ICFA - International Climate Finance Accelerator - News #Cimate FinanceICFA - International Climate Finance Accelerator - News #Cimate Financehttps://www.icfa.lu/news/tag/climate-financeWed, 15 Apr 2026 04:39:07 +0200http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[Call for External Reviewers]]>https://www.icfa.lu/news/post/call-for-external-reviewersWe’re recruiting External Application Reviewers Accelerating Impact is currently building our external review team for the upcoming International Clima ]]>

Call for External Reviewers for the ICFA 2026 Cohort

We’re recruiting External Application Reviewers
Accelerating Impact is currently building our external review team for the upcoming International Climate Finance Accelerator (ICFA) and International Social Finance Accelerator (ISFA) cohorts.

his is a paid, short-term expert role reviewing early-stage climate and social impact fund proposals, taking part in structured interviews, and helping identify standout emerging fund managers.

We’re particularly keen to hear from people with backgrounds in:
Impact / social finance
Fund setup or fund-of-funds investing
Emerging manager assessment/fund due-diligence
Climate or social investment strategies
Blended finance and innovative fund structures

If this sounds like you - or someone in your network - we’d love to connect.


Access the Indicative Terms of Reference


Interested?
]]>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 12:06:22 +0100<![CDATA[Informational webinar: ICFA Application window open for the 2026 Cohort]]>https://www.icfa.lu/news/post/webinar-icfa-application-window-openThe ICFA programme is receiving Expressions of Interest until 30 November 2025 to join the next Cohort. The ICFA team will host a webinar on 29 October ]]>

Call for Expression of Interest for the ICFA 2026 Cohort

The ICFA programme is receiving Expressions of Interest until 30 November 2025 to join the next Cohort.


The ICFA team will host a webinar on 29 October, 4 pm CET, to guide potential applicants through the process. 

The ICFA is an innovative multi-year programme that accelerates emerging fund managers focusing on key areas for climate action such as Climate Change Mitigation and Climate Change Adaptation.

To become an ICFA Cohort member, and benefit from technical and financial support, fund managers are selected through a highly competitive, three phase selection process, first by the ICFA team, then independent consultants, and finally by our Selection Committee. To highlight the competition of the programme, in 2025 we received 38 expressions of interest, and we selected only 4 high-impact and innovative fund managers to be part of the 2025 Cohort.

Selected fund managers receive access to financial support, trainings on a wide range of topics, an experienced coach, and many other benefits. To find out more, view the introduction to our initiative and the Eligibility Criteria to apply to our acceleration programme.                 


Ready to be accelerated? ➡️Apply for support


      


Apply for support
]]>Tue, 28 Oct 2025 09:21:09 +0100<![CDATA[Now open: Call for Expression of Interest for the ICFA 2026 Cohort]]>https://www.icfa.lu/news/post/now-open-call-for-expression-of-interest-for-the-icfa-2026-cohortThe Call for Expression of Interest for the ICFA 2026 Cohort is now open until 30 November 2025. The ICFA team will host a webinar on 29 October, 4 pm ]]>

Now open: Call for Expression of Interest for the ICFA 2026 Cohort

The Call for Expression of Interest for the ICFA 2026 Cohort is now open until 30 November 2025.


The ICFA team will host a webinar on 29 October, 4 pm CET, to guide potential applicants through the process. 

The ICFA is an innovative multi-year programme that accelerates emerging fund managers focusing on key areas for climate action such as Climate Change Mitigation and Climate Change Adaptation.

To become an ICFA Cohort member, and benefit from technical and financial support, fund managers are selected through a highly competitive, three phase selection process, first by the ICFA team, then independent consultants, and finally by our Selection Committee. To highlight the competition of the programme, in 2025 we received 38 expressions of interest, and we selected only 4 high-impact and innovative fund managers to be part of the 2025 Cohort.

Selected fund managers receive access to financial support, trainings on a wide range of topics, an experienced coach, and many other benefits. To find out more, view the introduction to our initiative and the Eligibility Criteria to apply to our acceleration programme.                 


Ready to be accelerated? ➡️Apply for support


      


Apply for support
]]>Wed, 01 Oct 2025 12:03:29 +0200<![CDATA[Presenting the ICFA 2025 Cohort]]>https://www.icfa.lu/news/post/presenting-the-icfa-2025-cohort We are thrilled to welcome the four outstanding fund managers joining the 2025 Cohort of the ICFA - International Climate Finance Accelerator. Congrat ]]>

Presenting the ICFA 2025 Cohort

We are thrilled to welcome the four outstanding fund managers joining the 2025 Cohort of the ICFA - International Climate Finance Accelerator.

