Ten Pakistani green businesses seek investment at Karachi road show

Ten Pakistani businesses presented eco-friendly projects to investors, banks and development finance institutions at a meeting in Karachi. The two-day CFA Pakistan investor road show was held on 27 and 28 October and gave the businesses direct contact with potential investors.

Together the businesses have investment projects worth 120 million dollars for the next three years. According to Express News, ten businesses want to attract a total of 51 million dollars over the next 12 months to expand their projects. Business Recorder reported that climate-friendly projects can attract up to 120 million dollars over three years.

The projects cover clean energy, transport, construction, agriculture and turning waste into useful resources. With British government financial support, the businesses received technical and financial consultancy to prepare their projects for investors.

The Climate Finance Accelerator Pakistan programme is supported by the British government and implemented by DAI. It gave guidance on technical, financial, gender equality and social inclusion matters. Between 2022 and 2024 it supported 22 projects in Pakistan and helped mobilise 40 million dollars in investment for climate projects.

The participating businesses include AS Enterprises, which makes bio-coal from crop residues, and Trash It, which converts organic waste and crop residues into microbe-enriched fertiliser. Sahara Recycling plans integrated centres for municipal waste recycling, while Waste Busters JV Intertech Black Soldier Fly Technology uses insect-based technology to make organic waste usable. Bioweste Energy Ventures Limited works on biomethane and waste-to-energy systems, and Bio Energy Solution Private Limited produces biomass fuel pellets from agricultural and organic waste.

Gosid It plans to offer solar energy to middle-income consumers with limited access through instalment payments. Eco Edge AI is developing sensor and artificial intelligence based systems to improve energy use in buildings. Bus Karo aims to bring urban passengers and transport providers onto one platform, and Dyvo Express plans electric bus fleets and charging infrastructure.

Government representatives, investors and industry figures attended and discussed removing policy, regulatory and market barriers to private sector climate investment. Alison Blackburn, British Deputy High Commissioner in Karachi, spoke about partnership priorities including resource mobilisation, adaptation capacity and stronger policy frameworks. The UK Pakistan Green Compact, signed with the Government of Pakistan in December last year, provides a framework for joint climate action.

Sindh Minister for Local Government, Housing and Town Planning Syed Naser Hussain Shah reaffirmed the government's commitment to mobilising climate finance with private sector and development partners. CFA Pakistan team lead Wardah Malik said the initiative aims to connect investment-ready businesses with investors who can finance their projects.