Universal Green Energy Access Programme
UGEAP is a debt fund expanding access to clean and reliable energy across Africa. Anchored by the Green Climate Fund ("GCF") and managed by Cygnum Capital, the fund finances distributed renewable energy ("DRE") companies. UGEAP provides capital either directly alongside commercial lenders or indirectly through local financial institutions, helping mobilise private investment into underserved markets across Benin, Ethiopia, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda.
Co-Investment for African DRE Growth
UGEAP combines flexible financing with rigorous standards to support scalable, sustainable energy infrastructure across Africa.
Adaptive finance
Financing solutions tailored to the operational realities of Africa’s energy markets
Driving scale
Structured capital that expands energy access and supports sustainable business growth
Sustainable impact
Reducing CO₂ emissions, creating jobs, and supporting long-term economic growth
Mobilising capital
Catalysing investment through a unique co-investment mandate
Investment Parameters
We provide debt by co-investing in renewable energy opportunities that meet our investment criteria.
Geographic scope
Eligible African markets with GCF National Designated Authority ("NDA") approval, currently Benin, Ethiopia, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda
Ticket size
Typically USD 5m– USD 30m
Currency
USD and EUR. Local currency can be provided subject to hedging
Lending rates
Financing terms determined according to the specific structure, tenor and risk characteristics of each transaction
E&S Standards
Aligned with GCF Environmental &Social standards ("E&S") Safeguards
Technical assistance
Designed to strengthen bankability and accelerate investment readiness
Investment Strategies and Instruments
Our funding approach combines partnerships with local and regional financial institutions with direct participation in syndicated debt financings, enabling us to support a wide range of investments.
Target investments
Off-grid renewable electricity
Mini-grid renewable electricity generation and distribution
Renewable electricity for commercial and industrial uses and independent power producers
Investment strategies
Support target investments via:
Financial institutions delivering capital to companies
Syndicated debt financing in parallel to local and regional banks
Instruments
- Senior loans (including syndicated)
- Junior and mezzanine loan instruments
- Certificates of indebtedness
- Funding and Risk Participation Agreements
- Other debt instruments
Scaling renewable energy access across Africa
UGEAP drives low-carbon development and socio-economic benefits aligned with the SDGs, financing projects that deliver measurable impact across the continent.
Resources
Explore UGEAP’s publications, videos, and latest updates.
Key fund documents, reports, and disclosures.
LinkedIn updates featuring UGEAP’s milestones, events, and announcements.