Congratulations to Impact Earth for their Tropical Resilience Fund, Matanataki Pte Ltdfor raising the Matanataki Pacific Fund 1, VitaminºC for their focus on CO2 reduction and human adaptation, and the Sustainable Noble Assets Platform (SNAP) for accelerating industrial decarbonization and circular economy solutions in Sub-Saharan Africa, all of which drive impactful change in climate finance.


Let’s meet the members of the ICFA 2025 Cohort:

🏆 Building on the success of its first advisory vehicle, the Amazon Biodiversity Fund (BRL 250 million), Impact Earth continues its mission to drive impactful investment in environmental finance with the Tropical Resilience Fund that will expand this vision across the Tropical Belt, providing catalytic venture debt to enterprises and projects that conserve and restore natural ecosystems while supporting sustainable livelihoods. Designed to deliver interlinked climate mitigation, climate adaptation, biodiversity enhancement, and social impact, the fund targets vulnerable populations in tropical frontier markets.

🏆 Matanataki Pte Ltd, a woman-founded business developer and emerging fund manager in Fiji, is launching the Matanataki Pacific Fund 1. The fund provides investors with access to community-serving, gender equitable businesses that deliver climate resilience to Pacific communities, with coral reefs as the guiding star indicating the health and climate resilience of the whole.

🏆 VitaminºC is a female-led early-stage venture fund investing in climate mitigation and human adaptation. Their north star is CO2 reduction to mitigate climate change, with a focus on major CO₂-emission “bubbles”: energy transition, food & agriculture, and carbon removal—complemented by solutions that strengthen human resilience and health. They rewire venture capital with systemic thinking and support founders beyond capital through the dedicated non-profit Vitamin°C lab.

🏆 The Sustainable Noble Assets Platform (SNAP) accelerates industrial decarbonization and circular economy solutions in Sub-Saharan Africa. Built on Zoscales’ prior investment experience, SNAP targets hard-to-abate sectors with commercially anchored, resilient solutions tied to real-economy demand. The platform is designed with a deep understanding of local contexts and a commitment to measurable impact, including emissions reduction, job creation, and gender inclusion.


Congratulations to these outstanding fund managers, we are very much looking forward to work together to solve the planet’s most pressing issue - climate change!


Learn more about the ICFA programme
]]>Mon, 07 Jul 2025 14:49:05 +0200<![CDATA[Request for Proposal (RFP) - Miarakap - Mauritius Administrator]]>https://www.icfa.lu/news/post/request-for-proposal-rfp-miarakap-mauritius-administratorMitsiry is a blended finance fund created to support Small and Medium Enterprises working at the intersection of climate resilience, biodiversity cons ]]>


Mitsiry is a blended finance fund created to support Small and Medium Enterprises working at the intersection of climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable livelihoods across Madagascar and the broader South-West Indian Ocean region. The fund is jointly initiated by Miarakap and Kinomé. Together, Miarakap and Kinomé are forming a new joint entity, a NewCo, which will act as the Investment Advisor for Mitsiry Fund. 


Miarakap and Kinomé are seeking to appoint a licensed Mauritius-based administrator to support the successful incorporation and long-term operation of the Mitsiry Investment Advisory entity. In the short term, the administrator will handle all setup procedures and regulatory filings required under Mauritian law. In the longer term, the administrator will serve as the official corporate services provider, ensuring ongoing compliance, governance, and administrative continuity throughout the fund’s life cycle.


For full details about the engagement, including scope of services and proposal submission guidelines, please download the full RFP below.


Interested service providers are encouraged to engage with the Miarakap team before submission and shall submit their proposal in writing to k.ramaromandray@miarakap.com and  l.meleard@miarakap.com. by 20 June 2025, copying programme@icfa.lu.


Download the RFP
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Please note that this Request for Proposal is subject to the Accelerating Impact General Terms of Business.
]]>Wed, 11 Jun 2025 22:43:00 +0200<![CDATA[Pauline Fruchaud joins the ICFA Selection Committee 2025]]>https://www.icfa.lu/news/post/pauline-fruchaud-joins-the-icfa-selection-committee-2025 We are delighted ]]>

Pauline Fruchaud joins the ICFA Selection Committee 2025

We are delighted to shed the spotlight on Pauline Fruchaud who has joined the ICFA - International Climate Finance Accelerator Selection Committee for 2025.

Pauline is a seasoned, mission-driven investment executive with over 20 years of experience in impact investing, development finance, and consulting, with a strong focus on financial inclusion, climate, and agri-finance in emerging markets.


Throughout her career, Pauline has worked across regions and sectors—investing in Debt and Private Equity Funds, leading innovative financing solutions for fintechs and agri-tech firms, and advising on fund structures that promote food security and financial access in frontier markets.


