Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund

Introduction

The Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF) is a public-private partnership providing long-term debt finance for the construction and development of private infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa.

The EAIF provides US$10 million to US$ 36.5 million to projects across a range of sectors including telecoms, transport, water and power.

Aims

The EAIF was established in January 2002 to address the lack of long-term foreign currency debt finance for infrastructure projects in sub-Saharan Africa.

EAIF offers USD and EUR lending to private companies (or soon to be privatised companies). This lending is for greenfield projects or for refurbishment, upgrade or expansion of existing facilities.

While EAIF lends on commercial terms, it aims to support projects that:

• promote economic growth and reduce poverty
• benefit broad-based population groups
• address issues of equity and participation
• promote social, economic and cultural rights.

Fund Objectives

EAIF intends to make a lasting positive impact on the infrastructure of sub-Saharan Africa. This will facilitate economic growth and contribute to poverty reduction in the region.