About Green Investment South Africa

Our Story

Green Investment South Africa was founded in 2010 by Dr. Thabo Ndlovu, a former economist at the South African Reserve Bank, and Sarah Bennett, an environmental scientist with extensive experience in renewable energy projects across Africa. They shared a vision of transforming South Africa's economy by channeling investment into environmentally sustainable ventures that would simultaneously address the country's pressing ecological challenges and create economic opportunities.

The company began with a modest R25 million fund focused on small-scale solar installations in rural communities across the Eastern Cape. The success of these initial projects, which provided reliable electricity to previously underserved areas while generating steady returns for investors, quickly attracted attention from both local and international financial institutions.

By 2015, Green Investment SA had expanded its portfolio to include wind farms in the Western Cape, sustainable agriculture initiatives in KwaZulu-Natal, and green building projects in major urban centers. This growth was fueled by a growing recognition among South African investors that environmental sustainability and financial performance could go hand in hand.

A pivotal moment came in 2018 when the company partnered with the Development Bank of Southern Africa to create the country's first dedicated green bond program, which raised R2 billion for climate resilience projects. This innovative financial instrument demonstrated how capital markets could be harnessed to address environmental challenges, and established Green Investment SA as a pioneer in sustainable finance within the African context.

Today, with over R8.5 billion in assets under management, Green Investment South Africa has grown from a small startup to one of the continent's leading sustainable investment firms, while staying true to its founding mission of creating prosperity through environmental stewardship.

Our Mission & Values

At Green Investment South Africa, our mission is to accelerate South Africa's transition to a low-carbon, resource-efficient economy by mobilizing capital for environmentally sustainable projects that deliver competitive financial returns while creating social benefits for communities.

Core Values

• Environmental Integrity: We believe that economic activities must operate within planetary boundaries. We rigorously assess the ecological impact of every investment and only support projects that contribute to environmental sustainability.
• Financial Discipline: We maintain the highest standards of financial analysis and risk management to ensure our investments deliver strong, stable returns. We believe that environmental sustainability and financial performance reinforce each other.
• Social Inclusion: We recognize that a just transition to a green economy must benefit all South Africans. We prioritize investments that create quality jobs, support disadvantaged communities, and address historical inequalities.
• Innovation: We embrace new technologies, business models, and financial instruments that can accelerate sustainable development. We are committed to pioneering solutions that overcome barriers to green investment.
• Transparency: We provide comprehensive, accessible information about both the financial performance and environmental impact of our investments. We believe that transparency builds trust with investors, communities, and other stakeholders.
• Long-term Perspective: We take a patient approach to capital, recognizing that many environmental benefits accrue over time. We build lasting partnerships with project developers, communities, and co-investors.

Our Achievements

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  Renewable Energy Leadership

  We've financed over 1.2GW of renewable energy capacity across South Africa, representing approximately 15% of the country's total installed renewable capacity. These projects provide clean electricity to more than 800,000 homes while avoiding 2.3 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.

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  Job Creation & Skills Development

  Our portfolio companies and projects have created over 5,000 permanent jobs and 12,000 construction jobs across South Africa. Through our skills development program, we've trained more than 2,000 people in renewable energy installation, sustainable farming techniques, and green building practices.

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  Financial Innovation

  We pioneered the use of green bonds in South Africa, helping to raise over R5 billion for sustainable projects. Our blended finance models have unlocked an additional R3.5 billion in private sector investment for projects that would otherwise struggle to attract commercial funding due to perceived risks or extended payback periods.

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  Community Development

  Through our community benefit structures, we've directed over R350 million to local development initiatives, including 45 schools, 28 healthcare facilities, and 120 small business development programs. Our flagship Community Energy Ownership model has enabled 17 communities to take equity stakes in renewable energy projects on their land.