GCPF Invests in African Electric Logistics Leader Bisedge

Zurich, Switzerland, 19 December 2024 – The Global Climate Partnership Fund (GCPF), managed by Swiss impact asset manager responsAbility, has successfully completed a mezzanine investment in Bisedge, a fast-growing provider of electric logistics solutions in Africa. The funding will enable Bisedge to expand its fleet of electric forklifts in Nigeria and other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, enhancing distribution and servicing capabilities while helping key clients in the food and beverage industry in reducing carbon emissions.

Bisedge, founded in 2020 in Lagos, Nigeria, specializes in electric logistics solutions and is a partner of Linde Material Handling for electric forklifts and reach trucks in Nigeria, East Africa, and Southern Africa. Through its innovative ‘machine-as-a-service’ model, Bisedge offers commercial and industrial clients a comprehensive alternative to equipment ownership by providing full outsourcing services. This includes delivering the machines, ensuring full maintenance, and supplying skilled operators. This integrated approach helps clients optimize operational efficiency while significantly reducing carbon emissions, eliminating the financial and operational burdens associated with diesel machines.

Driving sustainable growth across Africa

With over 250 electric forklifts already deployed across Nigeria, Bisedge has established itself as a reliable partner for multinational companies in the food and beverage industry. By offering cost-effective and sustainable electric material handling machines, Bisedge supports its clients’ climate and efficiency goals. Its experienced management team, with a proven track record of building successful ventures in Africa, leverages expertise from clean energy and infrastructure projects to ensure operational excellence and reliability.

Peter Page, Senior Investment Officer at responsAbility, said: “Bisedge exemplifies the type of innovative, sustainable businesses we prioritize at responsAbility. Their forward-thinking logistics solutions support the transition to clean energy and also address critical operational challenges for businesses in Africa. This investment empowers Bisedge to scale its impact, enhancing sustainability and efficiency across the region.”

About Bisedge

Bisedge, established in 2020 and headquartered in Mauritius, is a leading provider of electric logistics solutions across Africa. Specializing in the leasing and maintenance of electric forklifts through its innovative “machine-as-a-service” model, the company partners with global leader Linde Material Handling to deliver cost-efficient and sustainable solutions. Focused on reducing environmental impact and operational costs, Bisedge is driving the transition to sustainable logistics in emerging markets.

About the Global Climate Partnership Fund (GCPF)

The Global Climate Partnership Fund is a Luxembourg-based fund managed by the Swiss asset manager responsAbility Investments AG. The Fund is an innovative public-private partnership dedicated to mitigating climate change through a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in emerging and developing markets. It focuses on financing energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, through local financial institutions or directly. Only projects that generate significant energy savings and pledge to reduce projected greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20% are eligible for funding.

About responsAbility Investments AG

responsAbility Investments AG is a leading impact asset manager specializing in private market investments across three investment themes. These themes directly contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Financial Inclusion, to finance the growth of Micro & SMEs; Climate Finance, to contribute to a net zero pathway; and Sustainable Food, to sustainably feed an ever-growing population. All responsAbility investment solutions target specific measurable impact alongside market returns.

Since its inception in 2003, responsAbility has deployed over USD 15.7 billion in impact investments. With over 270 employees collaborating across 8 offices, as of 30 September 2024 the company manages USD 5.1 billion in assets across approximately 300 portfolio companies in around 70 countries. Since 2022, responsAbility has been part of M&G plc, the international savings, and investments business, and contributes to enhancing M&G’s capabilities in impact investing.