About
Sima Emerging Distribution Finance Fund (EDFF) is a data-driven investment fund providing access to debt capital for clean energy distributors in developing markets. The Sima C&I Green Bond advances the commercial and industrial (C&I) solar landscape in Africa, offering short-term corporate and project financing up to 10 years for small and medium-size local developers of projects under 5 MW.
Targeting sectors like manufacturing, services, education, healthcare, and agri-processing, the bond aims to finance over 220 MW of on-site solar energy and reduce carbon emissions by four million tons.
Project Focus
The EDFF revolutionises financing for small and mid-sized off-grid solar and clean cooking last-mile distributors (LMDs). Shell Foundation funded the pilot, making 10 loans, 70% in lower-income countries. Shell Foundation provided capital to de-risk the C&I fund structure and leverage private capital.
Latest news and updates
From flame to plug: what India’s micro-food vendors tell us about the commercial future of clean cooking
New research shows how electric cooking is improving productivity, incomes, and working conditions for micro-food vendors across India.
18th March 2026
What gender-responsive financing can unlock for women entrepreneurs
A Gender Results-Based Financing pilot shows how targeted incentives can unlock income growth, resilience, and opportunity for women entrepreneurs.
08th March 2026