Axum

Capital and Investment Mobilization

Axum helps bridge the gap between bold ideas and the resources to realize them.

We work with investors, governments, and enterprises to mobilize and direct capital toward initiatives that drive sustainable development and inclusive growth.

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Alliance for Health Financing in Africa (AHFIA)

Alliance for Health Financing in Africa (AHFIA)

Challenge Many African countries face persistent challenges in financing healthcare systems that are accessible, affordable, and sustainable. Gaps between health and finance sectors have limited the ability to create integrated solutions that can scale. Solution Axum launched the Alliance for Health Financing in Africa (AHFIA) in November 2024, with support from the Gates Foundation, to help address these structural gaps. AHFIA brings together governments, financial institutions, and development partners to co-design innovative funding mechanisms and advance policy, investment, and implementation efforts that strengthen health systems. Impact By bridging the health-finance divide, AHFIA is enabling countries to design and scale more inclusive and resilient health financing models. The initiative supports stronger health systems, improved economic resilience, and greater access to care across the continent.

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Designing Systems for Funding for Small and Mid-Scale Renewable Energy Projects

Designing Systems for Funding for Small and Mid-Scale Renewable Energy Projects

Challenge Currently, there is limited funding available for small and mid-scale commercial and industrial renewable energy projects in Southern Africa. Solution Axum was engaged to establish and manage a renewable energy debt fund sponsored by various stakeholders. We supported by establishing governance structures (investment policy, environmental compliance policies, social compliance policies, independent investment/credit committee), documenting and negotiating grant and loan documentation from commercial funders, establishing a market notes program, reporting and back-office policies and procedures, documenting and negotiating of technical assistance facility (TAF) policies, and recruiting a management team. Impact Since its establishment, the fund has provided financial support for over 175 small and mid-scale commercial and industrial renewable energy projects.

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Gender Links

Gender Links

Challenge Gender Links aimed to strengthen its organizational planning and improve its positioning as a leading provider of Gender Integration (GI) services across Africa. To do this effectively, the organization needed a clear picture of its internal capabilities, strategic gaps, and areas for improvement. Solution Axum partnered with Gender Links to conduct an internal organizational effectiveness assessment. Using a tailored framework grounded in best practices and Gender Links' existing approaches, the process included stakeholder consultations, staff surveys, and field visits to ensure a comprehensive review of the organization's strengths and gaps. Impact The assessment led to a set of priority recommendations and the development of a detailed five-year action plan. This roadmap is helping Gender Links align its strategy, operations, and internal systems with its long-term goals for regional leadership in GI services.

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Empowering Creatives to Tell the African Story

Empowering Creatives to Tell the African Story

Challenge Historically, international media has marginalized voices from the global south, leading to biased perspectives and limited representation. Yet, empowering underrepresented communities in the film industry presents an opportunity to promote diversity and inclusion in storytelling. Solution Axum supported partners in designing and implementing a creative equity scholarship initiative for West and Central Africa, distributing funds among 52 film students across Benin, Gabon, Ghana, and Nigeria. Financial support covered tuition and stipends while creating industry networking opportunities. Impact Disbursed over US$400,000 of funds over two years, enabling 52 students from 5 universities in West and Central Africa to benefit from financial aid, building the next generation of African storytellers.

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Climate Smart Forest Economy Program

Climate Smart Forest Economy Program

Challenge Forest ecosystems in the Global South face deforestation, degradation, and economic underutilization. At the same time, local housing deficits and economic needs persist, creating pressure to extract rather than conserve. Solution Established in 2020, the Climate Smart Forest Economy Program (CSFEP) partners with various stakeholders in low- and middle-income countries in the Global South to develop regional forest product industries. The program employs a forest-first, collaborative approach ensuring forest product industries: Reverse deforestation trends by providing sustainable management revenue Build resilient, climate-smart, regenerative forest economies with accessible biobased materials Create local small businesses and sustainable green jobs along value chains Breakthrough initiatives include co-designing Bhutan's climate-smart forest economy, supporting timber construction startups in Kenya and Uganda, and partnering with Cassa Guatemala on bamboo housing in climate-vulnerable communities. An East Africa Coalition convenes stakeholders across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in the biobased construction sector. Fiscally sponsored by Dalberg Catalyst; Devang Vussonji serves on CSFEP's Advisory Council. Impact CSFEP is building momentum for climate-smart forest economies that prioritize both ecological integrity and community prosperity.

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