Founded by the visionary Jackline Okeyo, Mzansi is a forward-looking clean utilities fund dedicated to driving investments in utility infrastructure projects. These projects are specifically targeted at low to moderate-income households within the affordable housing sector, initially focusing on South Africa, with plans to scale operations into East Africa and replicate the model across the rest of the African continent.
“Our mission is to ensure that affordable housing in South Africa does not get left behind in the global transition to clean energy. By mobilising resources and expertise, we are paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future for all “states Okeyo.
Mzansi aims to bridge the gap in clean energy access by partnering with landlords of affordable housing portfolios. These partnerships are designed to reduce the financial and technical barriers that often deter landlords from adopting renewable energy initiatives. By leveraging a collective 90 years of experience across its core team members—who are experts in energy, finance, and housing—Mzansi is well-positioned to address these challenges head-on.
Jackline Okeyo, founder of Mzansi Clean Energy Capital.
The energy crisis in South Africa presents a unique set of challenges. With utility price increases outpacing inflation, more than 95% of South African households find themselves struggling to afford clean energy solutions. This is where Mzansi steps in—with a strategic approach that is both innovative and impactful, targeting the underserved low to moderate income households.
“We are not just investing in projects; we are increasing the resilience of vulnerable households in South Africa,” Okeyo emphasises. The fund focuses on reducing risks for landlords while ensuring that clean energy solutions are affordable and bankable. The fund has secured the 1st FAST-Infra Self-assessed label in South Africa demonstrating the projects positive contributions to climate change, resilience and inclusivity. The FAST-Infra Label is a credible, consistent, and globally applicable labelling system developed by the Global Infrastructure Facility and Macquarie, it is designed to identify and evaluate sustainable infrastructure projects.
Mzansi’s strategy includes deploying solar technology as the anchor solution in its fund while exploring complementary services such as clean cooking, central water heating, and water harvesting. By aggregating capital from diverse investors, including DFIs, philanthropy and commercial entities, Mzansi creates a blended financial model capable of scaling substantial clean energy initiatives.
“Our solar solutions cater to the specific needs of the market,” explains Okeyo. “By using pilot programs in collaboration with partners like International Housing Solutions and Johannesburg Housing Company, we are testing and refining our approaches to ensure projects can be de-risked at scale and our model can be replicated to reach thousands of low to moderate-income households.”
Mzansi’s initiatives are designed to capitalise on favorable regulatory changes in South Africa, particularly the amendments to the Electricity Regulation Act, which have liberalised the electricity market. These developments allow greater private sector participation in renewable energy projects, easing previously stringent licensing requirements.
“Thanks to these regulatory changes we can expedite project timelines and reduce bureaucratic delays. Our projects align perfectly with South Africa’s Integrated Resources Plan which envisages a total addition to electricity capacity of 29,500 MW by 2030, led by renewables, and the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan which aims to mobilise funding for the country’s decarbonization commitments. notes Okeyo.
Furthermore, the strategic use of municipal feed-in tariffs enables Mzansi to enhance project viability by allowing the sale of excess energy back to the grid, thereby optimizing resource use and reducing stranded energy.
Mzansi has established strategic alliances with key stakeholders, forming part of the Global Climate Finance Innovation Lab, a testament to its commitment to global sustainability goals. These partnerships augment Mzansi’s reach and influence, facilitating linkages with key local and international institutional funders who have helped to validate its business model.
Looking beyond South Africa, Mzansi plans to expand its successful model into East Africa, with Kenya as a primary target. The strategic focus will remain on affordable housing, but with flexibility to engage retail landlords in underserved communities, offering clean energy solutions tailored to each region’s unique needs.
The Mzansi Clean Energy Capital initiative marks a significant step toward realising Africa’s cleaner, more equitable energy future. By pioneering innovative financing solutions and leveraging strategic partnerships, Mzansi is making clean energy accessible to those who need it most.
By focusing on inclusive growth and sustainability, Mzansi Clean Energy Capital is lighting the way for a brighter future, one community at a time.
Contact Us
VUKA is the trusted media partner to key professionals, policy makers, suppliers and
manufacturers. We provide unparalleled opportunities for industry-wide connection.
