The Soros Economic Development Fund (SEDF), the impact investment arm of the Open Society Foundations, has been a trailblazer in deploying catalytic, patient capital to drive systemic change in under-resourced markets since its founding in 1997. With over $550 million committed in debt, equity, and guarantees, SEDF leverages its unique investment approach to support initiatives that not only generate measurable impacts but also attract additional capital to address critical gaps.

A shining example of this mission is SEDF’s strategic partnership with Hewatele, an African-owned medical oxygen producer in Kenya. As part of a broader $20 million funding package, SEDF contributed $4 million to help expand Hewatele’s capacity—aimed at transforming Kenya’s healthcare landscape. This investment is earmarked to finance the construction of a cutting-edge liquid oxygen (LOX) manufacturing facility outside Nairobi, while also doubling production capacity at hospital-based sites.

Finnfund is a development financier and impact investor committed to building a sustainable future by investing in businesses that address global development challenges. With a focus on operating exclusively in developing countries—as defined by OECD/DAC—Finnfund provides risk capital, long-term investment loans, mezzanine financing, and strategic expertise to drive both profitability and measurable social and environmental impact. Their investments target sectors critical to sustainable development, such as renewable energy, sustainable forestry, sustainable agriculture, financial institutions, and digital infrastructure.

In line with this mission, Finnfund partnered with Hewatele, an innovative Kenyan medical oxygen producer, as part of a broader $20 million funding package. Their contribution helped finance the development of a state-of-the-art liquid oxygen (LOX) manufacturing facility on the outskirts of Nairobi and expand regional distribution networks. This strategic investment not only enhances local production capacity but also addresses the long-standing challenges of high costs and unreliable oxygen supply in the region—challenges that became all too apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Leveraging its extensive resources and deep industry knowledge, UBS—through its philanthropic arm, UBS Optimus Foundation—has joined a landmark consortium backing Hewatele, a pioneering Kenyan medical oxygen producer.

As part of a broader $20 million funding package, UBS’s contribution supports the expansion of Hewatele’s operations, including the construction of a cutting-edge liquid oxygen manufacturing facility and the enhancement of regional distribution networks.

This strategic investment aims to make life-saving medical oxygen more accessible and affordable, addressing critical healthcare challenges in the region.

Since 2017, GCC has partnered with Hewatele, a pioneering Kenyan medical oxygen producer, by funding oxygen production plants—including Pressure Swing Absorption (PSA) and Liquid Oxygen (LOX) manufacturing facilities.

This collaboration supports the construction and expansion of life-saving infrastructure, ensuring that affordable, reliable medical oxygen reaches hospitals and clinics in East Africa.

The Center for Public Health and Development (CPHD) is dedicated to improving access to quality health services in developing countries by bolstering government efforts through targeted training and support for essential medical equipment and infrastructure.

Their collaborative approach extends to partnering with social enterprises like Hewatele and MediQuip Global, which integrate robust training components into their service delivery.

UNITAID, in partnership with local manufacturers and global organizations, has launched the East African Program on Oxygen Access (EAPOA), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming access to medical Oxygen in sub-Saharan Africa.

With a US$22 million investment, this program will support the regional liquid and Hewatele Limited in one of the beneficiaries. CHAI, a global health organization, plays a key role in the program’s implementation and strategic direction.

AfricInvest, a leading investment and financial services firm, specializes in growth capital for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) poised for regional expansion. With a focus on businesses rooted in their local markets and ready to scale beyond borders, AfricInvest empowers emerging champions across Africa.

We’re proud to welcome AfricInvest Group as our newest strategic partner in advancing access to life-saving liquid oxygen (LOX) throughout Kenya—and beyond.