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Finnfund, the Finnish development financier and impact investor, has announced a follow-on investment of $5 million in Communication & Renewable Energy Infrastructure (CREI) to scale sustainable telecom energy infrastructure across South Sudan.
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The investment brings Finnfund’s total commitment to CREI to $10 million and is backed by the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+) under the Africa Connected programme, which aims to accelerate digital inclusion and climate resilience across the continent.
Powering Telecoms with Solar-Hybrid Energy
CREI specializes in deploying hybrid energy solutions for mobile network operators (MNOs) in challenging environments. The new financing supports the modernization and expansion of solar-hybrid energy systems for MTN South Sudan’s 499 telecom sites under a 10-year Energy as a Service (ESCO) contract.
Key achievements to date:
- 490 sites already modernized, exceeding initial targets
- Over 4 million customers reached with improved connectivity
- Network coverage expanded from 69% to 80% of the population over the past three years
The result: telecom stations are consistently powered, enabling anyone with a mobile device to make calls, browse the internet, or access digital services—transforming connectivity across the country.
Why This Matters for South Sudan
In a country where:
- Over 80% of the population lives in rural areas
- More than 82% face extreme poverty
Reliable mobile connectivity is a gateway to opportunity. By modernizing telecom infrastructure with solar-hybrid energy systems, CREI enables mobile networks to reach previously underserved communities, improving access to:
- Information and communication
- Education
- Financial services
- Healthcare
Environmental Impact: Cutting Emissions, Boosting Renewables
The shift from diesel generators to solar-hybrid systems has delivered measurable environmental gains:
- 43% reduction in carbon emissions
- Significant drop in noise and local air pollution
- Renewable energy ratio increased from 11% to 42%
With further modernization underway, even greater sustainability gains are expected.
What Leaders Say
“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. At its heart, this investment is about connecting the unconnected and driving sustainable development.”
— Kelvin Kiiru, Investment Associate, Finnfund
“We are delighted to expand our partnership and collaboration with Finnfund at our TESCO project in South Sudan. CREI is committed to the country and sustainable development of its telecommunication sector. 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, and we are confident that the positive impact will continue with further improvements.”
— Kadri El Hakim, CEO, CREI
“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. In South Sudan, this support enables renewable energy solutions for digital infrastructure, improving connectivity and driving inclusive growth while building resilient local economies. We are pleased to support this USD 5 million follow-on investment by Finnfund in CREI.”
— Pelle Enarsson, EU Ambassador to South Sudan
Beyond Core Business: Community Development and Gender Equality
CREI’s impact extends beyond telecom infrastructure through deliberate community investment:
Healthcare
Through its CSR initiatives, CREI has solarized maternity wards that previously operated without reliable access to electricity, providing clean energy to essential healthcare facilities and enhancing maternal and neonatal health services.
Gender Equality
Gender equality remains a key pillar of CREI’s impact strategy. The company has launched a gender action plan aimed at:
- Increasing female representation across technical and engineering roles
- Enhancing workplace benefits
- Ensuring equitable access to training, leadership, and career advancement opportunities
CREI has also established partnerships with local women-led NGOs through a structured framework to co-design CSR initiatives centered on education, health, and economic empowerment—embedding gender-sensitive practices into both operations and community engagement.
Multiple Dimensions of Impact
Finnfund’s investment in CREI delivers impact across three critical dimensions:
- Economic: Enabling connectivity that unlocks opportunity for underserved communities
- Environmental: Reducing emissions and increasing renewable energy adoption
- Social: Improving access to healthcare, education, and economic participation, with a focus on gender equality
