KawiSafi Ventures Fund I
Fund Overview
Total Assets under Management:
KawiSafi aims to achieve social & environmental impact and long-term capital appreciation by enabling access to clean energy products and services to low-income and off-grid populations in developing economies. Our investments intend to facilitate the expansion of companies in East Africa with a focus on Kenya and Rwanda.
Regions in which we are active
Impact Themes
Track Record
9
Key Achievements
As at December 2024, the KawiSafi portfolio companies had cumulatively impacted over 200M lives globally and averted ~48M tons of CO2e since fund inception in 2016. KawiSafi was named an Impact Assets Top 50 Impact Investor in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025. The Fund is a leader in measuring and reporting on impact and ESG; aligned with best practices: IFC Operating Principles for Impact Management, 2X Gender Challenge, UN SDGs.
Historical Returns
- Financial: Market rate
- Social/Environmental Impact: Over 200M lives impacted and~48M tons of CO2e averted globally since fund inception.
Examples of Notable Investments
- Company Name: d.light Sector and sub-sector: Off-grid renewables, Solar Home Systems Geography: Hub offices in India, Kenya, Nigeria. Website: https://www.dlight.com/
- Company Name: Biolite Sector and sub-sector: Off-Grid Energy, Manufacturing solar products Geography: Current customer presence – Africa, Europe, USA and Canada. Website: https://global.bioliteenergy.com/
Fund Status
Philanthropic Partners: Acumen Inc
Operational Details
Team Composition
The KawiSafi Fund team is an industry-leading team with a strong track record of deploying capital in emerging markets. KawiSafi team is based in Nairobi, Kenya; Accra, Ghana and NYC, US, and comprises of seven members. KawiSafi principals have combined 50+ years experience investing in renewable energy and climate sectors, with a track record of managing $67M equity Fund I since 2016 and $5M TA Facility. The team is led by the Managing Director, Amar Inamdar, supported by two Investment Directors, Marcus Watson and Baofour Otu-Boateng. The core investment team includes an Investment Manager, Senior Associate, Associate, and an Analyst.
Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
We maintain close oversight of our portfolio companies. For select investments, we hold board seats, which allows us to engage directly with management, guide strategic direction, and stay informed on company performance. Internally, the team provides regular updates on portfolio performance to ensure alignment across the team. The Fund also provides shareholders with quarterly performance updates, highlighting progress and strategic developments across the portfolio.
KawiSafi uses the IFC Operating Principles for Impact Management and UN SDGs.
We report quarterly.