Southern Africa launches USD 1.3 bn fund to establish transmission lines

Transmission links coming to Southern Africa: The Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) and investment advisers Climate Fund Managers are cooperating to establish the USD 1.3 bn Regional Transmission Infrastructure Financing Facility fund to set up interconnected, high-voltage transmission lines across the region, Reuters reports. An initial USD 20 mn from SAPP will drive the initiative, with plans to secure an additional USD 500 mn by 2025 from both the public and private sectors. The lifespan of the fund will run between 20-25 years and is expected to reach a financial close within two years.