior Investment Manager for Energy & Climate at Swedfund. “Through this investment, we help strengthen energy security and support fossil-free economic growth in one of Africa’s key economic regions.”
SolarSaver develops, owns and operates small-scale solar and battery systems that supply power directly to businesses. The company installs and operates systems on client premises, selling electricity through power purchase and rent-to-own contracts that require no upfront investment from the customer. It currently operates more than 700 installations with a combined capacity of circa 140 MW across Southern Africa.
As an active owner, Swedfund will engage through an agreed Environmental and Social Action Plan to strengthen Solar Saver’s environmental and social management systems and to promote responsible business practices across its operations.
The investment is part of a USD 60 million equity round led by Inspired Evolution’s Evolution III Fund alongside FMO, the Dutch development bank.
The investment contributes to reduced greenhouse gas emissions, a more reliable electricity supply and improved competitiveness for small and medium local enterprises.
About Swedfund
Swedfund is Sweden’s development finance institution with the mission to reduce poverty through sustainable investments in developing countries. We finance and develop businesses that contribute to sustainable growth, job creation and increased access to essential products and services.
Source : Swedfund
Ferial Haffajee (South Africa)
Most Impactful Work: Her editorship of Mail & Guardian and City Press, and her current role at Daily Maverick.
Short Bio: Ferial Haffajee is a highly respected South African journalist and editor. She has held prominent editorial positions at two of South Africa’s most influential newspapers, the Mail & Guardian and City Press, and is currently an Associate Editor at Daily Maverick, known for its hard-hitting investigative journalism. She is a strong advocate for press freedom.
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firedog
Fun South African Fact: Despite the country’s status as a democratic republic, the Province of KwaZulu-Natal has a monarchy, specially provided for by the Constitution. Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu is the King of the Zulu Nation, has 27 kids and 6 wives and lives, literally, like a King!
Proper
Botswana: You have two cows. But that\’s not surprising because you have pretty much every type of non-extinct mammal in your country.