Project detail - D.LIGHT DESIGN LIMITED

D.LIGHT DESIGN LIMITED

Status: Approved investment
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Disclaimer

The information as disclosed is indicative and provided on an "as-is/as available" basis for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or investment advice, nor as a commitment or an offer to arrange or provide any financing. The final decision to provide financing is subject to the terms and conditions of FMO in its sole and absolute discretion. When providing links to other sites, FMO bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. The information on proposed investment for high-risk investments is made available in the language relevant to the country or region where the bulk of operations take place. Translations of any information into languages other than English are intended as a convenience for local stakeholders. In case of any discrepancy, the information provided in English will prevail.

Who is our customer

d.light is a leading off-grid energy provider that offers a range of solutions to lower income households, from small solar-lanterns to pay-as-you-go (“PAYGO”) solar home systems. d.light’s mostly sells and finances these products in East Africa and India, thereby providing a sustainable alternative to polluting kerosene lanterns and other fossil fuel based alternative energy sources.

What is our funding objective?

The objective of the investment is to allow the company to continue its expansion of its global Pay-As-You-Go Business. The proceeds of the funds will primarily be used to fund the acquisition of inventory and the general scale-up of the business, as well as provide general working capital to the company.

Why do we fund this investment?

d.Light provides clean and green first time energy access to households in areas with unreliable or non-existent grid connection. Increased energy access contributes to productivity of households and economic growth (lighting and charging allows work and study beyond sunset), and helps power small businesses. Part of FMO’s financing is provided in Local Currency, which reduces the risk profile of the company.

What is the Environmental and Social categorization rationale?

d.Light is a E&S category B project. Activities come with potential limited adverse risks associated with waste management and labour conditions. The following Performance Standards are triggered by the transaction: PS 1 Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts, PS 2 Labor and Working Condition, PS 3 Resource Efficiency and Pollution Prevention, PS 4 Community Health, Safety and Security. PS 5 is not triggered as there is no land acquisition (corporate facility). PS 6 is not triggered as no Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources were identified. PS 7 is not triggered because no impacts on local groups qualifying as Indigenous were identified. PS 8 is not triggered as no cultural objects or places were identified.

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Date Total FMO financing
6/23/2022 USD 5.00 MLN
6/23/2022 USD 3.75 MLN
6/23/2022 USD 5.00 MLN
10/8/2020 EUR 0.07 MLN
Region
Africa
Country
Kenya
Sector
Energy
Effective date
6/23/2022
Total FMO financing
USD 1.25 MLN
Funding
Building Prospects
Risk categorization on environmental and social impacts, A = high risk, B+ = medium high risk, B = medium risk, C = low risk Environmental & Social Category
(A, B+, B or C)
B