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September 15.2025
2 Minutes Read

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

Innovative African climate-tech startup harnessing solar energy.

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.

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How DebtRecuva is Transforming Loan Recovery with Empathy in Nigeria

Update Redefining Debt Recovery: A Shift Toward Empathy Debt collection in Nigeria often evokes images of intimidation and harassment, causing immense stress for borrowers. However, a paradigm shift is unfolding as startups like DebtRecuva take a bold stance towards recovery by focusing on empathy rather than coercion. Founded by Peace Obule and Gafar Iyowu, DebtRecuva addresses the need for a respectful and tech-driven approach to debt recovery that caters to the diverse circumstances of debtors. The Birth of a New Approach Emerging from frustration with traditional methods, the founders started DebtRecuva with a simple vision: to treat debtors as customers rather than criminals. Utilizing technology and a deeper understanding of individual circumstances, they categorize debtors based on their willingness and ability to pay. This nuanced approach offers both reassurance to interested borrowers and actionable insights for restructuring repayments. Drawing Lessons from the Past Historically, the Nigerian debt recovery process has included unethical measures like shaming defaulters—a strategy that drew criticism and regulatory intervention. As highlighted by Tinashe Kaseke, a prominent advocate for ethical debt recovery practices, integrating empathy at every touchpoint not only enhances recovery rates but also fosters cooperation. DebtRecuva embodies this principle by adopting respectful collection tactics and empowering clients through financial education. Impacts on Financial Inclusion One of the most significant benefits of this empathetic approach is the potential for improved financial inclusion. When borrowers are treated with dignity and respect, they are more likely to engage constructively, thereby reducing reliance on informal borrowing channels with predatory interest rates. By prioritizing humane recovery strategies, companies ensure that borrowers can reconstruct their credit histories and regain control over their financial futures. The Future of Debt Recovery in Africa As we look toward the future, the blend of technology and compassion is becoming increasingly important in the fintech sector. Companies like DebtRecuva and Mida Technologies are proving that an ethical approach can lead to higher recovery rates and sustainable practices. Furthermore, with the regulatory landscape leaning toward stricter compliance, lenders who embrace tech and empathy will not only protect their reputations but also stay ahead in the competitive landscape of African fintech. This evolution in debt collection raises a vital question: Could we see a new norm emerge where empathy leads not only to better recovery rates but also to stronger relationships between lenders and borrowers? As Nigeria's tech ecosystem matures, initiatives that blend innovation with ethical standards will be pivotal in shaping a healthier financial future. In a rapidly digitalizing economy, the ethical dimensions of debt recovery cannot be sidelined. Embracing technology alongside compassion marks a critical step forward, creating pathways for recovery that are both effective and respectful. Together, as tech entrepreneurs and financial leaders, we can foster a robust and equitable lending culture that benefits all.

Milton Tutu's Pan-African Vision: Building Digital Solutions for Africa's Future

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Why Listening to Customers is Key to Tech Success in Africa

Update Understanding the Role of a Product Marketer in Tech In the vibrant world of African tech, Chisom Anaesiuba stands out as a leading product marketer. With over seven years of experience, her journey emphasizes an essential truth for startups: listening to customer needs is paramount. The Lollipop Analogy: Making Products Resonate Chisom likens her work to crafting the perfect lollipop. She emphasizes that the key is to understand what makes a product appealing—whether it’s flavor or color. This relational approach is crucial, particularly in a diverse market like Africa, where understanding cultural nuances can significantly impact customer engagement. The Importance of Listening to Customers One of the biggest challenges startups face is developing products in isolation, often assuming they know what users want. Chisom’s insight sheds light on the downfall of many tech ventures, including high-profile failures like Quibi, which struggled because it ignored user feedback. By contrast, successful companies like Gokada have thrived by pivoting based on what their customers actually need—a strategy that should be at the forefront of any tech launch. Building Emotional Connections with Customers In her role at GoLemon, Chisom led a launch that not only achieved impressive metrics but also struck an emotional chord with customers. This approach, focusing on storytelling and genuine connection, highlights how high-tech companies must prioritize customer experiences to build trust and loyalty. Her launch exemplifies how aligning messaging with user pain points can yield outstanding results. Why Research Is Your Best Friend Chisom urges fellow product marketers to harness the power of research effectively. Beyond surveys, the true gems of insight are found in direct conversations with users. Engaging with customers in discussions can reveal patterns and preferences that drive product success. Knowing what customers love—or dislike—can significantly inform marketing strategies and product adjustments. Breaking the Myth: What Product Marketers Actually Do Chisom addresses a common misconception about product marketing: the belief that it only involves selling products. In reality, product marketers play an integral role in the product development process, helping shape the direction by integrating customer feedback early on. This collaboration with product teams fosters an aligned vision, further ensuring that the end product truly caters to user needs. Final Thoughts: The Future of African Startups As the African tech landscape continually evolves, aspirant entrepreneurs and established companies alike must heed Chisom's advice: prioritize user feedback and connections. In a tightly-knit marketplace, responsiveness to customer insights could very well be the difference between triumph and failure. For Chisom, the future of product marketing and tech in Africa depends on this very principle. Join the conversation and let us know how your startup is focusing on customer insights!

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