Helios, led by Nigerian businessman Temitope Lawani, seeks $400-million climate fund

Key Point

• Helios and Gaia launch a $600-million Africa-focused climate initiative targeting renewable energy and drought-resistant agriculture.
• Helios’ Climate Fund aims to raise $400 million, securing $200 million from eight state-linked institutions.
• Gaia’s fund invests in renewable-energy plants and power-transmission assets, with listings planned in Kenya and Botswana.

Helios Investment Partners, a UK-based private equity group led by Nigerian businessman Temitope Lawani, has partnered with South African asset managers Gaia Fund Managers to launch a $600 million Africa-focused climate initiative.

The initiative aims to capitalize on opportunities in renewable energy and drought-resistant agriculture across the continent.

Helios’ climate fund, named the Climate, Energy Access, and Resilience Fund (Clear), is targeting $400 million, making it the largest Africa-focused climate fund to date.

The fund has already secured approximately $200 million from eight state-linked institutions, setting the stage for its ambitious goal. Gaia Fund Managers has committed $50 million toward its Gaia Africa Climate Fund, which is aiming for a total of $200 million.

New fund to bring clean energy to millions in Africa

Gaia’s fund will operate as a yieldco, investing in established renewable-energy plants across sub-Saharan Africa. This strategy aims to secure stable revenue flows and provide funds for the development of new facilities.

The Gaia Africa Climate Fund will also invest in power-transmission assets and will be listed on stock exchanges in Kenya and Botswana to facilitate access for institutional and pension-fund investors in those regions.

The increased investor interest in Africa highlights the continent’s vast potential for renewable energy investments, driven by the need to address power infrastructure deficiencies affecting 600 million people and the growing demand for drought-resistant agricultural technologies.

Helios Investment Partners: Investing in Africa’s future

Helios Investment Partners, established in 2004 by Lawani and Babatunde Soyoye, is a major player in Africa-focused private investments. The firm is known for its extensive track record in supporting start-ups and providing growth capital.

Africa-focused private investments operates with a predominantly African team based in London, Paris, Lagos, and Nairobi, enhancing its ability to engage effectively with local entrepreneurs and managers.

Lawani also holds a 1.55 percent direct stake in Vivo Energy and an additional 26.27 percent indirect exposure through Helios’ investment in the company.