Clean Energy Company d.Light Secures $50 Million to Support its Expansion Drive in Africa

Manufacturer and provider of clean-energy products, d.light, has secured a $50 million investment from a consortium of lenders with a focus on the renewable energy space including SunFunder and TDB (Trade and Development Bank) as Co-arrangers and FMO, the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank.

The investment is structured as a balance sheet debt facility and will enable the continued expansion of the company’s solar and Pay-Go consumer finance business in Africa and the launch of new innovative products.

Since its founding, d.light has provided solar energy to more than 125 million people in 70 countries. Their extensive product line ranges from extremely affordable portable solar lanterns to solar home systems and appliances such as TVs, fans, and smartphones.

CEO and Co-founder of d.light, Ned Tozun said,  “The investment underpins the catalytic role of the company in making available clean, reliable solar energy solutions through the pay-as-you-go business model that enables off-grid customers to pay for solar lighting products in affordable instalments using various mobile payment options. Significant amounts of capital are required to enable us to continue providing these financing plans for our customers as we grow. We are thankful for the continued support of our funding partners to enable us to create a brighter future for the families we serve as we continue on our journey to impact a billion lives.”

“d.light and SunFunder have been partners for nearly 10 years. We have seen d.light transform over 125 million lives with their products and are happy to have been part of their journey of building a future of clean energy for all,” said Collins Kuindwa who has led the transaction for Mirova SunFunder. “We are delighted to have co-led this syndicate of proactive lenders who worked together with one common goal: to provide d.light with additional capital to transform
the lives of 1 billion people with sustainable products by 2030.”

“TDB is pleased to be supporting d.light on their journey to impacting 1 billion lives. Through our triple bottom line approach, we ensure that every transaction we finance is sustainable in economic, social, and environmental terms in our member states. With ongoing CO2 emissions reductions for every household reached, this transaction will create significant environmental impact, while contributing to critical outcomes such as access to electricity, job creation,
economic growth, increased health benefits, improved quality of education and more,” said Michel Awori, CEO of TDB.

“The lack of access to energy continues to hold back social and economic development, particularly in Sub- Saharan Africa. As such, supporting off-grid renewable energy solutions is key to FMO’s strategy,” said Marina Pannekeet, Manager Energy Eastern & Southern Africa at FMO. “As one of the leading providers of solar home systems and an existing FMO equity investee, we are happy to continue to support d.light on its future growth trajectory. By denominating part of our commitment in local currency, our financing is intended to de-risk the
company’s balance sheet, and make it more resilient to potential shocks.”