• The BlueOrchard Sustainable Assets Fund (BOSAF) provides debt funding to sustainable infrastructure projects in emerging markets focusing on renewable energy, sustainable transport, digital infrastructure, and energy efficiency.
  • Infrastructure is essential for social and economic development. Achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in emerging and frontier markets will require substantial investment in infrastructure.
  • BOSAF raised USD 14.6 million at additional closing with private investors.

Zurich, 2 August 2023 – With global temperatures on the rise, one of the biggest levers to mitigate further acceleration is the build out of essential infrastructure in growth markets in a sustainable way. BOSAF provides investors access to the rapidly growing sustainable infrastructure market in emerging and frontier markets. Sustainable infrastructure assets offer investors a range of benefits, including resilience to economic downturns, inflation protection, low correlation to other asset classes, predictable cash flows, and a positive impact on the quality of life and economic development of local communities and countries.

In 2023, BOSAF has made notable investments in three innovative companies in Asia and Africa: ChargeZone®, U-Solar, and Africa Mobile Networks (“AMN”).

ChargeZone® is one of the fastest growing electric vehicles (EV) charging companies in India. As an early mover in the EV space, ChargeZone® has established itself among the most credible players and front-runner in the market. The firm has formed successful partnerships with key EV manufacturers and e-mobility operators in the country. With a goal of reaching one million charging points by 2030, ChargeZone® is committed to driving the growth of sustainable transportation in India.

U-Solar is a rapidly expanding renewable energy platform based in India. The firm is involved in all aspects of the solar photovoltaic (PV) renewable energy value chain, including planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of rooftop and ground-mounted solar PV power plants. Established as a one-man start-up company in 2010, U-Solar has grown significantly and has successfully completed over 100 solar projects, with a capacity of more than 130 MWp (as of March 2023).[1]

AMN is a telecommunications provider that specializes in bringing network services to rural areas in Sub-Saharan Africa, with over 3,125 base stations operating in 12 countries (as of March 2023).[2] Their goal is to build over 10,000 base stations across more than 20 countries in the region, providing coverage to a total population of 35 million. AMN has a diverse portfolio that spans multiple countries, including several Least Developed Countries (LDCs)[3] such as DRC, Liberia, Congo, and Guinea. They have established strong partnerships with leading global telecommunications and technology firms.

“The infrastructure asset class in emerging markets is experiencing rapid growth. Our strategy is designed to fill the funding gap left by banks and development finance institutions, and we see a strong pipeline of opportunities ahead. Our partner institutions are well-positioned to take advantage of the emerging markets infrastructure market, and with our unique network and expertise, we are the preferred partner for many firms excelling in this area,” said Ashwin West, Head of Sustainable Infrastructure Investments at BlueOrchard.

“Emerging and frontier markets saw their energy demand double in just the last 15 years. Already accounting for the majority of global energy consumption, this growth is expected to continue apace.[4] This presents significant commercial opportunities and potential for positive impact,” said Felix Hermes, Head of Private Equity & Sustainable Infrastructure at BlueOrchard.

-ends-

[1] Source: U-Solar quarterly report

[2] Source: AMN quarterly report

[3] According to the World Bank classification

[4] Energy and Development in a Changing World: A Framework for the 21st Century – Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University SIPA | CGEP, 2019.

 

For further information, please contact:

BlueOrchard Finance Ltd
Tahmina Theis, Head of Communications
+41 22 596 47 69
tahmina.theis@blueorchard.com
 

About BlueOrchard Finance Ltd

BlueOrchard is a leading global impact investment manager and member of the Schroders Group. As a pioneering impact investor, the firm is dedicated to generating lasting positive impact for communities and the environment, while aiming at providing attractive returns to investors. BlueOrchard was founded in 2001, by initiative of the UN, as the first commercial manager of microfinance debt investments worldwide. Today, the firm offers impact investment solutions across asset classes, connecting millions of entrepreneurs in emerging and frontier markets with investors with the aim to make impact investment solutions accessible to all and to advance the conscious use of capital. Being a professional investment manager and expert in innovative blended finance mandates, BlueOrchard has a sophisticated international investor base and is a trusted partner of leading global development finance institutions. To date, BlueOrchard has invested over USD 10 billion across more than 100 countries. Over 280 million underserved people and MSMEs in emerging and frontier markets received access to financial and related services with the support of BlueOrchard as of December 2022. For additional information, please visit: www.blueorchard.com.

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