Program Context and Strategic Vision
On October 18, 2025, a coalition of global development financiers announced the creation of Zafiri, a new off-grid energy investment vehicle aimed at expanding electricity and clean-cooking access across Sub-Saharan Africa. The initiative is backed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Rockefeller Foundation, and several private-equity partners, with Inspired Evolution appointed as fund manager. The platform is designed to mobilize over US $500 million in blended capital, supporting decentralized renewable-energy solutions in underserved communities. Zafiri represents a new generation of public–private partnerships targeting Africa’s 600 million people who still lack access to electricity.
Economic and Developmental Impact
Zafiri’s initial investment focus will include mini-grid expansion, solar home systems, productive-use energy models, and clean cooking technologies. The fund seeks to blend concessional finance with commercial capital to de-risk investments and enable scalable business models for renewable energy companies. By prioritizing projects in rural and peri-urban regions, the initiative aims to stimulate local entrepreneurship, enhance public health outcomes, and reduce carbon emissions associated with biomass and diesel use. According to AfDB projections, successful implementation could generate tens of thousands of green jobs and provide energy access to up to 25 million additional people by 2030.
Strategic Outlook and Policy Alignment
The Zafiri initiative aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), bridging the gap between national electrification plans and on-the-ground financing needs. It also complements continental programs such as Desert to Power and Power Africa, reinforcing Africa’s transition toward decentralized, renewable, and inclusive energy systems. Analysts view Zafiri as a potential model for blended-finance vehicles capable of unlocking private investment in social infrastructure. Its success will depend on strong governance, transparent project selection, and collaboration among governments, financiers, and local operators to ensure equitable access and long-term sustainability.