The UK-funded Climate Finance Accelerator (CFA) South Africa has opened its fourth call for proposals, supporting investment-ready low-carbon projects seeking a minimum of USD $3 million in funding.
The UK-funded Climate Finance Accelerator (CFA) South Africa has officially launched its fourth call for proposals, inviting eligible low-carbon businesses to apply for tailored support aimed at unlocking large-scale climate investment. Applications are open from 10 December 2025 to 6 February 2026, offering a timely opportunity for investment-ready projects seeking to scale their impact.
The programme targets businesses operating in key climate-critical sectors, including energy, transport, waste management, water, and sustainable agriculture. To qualify, applicants must have completed a full feasibility study and require a minimum investment of USD $3 million, ensuring that supported projects are mature enough to engage seriously with investors.
Strengthening Bankability for Climate Solutions
The Climate Finance Accelerator is designed to address one of the most persistent barriers facing climate solutions in developing economies: access to finance. While innovative low-carbon technologies and business models exist across South Africa, many struggle to attract investment due to gaps in financial structuring, investor readiness, or risk presentation.
CFA South Africa directly responds to this challenge by helping project developers strengthen their bankability. Selected businesses receive tailored support through a combination of group workshops and one-on-one guidance from experts in finance, technical development, and gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI). This holistic approach improves the quality of investment proposals while ensuring projects are inclusive, sustainable, and aligned with global best practices.
Aligned with Global and Regional Climate Commitments
The fourth iteration of CFA South Africa comes at a critical moment for climate finance in Africa. The G20 Leaders’ Declaration, issued at the November 2025 Johannesburg Summit, explicitly reaffirmed commitments to mobilise both public and private finance for just energy transitions in developing countries.
This commitment was a central priority of South Africa’s G20 Presidency, particularly in response to the significant investment gaps in sustainable energy infrastructure across the continent. The Climate Finance Accelerator is widely regarded as a practical and effective mechanism for translating these high-level commitments into real investment outcomes.
The programme also contributes directly to the United Kingdom’s pledge under the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), reinforcing the UK–South Africa partnership on climate action and inclusive economic development.
Proven Impact and Track Record
Since its launch, CFA South Africa has demonstrated strong results. Across its first three iterations, the programme has supported 43 climate projects, providing extensive capacity-building through technical and financial training, as well as direct engagement with local and international investors.
These efforts have translated into investment decisions exceeding USD $100 million, making CFA South Africa one of the most impactful climate finance facilitation programmes in the country. Further details on previous cohorts and supported projects are available through the National Business Initiative (NBI), one of the programme’s key partners.
Voices from the Programme
The latest call for proposals has been welcomed by partners and alumni alike.
Antony Phillipson, British High Commissioner to South Africa, highlighted the programme’s success and strategic importance:
“I am delighted that CFA South Africa is now open for applications. This hugely successful programme has already supported some of the country’s most innovative low-carbon businesses, with over $100 million invested in CFA alumni. As part of the UK–South Africa partnership on climate change, including through the Just Energy Transition Partnership, the latest phase of the CFA is another demonstrable example of the UK’s continued commitment to support a fair and inclusive shift to a sustainable, low-carbon future.”
From an alumni perspective, Kailas Nair, Chief Growth Officer at Plentify (CFA South Africa 2023 cohort), emphasized the programme’s practical value:
“The CFA team helped us refine our capital-raising strategy and facilitated introductions to key investors and stakeholders in the energy sector. We found the programme invaluable and would recommend it to other startups in South Africa.”
Programme partners have also underscored the importance of the fourth call. Shameela Soobramoney, CEO of the National Business Initiative, noted:
“South Africa needs bold, investment-ready climate solutions, and the Climate Finance Accelerator remains one of the most effective platforms for helping low-carbon businesses strengthen their bankability. This new call for proposals is a chance to accelerate impact and secure the funding needed to scale.”
Similarly, Mike Mulcahy, CEO of GreenCape, highlighted the programme’s role in economic growth:
“The programme is a practical way to channel more investment into green tech companies that create jobs and growth. As CFA expands globally, sharing lessons across countries will make it even more effective.”
Who Should Apply
CFA South Africa is seeking investment-ready climate projects that meet the following criteria:
- Require a minimum investment of USD $3 million
- Have completed a full feasibility study, including technical and financial assessments
- Demonstrate engineering design, cost clarity, risk assessment, and commercial viability
- Preferably be at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7 or above, where systems are being demonstrated in an operational environment
The programme is particularly well suited to developers who are ready to engage with investors but need structured support to strengthen their financial narratives and deal readiness.
Accelerating a Low-Carbon Future
The fourth call for proposals under the Climate Finance Accelerator South Africa represents more than a funding opportunity—it is a strategic intervention aimed at closing Africa’s climate finance gap. By supporting scalable, investment-ready projects, the programme helps unlock capital that drives job creation, economic growth, and emissions reduction.
As South Africa navigates the transition to a low-carbon economy, initiatives like the CFA play a critical role in ensuring that this transition is just, inclusive, and investment-driven. For eligible businesses with mature climate solutions, the current call offers a powerful platform to move from feasibility to financial close—and from ambition to impact.
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