Her impressive track record includes roles as Head of Debt Investments at Obviam (advisor to SIFEM, the Swiss DFI), Head of Eastern Europe at BlueOrchard Finance, and a strategic advisor at the IFC, where she worked to unlock investment opportunities across West and Central Africa. She has also contributed to initiatives with UNDP, UNICEF, and grassroots microfinance institutions.


Pauline previously served on the ICFA Selection Committee from 2018 to 2020, during the program’s formative years. We’re thrilled to welcome her back, bringing deep sector expertise, cross-cultural insight, and a passion for building resilient, inclusive financial systems.


Pauline shares:

“It's very energizing and inspiring to support new climate fund managers in developing innovative financing solutions and unlocking investments in climate-smart companies, which our planet needs most. I'm truly honoured and delighted to be part of the ICFA ecosystem!"


With Pauline’s extensive experience and dedication, we are confident her contributions will be instrumental in identifying and empowering the next generation of impact-focused fund managers.




Learn more about the ICFA programme
]]>Mon, 26 May 2025 17:33:59 +0200<![CDATA[Martin Poulsen – Member of the ICFA Selection Committee 2025]]>https://www.icfa.lu/news/post/martin-poulsen-–-member-of-the-icfa-selection-committee-2025 We are delighted to count on Martin Poulsen as member of the ICFA - International Climate Finance Accelerator Selection Committee.  Martin brings ]]>

Martin Poulsen – Member of the ICFA Selection Committee 2025


We are delighted to count on Martin Poulsen as member of the ICFA - International Climate Finance Accelerator Selection Committee. Martin brings a remarkable blend of experience, insight, and commitment to sustainable finance and emerging markets—making him an invaluable addition as we continue to identify and support the next generation of climate-focused fund managers.


Martin Poulsen is a veteran of sustainable investment and private equity, with over 25 years of hands-on experience across sustainability, SME finance, and climate-oriented capital mobilisation. He is the Managing Director of Acacia Sustainable Business Advisors, where he advises fund managers, SMEs, NGOs, and public institutions—particularly those pioneering innovative approaches in climate finance.

Martin’s career spans both the GP and LP sides of the investment world. He has successfully raised capital from both public and private sources, served as founder and co-CEO of the Moringa Partnership, and played key roles at institutions such as the African Development Bank, European Investment Bank, and Kennet Capital.


He currently sits on the IDH Farmfit Fund Investment Committee, serves as Senior Advisor to Consilium Capital, and has been instrumental in launching numerous impactful sustainable finance initiatives.

Martin’s global perspective and deep technical expertise—especially in climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, and inclusive finance—are perfectly aligned with ICFA’s mission to accelerate innovative climate investment solutions. As he emphasizes:


“I am very much looking forward to working with ICFA to select the most promising new climate-focused funds for the 2025 cohort.  In the context of a growing global climate crisis mobilising investment capital for the climate has never been more important and ICFA is playing an important grass-roots role in addressing this question."


 We're confident that Martin's strategic vision and longstanding dedication to sustainable investment will further strengthen our commitment to fostering meaningful climate impact.


Learn more about the ICFA programme
]]>Thu, 22 May 2025 10:39:21 +0200<![CDATA[Jack Knellinger – Member of the ICFA Selection Committee 2025]]>https://www.icfa.lu/news/post/jack-knellinger-–-member-of-the-icfa-selection-committee-2025We’re honored to spotlight Jack Knellinger, a seasoned entrepreneur and impact investor with over two decades of experience building high-performing v ]]>

Jack Knellinger – Member of the ICFA Selection Committee 2025

We’re honored to spotlight Jack Knellinger, a seasoned entrepreneur and impact investor with over two decades of experience building high-performing ventures and investment platforms across global markets. His leadership and commitment are a major asset to our shared mission of accelerating scalable solutions for global challenges.

Jack is the CEO and Founder of Revoluity, an advisory firm that partners with emerging fund managers and mission-driven startups to catalyze growth, investment readiness, and operational scale. 

Previously, Jack was a Co-Founder and Partner at Capria Ventures, a global venture capital firm where he helped build and scale a global network of 20+ emerging fund managers across 35+ countries. Under his leadership, the Capria Network deployed over $1.5B in assets, backing transformative early-stage ventures in emerging economies.

Jack began his career in technology as a software developer and transitioned early into venture development and impact investing, consistently working at the nexus of innovation, capital, and execution. His prior work led to his selection as a top 50 under 40 leader in social enterprise by American Express and the Social Enterprise Alliance.

Jack’s vision aligns deeply with our mission—to empower the next generation of bold, impact-focused leaders and fund managers. As he says:

"ICFA is doing what few institutions have the courage or foresight to do—backing emerging fund managers before the rest of the market is ready to commit while serving as a value added partner throughout the fund development journey. Their work is not just accelerating climate and development finance; it’s reshaping who gets to lead the future of global investment in one of the urgent and consequential arenas of our time." 

