IFC extends $150m to Egypt’s El Sewedy to finance new solar facilities in Africa

01 / 07 / 2022

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The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has decided to extend a $ 150 million loan to El Sewedy Electric- – an Egyptian leader in integrated energy infrastructure, and digital solutions that are reliable, sustainable, and green – to finance new solar energy facilities in Africa, improve its energy efficiencies at existing manufacturing facilities, and build and acquire new plants globally, as and when needed, to increase the competitive edge of El Sewedy Electric on a global scale.

The loan is meant to help El Sewedy Electric to support in the expansion, modernization, and enhancement of their sustainable manufacturing operations, and to increase access to renewable energy in several countries across Africa.

Supporting projects and South-South investments by companies that deliver energy solutions is a major part of IFC’s strategy in Africa, where access to power remains limited.

“We welcome the opportunity to work collaboratively with IFC to make a significant impact on sustainable infrastructure development for everyone. We are supporting our customers in addressing the transition to a low-carbon economy through our renewable projects and energy-efficient products, and we are looking forward to further aligning our activities to the global Sustainable Development Goals. This announcement demonstrates our commitment towards our robust expansion and growth plans which meet our strategic vision and goals. Doing this in accordance with IFC standards and guidelines will serve as a benchmark for other regional and international players” said Ahmed El Sewedy, El Sewedy Electric President and Chief Executive Officer.

“Improving access to energy—especially clean energy—brings numerous social and economic benefits,” said Sérgio Pimenta, IFC’s Vice President for Africa. “With Egypt preparing to host COP27 later this year, IFC’s partnership with El Sewedy is another step towards expanding affordable, renewable energy to consumers across Africa. We are pleased to see El Sewedy Electric taking the lead in greening the infrastructure sector in Egypt and around the world.”

“We are pushing the frontiers of collaboration with multilateral and bilateral partners to further strengthen the Public Private Partnership. The structural reforms have helped Egypt to scale up private sector engagement in sustainable infrastructure projects. The IFC has been a pivotal partner in financing the Egyptian Green transition through financing the private sector,” said Rania Mashat, Egypt’s Minister of International Cooperation.

IFC’s investment is expected to support El Sewedy Electric reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of more than 60,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually through solar plants and El Sewedy Electric’s own increased efficiencies in its manufacturing facilities across the countries in which it operates.

Since 2016, IFC has invested and mobilized $1 billion for climate projects in Egypt, including a $100 million financing of the issuance of Egypt’s first private sector green bond in 2021 by the Commercial International Bank (CIB).