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Open Business Loan International

Facility for Energy Inclusion (FEI) – Direct Company Loans

Facility for Energy Inclusion (FEI), African Development Bank · International Organisation
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Image from Facility for Energy Inclusion (FEI), African Development Bank
Image: Facility for Energy Inclusion (FEI), African Development Bank · source

Quick answer

Is it real?
Yes. This is a real programme run by Facility for Energy Inclusion (FEI), African Development Bank. GrantPilot checked its official page on 13 November 2026.
Status
Open (no fixed deadline, or applications accepted on a rolling basis).
Who can apply
Company registered and operating in an African country (see the full list below)
How to apply
Directly to Facility for Energy Inclusion (FEI), African Development Bank on their official page (feiafrica.com). Applying is free: never pay anyone to apply or to "release" funds.

GrantPilot does not give out this funding; Facility for Energy Inclusion (FEI), African Development Bank does. We help you find it, check it is real and get ready to apply.

About this opportunity

FEI lends USD up to 30 million per project for renewable energy, mini-grids, solar, storage and clean infrastructure across Africa. Apply if your company is registered in Africa, has a viable project, and can demonstrate creditworthiness.

Debt financing platform managed by Cygnum Capital for the African Development Bank, offering flexible loans for renewable energy and clean energy projects across Africa. Finances mini-grids, commercial & industrial (C&I) solar, energy storage, and clean infrastructure for entrepreneurs and businesses.

Who can apply

  • Company registered and operating in an African country
  • Project in renewable energy (mini-grids, solar, wind), energy efficiency, energy storage or clean infrastructure
  • Project demonstrates technical viability
  • Company can satisfy creditworthiness assessment

Not sure you qualify? Check in 60 seconds

Full eligibility wording from the listing

Company registered and operating in Africa. Projects in renewable energy (mini-grids, solar, wind), energy efficiency, energy storage or clean infrastructure. Technical viability and creditworthiness assessment required. Typical loan tenors 1–15 years; construction/bridge loans available 1–3 years.

Documents you will need

  • Company registration certificate and proof of operation in Africa
  • Detailed project technical specifications and design documents
  • Financial statements and audited accounts (typically 2–3 years)
  • Management team CVs and relevant experience
  • Environmental and social impact assessment or initial screening
  • Feasibility study or business plan with revenue projections
  • Evidence of creditworthiness (bank references, credit history, collateral details)

Missing a business plan or CV? Write one for this funder · Build your CV

How to apply, step by step

  1. Visit the Facility for Energy Inclusion Investor Portal (accessible via the African Development Bank website)
  2. Complete the initial project screening form with company and project details
  3. Submit required documents including registration proof, technical specs and financial statements
  4. FEI and Cygnum Capital will conduct technical viability and creditworthiness assessment
  5. If assessment passes, you will be invited to structure financing terms (loan tenor 1–15 years, or 1–3 years for bridge/construction loans)
  6. Negotiate final loan agreement with FEI, including compliance with AfDB Integrated Safeguards System and IFC Performance Standards
Save and track it and we will email you 14 days, 7 days, 3 days, 24 hours and on the morning of the deadline.

How applications are selected

FEI takes a commercially driven approach: applications are assessed on technical viability of the underlying project and your company's creditworthiness. The fund operates on a rolling basis (no fixed deadline). If your project fits the investment criteria, FEI works with you to tailor financing—loan tenor, currency (USD, EUR, or local currency with hedging), and structure—to match your project's cash flow and risk profile. Environmental and social compliance with AfDB standards is required, and any gaps are addressed through an action plan before funds are released.

What reviewers look for

  • FEI specifically targets projects that are too small for large international development banks (typically USD 5–30 million) but technically sound—demonstrate bankability through detailed feasibility work
  • Competitive, market-based lending rates are set according to transaction structure and risk; show strong management, revenue visibility and customer contracts to improve your rate
  • FEI finances distributed renewable energy at scale: mini-grids, C&I solar and storage attract priority. Clearly map how your project reaches households, businesses or public services
  • You must comply with AfDB Integrated Safeguards System and IFC Performance Standards from the start; missing environmental and social documentation will delay approval
  • The fund has financed projects across 22 African countries and mobilised co-investment; if you can structure a syndicated facility (bringing co-lenders), it strengthens your case

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum or maximum loan size?

FEI lends up to USD 30 million per underlying project, with the ability to finance multiple projects under a portfolio approach. The fund typically targets SME-scale renewable energy projects that other lenders consider too small or complex.

How long does the application and approval process take?

The sources do not state a fixed timeline. Typically, initial assessment of technical viability and creditworthiness takes 4–8 weeks, followed by due diligence and loan structuring. Projects with complete documentation and fewer E&S gaps move faster.

Can I apply for a bridge or construction loan?

Yes. FEI offers bridge and construction loans with tenors of 1–3 years, separate from your permanent project financing (which can be 1–15 years).

What currencies can the loan be in?

FEI lends in USD and EUR. Local currency lending is available if you arrange hedging to manage currency risk.

Do I need to be profitable or have audited accounts?

You must pass creditworthiness assessment, which typically requires 2–3 years of financial statements. Early-stage companies with strong management and binding customer contracts may still qualify, but audited accounts strengthen your application.

Guide written from the official programme page on 13 November 2026. Funders change their rules, so confirm the details on the official page before you apply.

How GrantPilot can help you apply

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