Communication and Renewable Energy Infrastructure (CREI)

Telecommunication towers
Source: Shutterstock

In brief

Finnfund has invested in Communication & Renewable Energy Infrastructure (CREI) to provide energy as a service to a telecom stakeholder in South Sudan by developing, building, operating, and maintaining energy assets.

Main development impact

Finnfund’s financing supports the modernisation 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. The project has already modernised 490 sites and reaches over 4 million customers, exceeding initial targets. The telecom stations are not only operational but consistently powered, allowing anyone with a mobile device to make a call, browse the internet, or access digital services. The overall network coverage has expanded from 69% to 80% of the population over the past three years, reflecting the broader market effect of CREI’s infrastructure upgrades.

Investment details

Name: Communication and Renewable Energy Infrastructure (CREI)
Project number: 80000476
Region: Africa
Country: South Sudan
Sector: Digital infrastructure and solutions
Signing date (month/year): November 2025
Currency: USD
Finnfund's financing (commitment): 10,000,000
Instrument: Mezzanine
Jurisdiction of registration: Mauritius
Size of the project financing: 25,000,000
Share of Finnfund's financing (%): 40
Part of the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+): Global Connect (formerly Africa Connected)
Status: Active

Please note, that in principle, this information is given at the time of signature according to Finnfund's disclosure policy. However, in the case of investment funds, the share of Finnfund’s financing (%) is disclosed after the fund’s final closing, and information on the portfolio companies financed by the fund is updated at least once a year.

Other investments

Name Country Signing date (month/year) Currency Finnfund's financing (commitment) Instrument
Communication and Renewable Energy Infrastructure (CREI) South Sudan June 2024 USD 5,000,000 Loan

Key facts

Name:

Communication and Renewable Energy Infrastructure (CREI)

Sector:

Digital infrastructure and solutions

Region:

Africa

Country:

South Sudan

Currency:

USD

Finnfund's financing (commitment):

10,000,000

Signing date (month/year):

November 2025