Index Partners Advises CREI on USD40m Financing to Drive Sustainability and Efficiency in Mali's Telecom Industry

April 26, 2025

Index Partners, an independent corporate finance advisory firm specializing in emerging markets, is pleased to announce its role as financial advisor to Communication and Renewable Energy Infrastructure (CREI) in securing a USD 40 million financing facility led by FEI (Facility for Energy Inclusion) and Norfund. This significant funding will enable CREI to drive sustainability and enhance operational efficiency in the telecommunications industry in Mali.

Photo credit: CREI Mali

The financing will support CREI’s commitment to the development of renewable energy solutions and sustainable infrastructure across Africa. CREI's unique approach combines the expansion of telecom services with Energy as a Service (EaaS), enabling the provision of reliable, clean energy while reducing the environmental footprint of telecommunications operations.

“CREI's business model perfectly aligns with the global shift towards sustainable and reliable energy solutions, and we are thrilled to have supported them on this important initiative,” said Benjamin Blanchard, Partner at Index Partners. “This deal highlights our ongoing focus on emerging markets and the significant opportunities for growth and impact in the telecom and renewable energy sectors across Africa.”

Energy as a Service (EaaS) is a rapidly growing model that allows companies to access renewable energy solutions without the need for upfront capital investment, while CREI leverages this model to support the telecom industry with energy-efficient infrastructure that fosters connectivity and reduces operational costs.

The financing is also supported by other institutional investors, reinforcing the significant demand for investments that promote sustainable growth and the transition to greener energy alternatives.

As Index Partners continues to expand its presence across Emerging Markets, this deal underscores the firm’s dedication to fostering impactful investments in telecom and energy infrastructure.

About Index Partners

Index Partners is an independent corporate finance advisory firm headquartered in Hong Kong, with offices in Vietnam, Philippines, and London. The firm provides bespoke financial advisory services to companies and investors focused on the emerging markets of Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Specializing in M&A, fundraising, project finance, and strategic advisory, Index Partners delivers innovative and tailored solutions for clients across sectors including TMT, healthcare, consumer and retail, and renewable energy.

About CREI

Communication and Renewable Energy Infrastructure (CREI) is an infrastructure asset management company focused on the development and operation of telecom towers and power equipment. CREI is part of the TwoThirtyThree Group, a global telecom infrastructure group with a presence in over 20 countries. CREI’s mission is to provide sustainable energy solutions and reliable connectivity to mobile network operators and rural communities in developing markets, with a strong emphasis on renewable energy and Energy as a Service (EaaS) solutions.

About FEI

FEI (Fund for Energy Inclusion) is an impact-focused investment fund managed by global investment bank and asset manager, Cygnum Capital. FEI is dedicated to providing financing to renewable energy companies and projects across Africa. The fund focuses on supporting the Energy as a Service (EaaS) model, which allows energy access for underserved and off-grid communities through scalable and sustainable energy solutions. By investing in clean energy businesses that target underserved populations, FEI promotes economic growth, job creation, and environmental sustainability. The fund works alongside local and international partners to deliver affordable, renewable energy, helping to bridge the energy access gap across Africa and beyond.

About Norfund

Norfund, the Norwegian Investment Fund for Developing Countries, is a key partner in financing sustainable business ventures across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. As Norway's development finance institution, Norfund focuses on fostering economic growth and creating jobs through investments in sectors such as renewable energy, agribusiness, financial services, and technology. By targeting investments in businesses that contribute to environmental sustainability, Norfund plays a crucial role in supporting developing markets’ transition towards greener economies while ensuring long-term economic development. With a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, Norfund continues to drive positive change in emerging economies.

For further information, please contact:

Index Partners

Email: contact@index-partners.com

Website: www.index-partners.com