Offset8 Capital Limited, a proprietary asset management firm based in Abu Dhabi Global Market, has announced the signing of a financing transaction with iRise, the recipient of the NDC Investment Award at COP28 for Best Forestry Initiative in Africa. 

With the project now well underway, Offset8 and iRise reported to the Government of Malawi on the progress of iRise’s Climate and Community Transformation Program, which focuses on restoring 6,000 hectares of degraded land in Malawi, deploying over 140,000 clean cookstoves, and improving food security. 

At the heart of this initiative is a large-scale reforestation effort, with plans to plant 6 million indigenous trees and prevent the deforestation of over 4 million trees, all crucial for carbon sequestration, biodiversity resurgence, and soil regeneration.

Across Africa, over 3.7 million people die prematurely each year due to harmful cooking practices. 91% of Malawians rely on firewood and charcoal, leading to serious health issues and widespread deforestation. By providing clean cookstoves to local communities free of charge, the project directly improves public health and reduces deforestation.

Climatic shocks have severely reduced agricultural productivity among Malawi’s farming-dependent population. In response, the iRise program enhances food security by producing an additional 3,000 tons of maize annually to feed 25,000 people and supports subsistence farming for 5,000 people.

The project is expected to create 300 permanent and multi-year jobs and seasonal work for 1,500 people. This comprehensive program integrates reforestation, clean cooking, and sustainable agriculture into a synergistic solution. Each component strengthens the others, creating a holistic approach that meets the diverse needs of local communities. Combined, these efforts could positively impact the lives of 150,000 people in Malawi.

Vice President of the Republic of Malawi and Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change, Michael Usi stated, “I am pleased that Malawi is becoming a destination of choice for carbon financing, and we welcome this program to Malawi”. The project was issued a Letter of Authorization (LOA) by the Government of Malawi. The LOA allows carbon credits issued by the project to be traded under Article 6 of the United Nations Paris Agreement. 

Offset8 has observed significant international interest in the project from companies in Switzerland, which signed an Article 6 agreement with Malawi, and in Japan and Singapore, with increasing demand for high-quality carbon credits. 

Jules Maitrepierre and Ivan Mozharov, Offset8’s co-founders, shared, “We are proud to support iRise for its holistic approach addressing the needs of local communities and its commitment to the ICVCM’s Core Carbon Principles, ensuring environmental integrity.”

Alex Pettefer, CEO of iRise, and Jason Rosamond, the architect behind iRise’s solution, stated, “Offset8’s ability to structure tailored financing and leverage a global network make them an ideal partner to amplify our impact in Malawi while respecting the local context.”

Offset8 Capital Limited, regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of the ADGM, acted as a financial advisor to Offset8 Holding Limited that will finance the project.


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Regenerating the warm heart of Africa - Malawi:

About Offset8

Offset8 Capital Limited is an Abu Dhabi Global Market-based proprietary asset management firm and a financial advisor regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of the ADGM. Offset8 seeks to finance climate mitigation and adaptation projects, with a focus on mangrove restoration, reforestation, and biochar. Of particular relevance will be projects that aim to support local communities in Africa and Southeast Asia and to contribute to both environmental conservation and sustainable economic development.

About iRise

iRise is a mission-driven organization with a focus on mitigating climate change while alleviating poverty. iRise delivers its integrated model in rural, underdeveloped communities with significant land degradation. The company combines sustainable agroforestry with community infrastructure to deliver high-quality carbon offset volumes and lasting, genuine economic and social development. The iRise program is scalable, prosperous, and equitable – driving a just net zero transition without compromising community or society, nature or returns.

Disclaimer

This press release is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for any other purpose. Notwithstanding anything contained in this press release, this press release does not constitute, and no reader of this press release may treat the same as, an offer to sell, a solicitation or invitation for the sale and purchase of any securities, instruments or any other properties, and the information contained in this press release shall not form the basis of any offer or contract. Under no circumstances is this press release to be construed as an offering of an interest in any collective investment fund in any jurisdiction. No action has been taken to permit an offering of interests in any collective investment fund in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose would be required.

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Offset8 Capital Limited (“Offset8”) is an Abu Dhabi Global Market-based asset manager that aims to build a carbon investment fund with a target size of at least US$250m, the first of its kind in the Middle East (the “Fund”).

Offset8 envisions that the Fund will finance climate mitigation and adaptation projects, with focus on mangrove restoration, reforestation and biochar. Of particular relevance will be projects that aim to support local communities in Africa and Southeast Asia and to contribute to both environmental conservation and sustainable economic development. In assessing such projects, Offset8 intends to rely on the Integrity Council on the Voluntary Carbon Market’s Core Carbon Principles for high-quality carbon credits that create real, verifiable climate impact, based on the latest science and best practice.

The founders of Offset8 have opted to incorporate the asset management company, and to establish the Fund in the ADGM to take advantage of the ADGM’s novel framework regulating carbon credits as a type of financial instrument. Offset8 hopes that the Fund will support the ambitions of the ADGM to become a key jurisdiction in the emerging field of sustainable finance.

The Offset8 team is comprised of 12 mainly Abu Dhabi based professionals with expertise in the areas of carbon markets, commodity trading, investment and asset management in emerging markets that are relevant to both sourcing high-quality carbon credits generating projects and realising the carbon credits to be generated.

Offset8 has, to date, identified more than 50 projects in 29 countries that it expects will form the investment pipeline of the Fund. Offset8 held discussions with potential counterparties in Japan and other countries where the main carbon credit buyers are currently based. Offset8 envisions that such buyers will act as off-takers of the carbon credit that the Fund is expected to receive.

Subject to regulatory approval which will enable Offset8 to sponsor and advise the Fund, Offset8 plans to have the initial closing of the Fund in Q3 2023. Offset8 has appointed Clifford Chance as its legal advisor on the formation and operation of the Fund.

Co-founders, Jules Maitrepierre and Ivan Mozharov, believe "Offset8's upcoming carbon investment fund is not just an investment opportunity; it is a chance to build a lasting legacy. Through our projects, we envision a future defined by environmental conservation, economic empowerment, and united global action."