Local Community Trust Debt Fund (LCTDF)

The Local Community Trust Debt Fund (LCTDF) is a social impact fund with a single, clear mission: to unlock and accelerate funding for community-led development. We achieve this by refinancing debt in renewable energy projects under REIPPPP, channelling financial benefits directly back to the communities who deserve them.

Investing in People.
Empowering Communities.

The Local Community Trust Debt Fund (LCTDF) is primarily a social impact fund that delivers competitive financial returns. Our primary objective is to empower local communities by unlocking the flow of funds from their stakes in South Africa’s renewable energy projects.

Many Community Investment Vehicles (CIVs) hold equity in these projects but are burdened by high-cost debt, preventing dividends from reaching the community. We provide fair and sustainable refinancing solutions. This crucial intervention unlocks liquidity enabling communities to invest in high-impact initiatives such as education, healthcare, local infrastructure, and economic development.

While our investments are in the clean energy sector—contributing to environmental goals as a secondary benefit —our focus is squarely on the social outcomes. We are dedicated to reducing economic inequality and ensuring that communities become the primary beneficiaries of the Just Energy Transition.

FOR INVESTORS

A Direct Investment in
Community-Led Progress

The LCTDF offers institutional investors a unique opportunity to generate measurable social impact while achieving stable, long-term financial returns. Our model is designed for investors seeking to finance meaningful, sustainable change.

Social Impact at the Core

Primary Objective

Our strategy directly addresses social and economic inequality by improving cash flows for CIVs, enabling them to deliver on core social objectives like job creation, education, and healthcare.

Measurable Outcomes

We track our success through key social indicators, including the value of community benefit funds distributed, the number of community projects financed, and progress on gender and social inclusion.

FINANCIAL PROFILE

TARGET RETURN

CPI + 5% (net of costs)

FUND SIZE

Targeting ZAR 2 billion

FUND DURATION

15 Years

FEES

1% management fee (subject to a sliding scale) with no performance fees.

Download Fund Fact Sheet

Strategic ESG Advantages

Low-Risk Profile

Investments are underpinned by the predictable cash flows from operational renewable energy projects with long-term offtake agreements.

ESG & Impact Management Framework

LCTDF employs a comprehensive ESG and impact management framework aligned with IFC Performance Standards and the Operating Principles for Impact Management (OPIM)—the globally recognised benchmarks for development finance and impact investing.

Robust Governance

All refinancing is governed by robust ESG principles with a primary focus on social outcomes. We engage a third-party ESG consultant for independent due diligence on every transaction.

EXPERIENCED MANAGEMENT

The Fund is managed by Infra Impact Investment Managers (IIIM), a team with deep, institutional expertise in infrastructure finance, impact investing, and credit management. The leadership team comprises Mark van Wyk (CEO, with over 22 years of experience), Bulelwa Ntshingwa (Portfolio Manager, with over 22 years of experience), and Mzo Tshaka (Investment Principal, with over 20 years of experience).

Contact our team

For Community Trusts

A Direct Investment in Community-Led Progress

Is expensive debt preventing your Community Trust from fulfilling its mission? The LCTDF was established to address this specific issue. We are a dedicated financial partner committed to ensuring the benefits of renewable energy projects flow back to your community.

Why Partner With LCTDF?

Unlock Your Dividends, Faster

Our primary goal is to replace high-cost loans with more affordable capital, providing cash flow for your social projects.

Deliver on Your Vision

With more capital available, you can finally implement the essential socio-economic projects your community has identified—from building schools and clinics to supporting local businesses and creating jobs.

Support Beyond Finance

We provide more than just a loan. Our model offers free, pro bono advisory services through our partners, enhancing your governance, transparency, and negotiation capabilities.

A True Social Impact Partnership

Our team collaborates closely with you, providing hands-on support to implement and monitor projects. We succeed when your community thrives.

Who we fund

We partner with Community Investment Vehicles (CIVs), typically structured as trusts or private companies, that hold equity stakes in operational renewable energy projects under South Africa’s REIPPPP programme and are committed to community upliftment.

Learn More About Refinancing

Contact our LCTDF team to learn more.

Contact the
LCTDF Team