PROJECT

Projects

Summary of Proposed Investment

Project Number

520506

Company Name

Fondation Zakoura Micro Credit

Date SPI Disclosed

Feb 6, 2003

Country

Morocco

Industry

Infrastructure

Projected Board Date

Mar 12, 2003

Status

Completed

Sector

Other

Department

Advisory Services

Environmental Category

C - No Impact

Project Description

This PVMTI subproject will facilitate the introduction of a microfinance credit scheme to accelerate the uptake of solar home systems (SHS) in rural areas of Morocco. Zakoura, a leading microfinance institution, will provide a range of credit packages to buyers of SHS in partnership with multiple PV suppliers selected by Zakoura, which are able to comply with the PVMTI technical guidelines. IFC will provide a partial credit guarantee for Zakoura, so that it can access debt financing for the project locally from Société Générale Marocaine de Banques (Soc Gen).

The project is financed by the IFC/GEF Photovoltaic Market Transformation Initiative (PVMTI). The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has provided $30 million in concessional funds to IFC to support investments in private sector projects to encourage market development for photovoltaics. PVMTI aims to address market barriers by making available appropriate financing and stimulating business activity, accelerating PV penetration to achieve reductions in greenhouse gases. By harnessing the innovation and discipline of the private sector in designing and implementing PV projects, IFC is helping to shift the design and financing of PV market activity to a more sustainable and replicable private sector context.

By investing PVMTI funds in the project, IFC intends to support the demonstration of a successful and replicable business model for the Moroccan, as well as other developing country PV markets.

Sponsor / Cost / Location

Development Impact