Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA)

Italy supports the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA), a multi-donor trust fund administered and managed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) aimed at promoting/supporting small-and medium-sized renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. 

The purpose of the fund is to spur economic growth in Africa, driven by a sustainable private-sector through the efficient utilization of untapped green resources. This target is strongly consistent with the “New Deal on Energy for Africa” launched by the African Development Bank President that has the purpose to electrify Africa over the next 10 years, and to solve the continent energetic unmet demand by 2025. 

In December 2015, Italy joined the Governments of Denmark, the United Kingdom and the United States in supporting SEFA with a funding of 7.4 million euros. Italy’s capital infusion substantially raises the value of SEFA from USD 87 million to nearly USD 95 million.

Subjects eligible for funding are:

•  Companies in the private sector that operate in the field of efficiency energy and renewable energies;
•  African governments, research institutes and non-governmental organizations.
•  According to the type of intervention, Italian companies can directly participate in public tenders or through an African  related initiative.
•  For projects above 1 million dollars, Steering Committee (which includes Italy) is responsible for evaluating and approving the proposals received.