Acumen's $90 Million Kawisafi Fund: A Game Changer for African Climate-Tech Startups

Acumen Launches $90 Million Fund to Propel Climate Solutions in Africa

Acumen, a renowned impact investment firm, has made headlines by securing $90 million for its second Kawisafi fund, aimed at supporting climate-tech startups across Africa. With a mission to bring clean energy and sustainable solutions to underserved communities, this fund reflects the increasing interest of investors in the continent's climate-tech potential, which accounted for 21% of total funding in the first half of 2025.

Despite Africa contributing 4% to global emissions, it only receives 3% of the world's climate finance. This discrepancy emphasizes the urgency for more comprehensive funding options to tackle climate change on the continent. The Kawisafi fund is designed to bridge this gap by financing innovative startups dedicated to clean energy, sustainable transportation, and carbon financing.

Why This Fund Matters for African Startups

The KawiSafi fund aims to support entrepreneurs who can reach fifty million individuals while reducing carbon emissions by fifty million tons. The first KawiSafi Fund, which began in 2016, made significant strides; it impacted 213 million lives and prevented 45 million tons of carbon emissions. Drawing insights from its predecessor, Fund II seeks to cultivate a robust ecosystem that aids in expanding operations beyond local markets.

Key Investors Show Confidence in Africa's Climate Initiatives

Backing for the KawiSafi fund comes from reputable investors including the African Development Bank, Green Climate Fund, Schmidt Family Foundation, and Quadrature Climate Foundation. João Duarte Cunha, from the African Development Bank, highlighted that this initiative arrives at a crucial time, providing vital venture capital to propel energy access and support the transition to low-carbon solutions across Africa.

The Future of Tech Innovation in Africa

As African startups gain momentum, particularly in sectors like AI, fintech, and renewable energy, the KawiSafi fund showcases how strategic capital can catalyze growth. For budding entrepreneurs and investors, this fund represents an unprecedented opportunity to engage in projects that not only promise returns but also contribute to sustainable development.

Moreover, initiatives like the KawiSafi fund can lead to significant advancements in the future of work in Africa, relate directly to emerging tech trends like digital transformation and blockchain, and affect e-governance systems, helping to forge a path toward smart cities that benefit the entire continent.

Mark your calendars for the upcoming Moonshot event in Lagos on October 15–16, where tech innovators will gather to share insights and explore collaboration opportunities in the realm of AI, fintech, and beyond.

In conclusion, the launch of the $90 million KawiSafi fund is a beacon of hope for African startups and a significant step towards addressing climate challenges. By investing in climate-tech solutions, Acumen is not only catalyzing business growth but also fostering a more sustainable future for Africa. Entrepreneurs and investors are encouraged to seize this investment momentum, exploring how they can contribute to and benefit from this transformative sector.