The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has announced a proposed equity investment of up to $6 million in the Catalyst Fund, a venture capital initiative aiming to raise $40 million to support early-stage climate-tech startups across Africa.
Managed by Catalyst Impact Partners, the fund is designed to provide pre-seed and seed-stage capital to innovative companies developing solutions that address climate challenges on the continent. The fund’s investment thesis is centered around three key pillars:
- Fintech for climate resilience
- Sustainable livelihoods
- Climate-smart essential services
Catalyst Fund’s geographic focus spans several high-potential African markets, including Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, Tanzania, South Africa, Morocco, Senegal, Mali, and Uganda. By targeting these regions, the fund aims to catalyze scalable, tech-driven solutions that can improve climate resilience and economic inclusion.
The IFC’s proposed investment underscores its commitment to supporting climate innovation and entrepreneurship in emerging markets, particularly in Africa where climate-related vulnerabilities are intensifying and access to early-stage capital remains limited.
