Emerging Africa & Asia Infrastructure Fund (EAAIF)
Introduction
The Emerging Africa & Asia Infrastructure Fund (EAAIF) invests to improve access to low-carbon, climate-resilient infrastructure and digital connectivity in Africa and parts of South and Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Investment in infrastructure and digitalisation is central to growth and increased industrialisation.
The investment will address infrastructure gaps in Africa, the Levant and South and Southeast Asia by supporting projects that elevate climate action and support inclusive and sustainable development.
Swedfund's investment is expected to contribute to the green transition through increased access to climate-friendly infrastructure and digital connectivity. These are examples of investments that contribute to economic growth and improve access to basic social services in marginalised areas.
Read more in our press release: Swedfund invests for climate resilient infrastructure and digital connectivity in Africa and emerging Asia
Related links:
Swedfund Policy For Sustainable Development
Swedfund E&S Categorisation
Facts
SDG in focus
No Poverty
End poverty in all its forms everywhere.
Reduced Inequalities
Reduce inequality within and among countries.
Climate Action
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
Value creation
Impact
The investment is expected to contribute to closing the digital gap through better digital infrastructure, supporting solutions linking energy and internet, and improving access to education and healthcare. The investment is also expected to contribute to improved access to infrastructure-based services that strengthen livelihoods and economic activity.
Additionality
Swedfund’s investment is financially additional as we invest in a risky context where access to capital is limited, and poverty is high. The investment is expected to help mobilise capital. The investment is value additional through a strong focus on active value creation during the investment phase where the environment and sustainability are prioritised.
ESG Summary
Requirements
In line with Swedfund’s Policy for Sustainable Development, the Fund is required to materially comply with, inter alia: (i) all internationally recognised human rights (ii) the EDFI harmonized exclusion list and EDFI Fossil Fuel Exclusion List, (iii) local environmental, health & safety and labour laws and regulations, (iv) applicable IFC Performance Standards, (v) the ILO’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and the ILO’s Basic Terms and Conditions of Employment.
ESG risk
E&S risk categorisation is High Risk (Fund-A) based on potential E&S risks and impacts inherent to the portfolio and pipeline projects, contextual risks in EAAIF’s target countries and sectors, and investment mandate sectors – including labour, Human Rights, gender and physical climate risks.
ESG mitigation measures
Supporting the company to, among other things, develop and implement an environmental and social management system (ESMS) that has the capacity to manage and mitigate environmental and social risks including health and safety associated with the sector, with a focus on human rights.
Applicable IFC Performance Standards
IFC Performance Standards (PS) 1-2 are applicable at the platform level, and at the project level PS 1-4, while PS 5-8 may be triggered on a case-by case basis.
Whistleblowing channels and Grievance Mechanism
Swedfund’s whistleblowing services can be used by employees, contractors and others at Swedfund, and by the companies and funds in which Swedfund invests. The complaints mechanism can be used for all types of complaints concerning Swedfund and Swedfund’s portfolio companies, but not for complaints concerning individuals as a result of restrictions arising from data protection legislation. 🔹 Link in website footer.