Germany – Foreign economic-aid-related services – 81321405 - Development of an innovative financial instrument to improve the bankability of African PtX projects, and to crowd in institutional investors from global financial hubs

The objective of this assignment is to study, design, and validate the concept of a potential investment instrument - such as a fund - that is based on a Project-Backed Security structure or a comparable financial mechanism. This instrument should be capable of incorporating a mix of financial tools, including equity, debt, and mezzanine capital, and should be tailored to support the development of a global hydrogen project ecosystem. The instrument should be designed to channel investment into a diversified portfolio of PtX projects across the value chain. To attract institutional investors and mitigate the inherent risks of large-scale infrastructure projects, the structure must be anchored in the projects' future cash flows, assets, performance and guarantees to form specific risk/return profiles. Additionally, it should aim to deliver stable, predictable returns, avoiding high volatility, and be supported by a robust financial model that clearly outlines both potential upsides and downsides. It will be critical to explore and evaluate multiple structuring options for this financial instrument and validate them through engagement with relevant stakeholders, including investors. A systematic approach shall be adopted to identify and engage investors, structure the financial mechanisms, and ensure legal and regulatory compliance. The structured instrument shall focus on a long-term lifecycle of 15-20 years to enable targeted investments across the global hydrogen value chain, enhancing both financial viability and scalability. The final concept must not only align with investor expectations for financial return and risk management but also comply with applicable capital market regulations to ensure feasibility and long-term viability.