Finnfund has committed an additional US$5 million to Communication & Renewable Energy Infrastructure (CREI), bringing its total investment to US$10 million.
This funding, announced on February 19, 2026, and supported by the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+) under the Africa Connected programme, will accelerate the deployment and modernisation of solar-hybrid energy systems across MTN South Sudan’s telecom sites.
CREI specialises in delivering hybrid energy solutions to mobile network operators through long-term Energy as a Service (ESCO) contracts.
The capital supports the expansion and upgrading of systems at 499 sites, with 490 already modernised.
Over the past three years, this infrastructure has increased MTN South Sudan’s network coverage from 69% to 80% of the population, now serving more than 4 million customers with reliable, consistent power.
Role of Solar-Hybrid Systems in Telecom Operations
In South Sudan, unreliable grid electricity and high diesel costs have historically constrained mobile network expansion and reliability. CREI’s solar-hybrid systems combine solar photovoltaic generation with battery energy storage and limited diesel backup to deliver:
- Continuous, 24/7 power supply with minimal reliance on fossil fuels.
- Significant reductions in diesel consumption and associated emissions.
- Lower long-term operating costs for the operator.
- Improved site uptime and service quality in remote and rural locations.
The ESCO model transfers capital expenditure and operational risk from the mobile network operator to CREI, enabling MTN South Sudan to focus on network expansion and customer service while benefiting from cleaner, more cost-effective energy.
Impact and Development Outcomes
The investment has delivered measurable progress:
- Network coverage expanded to 80% of the population from 69% three years ago.
- Over 4 million customers now benefit from more reliable connectivity.
- Reduced carbon emissions through displacement of diesel generation.
- Enhanced economic and social opportunities through improved digital access in underserved areas.
Kelvin Kiiru, Investment Associate at Finnfund, stated: “Reliable energy is the backbone of digital connectivity and economic growth. By supporting CREI, we are enabling cleaner, more efficient power for telecom networks, which means better connectivity, lower emissions, and greater opportunities for communities.”
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Kadri El Hakim, CEO of CREI, added, “We are delighted to expand our partnership with Finnfund at our TESCO project in South Sudan. The increased number of sites and continuing new investments are a clear mark of our efforts. We already record improved connectivity and sustainable use of resources.”
Pelle Enarsson, EU Ambassador to South Sudan, noted: “This investment shows how the EU’s Global Gateway strategy delivers impact in South Sudan. Through the EFSD+ guarantee, the EU backs private sector investments in more challenging environments.”
Broader Strategic Significance
The financing aligns with several strategic priorities:
- Digital Inclusion — Reliable power extends mobile coverage and data access in remote areas, supporting education, healthcare, financial services, and economic activity.
- Climate Resilience — Solar-hybrid systems reduce dependence on diesel and contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions in a country highly vulnerable to climate change.
- Private-Sector Mobilisation — The EFSD+ guarantee de-risks investment in a challenging market, demonstrating how blended finance can attract private capital to high-impact infrastructure.
- Scalability Model — The ESCO structure and proven performance at scale position CREI to replicate the approach across other African markets facing similar energy and connectivity constraints.
Looking Ahead
Finnfund’s additional US$5 million commitment to CREI strengthens the deployment of solar-hybrid energy systems across MTN South Sudan’s telecom infrastructure, delivering expanded coverage, improved reliability, reduced emissions, and enhanced digital access for over 4 million customers.
Supported by the EU’s EFSD+ guarantee under the Africa Connected programme, this investment exemplifies how private-sector-led renewable energy solutions can address critical development challenges in fragile environments.
The partnership reinforces the viability of hybrid energy models in advancing both connectivity and climate resilience in South Sudan.
For the most current project updates, refer to official announcements from Finnfund, CREI, or the European Union delegation in South Sudan.
Finnfund Overview
Finnfund is Finland’s development financier investing in emerging markets to drive sustainable economic growth.
Finnfund Kenya operates through its Finnfund Nairobi office, established to strengthen investments across East Africa and support regional partnerships.
A key focus area is Finnfund agriculture, where the institution finances agribusinesses and value chains to improve productivity, food security, and farmer incomes.
The Finnfund team includes investment professionals and impact specialists based in Helsinki and Nairobi who manage financing, due diligence, and portfolio oversight.
For professionals interested in impact investing, Finnfund careers are advertised on the organisation’s official website, covering roles in investment, legal, sustainability, and corporate functions.
Ronnie Paul is a seasoned writer and analyst with a prolific portfolio of over 1,000 published articles, specialising in fintech, cryptocurrency, climate change, and digital finance at Africa Digest News.