We're delighted to count on Jack Knellinger in the ICFA Selection Committee this year again. His experience, insight, and passion for impact continue to inspire and accelerate change worldwide.


Learn more about the ICFA programme
]]>Mon, 19 May 2025 10:32:38 +0200<![CDATA[Barbara Boos chairs the ICFA Selection Committee 2025]]>https://www.icfa.lu/news/post/barbara-boos-chairs-the-icfa-selection-committee-2025We are thrilled to once again count on Barbara Boos as Chair of the ICFA - International Climate Finance Accelerator Selection Committee! Her leadersh ]]>

Barbara Boos chairs the ICFA Selection Committee 2025

We are thrilled to once again count on Barbara Boos as Chair of the ICFA - International Climate Finance Accelerator Selection Committee! Her leadership, deep sector knowledge, and unwavering commitment to climate and infrastructure finance continue to be a major asset as we work to mobilize capital for impactful, sustainable solutions.


Barbara Boos is a seasoned investment practitioner who has dedicated her career to driving positive change in climate and infrastructure finance. As an independent advisor, she offers strategic guidance to funds and key stakeholders in the sector and serves as an independent Investment Committee and Board Member. Previously, Barbara spent over 20 years at the EIB Group, most recently leading the Group’s Climate and Infrastructure Fund's investment activities from 2018 to 2023.

Her areas of expertise span renewable energy, energy efficiency, environment and resources, sustainable transport, digital and social infrastructure fund investments, all grounded in ESG and risk management. Her influence in the field extends to her roles with the UNPRI Infrastructure Advisory Committee (2022–2023) and her current position on the Investment Advisory Committee of the UN Environment Programme’s Restoration Seed Capital Facility.

Barbara’s dedication to sustainable finance perfectly aligns with ICFA’s mission. As she puts it:
“Building a strong climate finance ecosystem is one of the most urgent challenges—and opportunities—of our time. ICFA is equipping emerging fund managers with the tools, networks, and guidance to turn talent and ambition into scalable impact.”

Join us in celebrating Barbara Boos, whose experience and passion will continue to guide the ICFA in identifying and empowering the next generation of innovative, impact-driven fund managers.


 


Learn more about the ICFA programme
]]>Tue, 13 May 2025 14:59:41 +0200<![CDATA[Susan Forester joins the ICFA Selection Committee 2025]]>https://www.icfa.lu/news/post/susan-forester-joins-the-icfa-selection-committee-2025We delighted that Susan Forester has joined the ICFA – International Climate Finance Accelerator Selection Committee for 2025!  Susan acts as a st ]]>

Susan Forester joins the ICFA Selection Committee 2025

We delighted that Susan Forester has joined the ICFA – International Climate Finance Accelerator Selection Committee for 2025! 


Susan acts as a strategic advisor at C-suite/Board level with an emphasis on sustainable investment across a range of sectors, including energy/renewables, healthcare, and finance/insurance. Her senior advisory work is principally focused on early-stage investment funds and new business ventures in Africa, with a strong climate finance focus on carbon markets and nature-based solutions. 


Over the years, Susan has demonstrated leadership in stakeholder management, fund-raising, fund structuring, impact strategy, and operational implementation/project management. She has leveraged an extensive network within the development finance community and has collaborated with impact investors such as Blue Orchard, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Mastercard Foundation, VisionFund, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI). 


Previously employed by the CDC Group (now BII, British International Investment), Susan has managed projects for KfW/UK FCDO and has successfully completed projects like establishing the Natural Disaster Fund, originating a catalytic investment strategy for CDC Group, designing a fund structure for the UNDP, and executing an impact investment strategy for a Kenya-based company. She also wrote a gender inclusivity policy for Lion’s Head Global Partners. 


In addition to her extensive work in the development finance sector, Susan spent 10 years with major global investment banks, including Citigroup, Morgan Stanley, and Lehman Brothers. She holds advanced degrees in finance and economics, most recently from SOAS, University of London. 


Susan states, “I have long held the ICFA programme in high regard and am very pleased to be invited to join the 2025 Selection Committee. The ICFA attracts very high calibre fund proposals and then provides their proponents with extensive, expert guidance designed to advance their climate finance objectives. Contributing to this process will be very rewarding and I am very excited to see the submissions this year."


With Susan's expertise and passion, we are confident that her contributions will significantly enhance our efforts in identifying and nurturing the most promising fund managers who share our commitment to sustainability and climate resilience.



Learn more about the ICFA programme
]]>Wed, 07 May 2025 11:41:14 +0200