Akili is a permanent capital vehicle for investing and re–investing on the continent
We build and invest in ventures that solve real problems across Africa. With a portfolio and network of entrepreneurs, startups, partners, and investors, we’re focusing our resources and creativity on accelerating the deployment of capital and product led thinking towards climate solutions on the continent.
The two most reliable tailwinds in the 21st century are global demographics and climate change
As problem solvers and investors, the first is what drives us to focus on Africa, the second is what focuses our efforts on a specific thesis. Climate is one of Akili’s core areas of opportunity and investment on the continent.
Africa will dominate the 21st century demographically
The majority of consumers, producers, tax payers, working age population, youth, etc. will be African.
40%
of global population will be African by 2100 (currently 15%)
60%
of Africa’s population is under 25
Africa is the youngest continent3.5B
people, Africa’s expected population by 2100 (China 731M, India 1.1B)1
In the fight against climate change, Africa is key
With its farms, forests, sun, energy and youth populations, Africa stands to be a key player that could shape the future of climate change.
1000×
Estimated renewable energy potential in Africa from solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, and hydro is 1000× estimated total electricity consumption in 2040.
$30B+
SSA needs $30–50B each year for the next decade in climate adaptation costs.2
4×
Investing in resilient infrastructure in developing countries could deliver $4.2 trillion over its lifetime. An investment of $1 in resilient infrastructure, on average, yields $4 in benefits.
Africa needs massive economic growth, new jobs, and infrastructure for the future, which requires huge capital investments and economic stimulation
But global private capital has shied away from Africa historically because of high risk and low rewards.
Climate provides a massive opportunity to tackle both climate change and African economic development, at the same time
$26T
Research from the New Climate Economy shows that bold climate action could deliver at least $26 trillion in global economic benefits between now and 2030. It could also generate over 65 million new low–carbon jobs by 2030.3
200k
Africa has a real opportunity to rapidly leapfrog traditional energy infrastructure directly into the electrification of economies. President Ruto has pledged to promote e-mobility in Kenya, including infrastructure, public and private sector solutions, and over 200k electric boda bodas by the end of 2024.
5M
If 30% of Nigerian households turned to solar by 2030, 5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide would be avoided, reducing emissions from households by 30%.4 Additionally, The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative aims to roll out 11,500 new CNG–fueled vehicles and 55,000 conversion kits for existing gasoline–powered cars.5
Akili Climate is an investment
model built for the future of Africa
Permanent Capital
Permanent capital means we are building a vehicle for long term compounding growth, in and for Africa. Climate deals in our current pipeline have the ability to generate millions in cash flow for decades to come, which, reinvested and compounded, could permanently change economic ecosystems across the continent.
Venture Building + Investment
Akili’s secret sauce is its experience as investor and entrepreneur. We have deep experience and success in “ecosystem building.” Building new ventures, infrastructure, and support services that help our projects and ventures thrive, solve critical problems for the ecosystem, and generate cash for reinvestment.
Cash Flow Generation
To achieve true permanence in the climate ecosystem in Africa, we focus on strategies for deploying capital that appreciate but also generate cash flows that can be reinvested and compounded over time. As a result, we look at growth equity, private credit, project financing, asset financing, and others strategies for cash flow generation.
Continent Wide Network + Assets
Doing business successfully in Africa means having deep relationships and existing assets across the continent. Akili’s partnerships with stakeholders of all kinds were built through successful execution and provide access to low risk methods of achieving scale. We build companies that strengthen the infrastructure needed for continued growth and success.
Our purpose is to measurably accelerate climate solutions in and for Africa
Our investments provide economic development through job creation and capital while increasing the supply of climate projects. Our network and areas of interest address the unique challenges and resources of Africa.
Food + Agriculture
We are working with partners and investing in the future of agriculture from training to operations, financing to regenerative initiatives, technology to carbon sequestration.
Emobility & Clean Energy
The electrification of the global economy is upon us. Abundant clean energy combined with battery technology will unleash high energy input industries and business models never before possible. We’re working with governments, businesses, and global foundations to ensure Africa is a leader in this space.
Carbon Economy
Carbon capture and climate resilience provide huge financing opportunities with resources that Africa has and can export to the world. We’re working on a spectrum of initiatives including reforestation, biochar, replacing diesel generators, and other carbon offset initiatives.
Green Real Estate
As the continent with the world’s youngest and fastest growing population, real estate opportunities abound in Africa. We’re working with developers and leading projects to ensure responsible, green development of this growing sector.
From deal sourcing to investment to venture building, we are actively engaged in live deals and a growing pipeline of opportunities for us and our investment partners
Large scale carbon sequestration projects
- 100k+ hectare reforestation projects
- Biochar, biogas, and biomass projects
- E–mobility carbon projects
EV and LPG asset financing
- Electric vehicle asset financing
- Charging and swap station financing
- EV battery financing
Additional investments and projects
- Large scale solar, wind and energy renewal project
- Commercial and residential green real estate development
- Clean BRT and public transit infrastructure
- Clean energy alternatives for households and businesses
- Agriculture productive use services and training for smallholder farmers
How Akili Climate is different
Permanent Capital
Akili is not limited by traditional fund timelines, check sizes or mandates and we don’t pull capital out of Africa. Our goal is to compound capital over time and use our growth to fund more solutions to more problems over time.
Focus on Cash Flows
In emerging markets where liquidity is not guaranteed, a focus on cash flows is critical. Akili ensures that it generates favorable cash flow dynamics either directly from investments and ventures, or through commercial agreements that enable adjacencies that generate cash flows.
Move with Urgency
Urgency is critical in climate, but traditional funds, governments, and large scale projects move slowly. Akili has proven its ability to rapidly build, invest, and accelerate new ventures to scale.
Proactive Approach
Funds tend to put money into existing projects, whether they’re working or not. Akili quickly identifies critical problems, builds new ventures and approaches, and pulls in governments, impact funds, and entrepreneurs.