EIB Lights The Fuse On A USD 75 M Investment Into Helios Fund V To Fuel Africa’s Digital Boom

The European Investment Bank (EIB Global) is putting down USD 75 M to back Africa’s growing digital economy, financial services, and tech-driven businesses.

The investment is going into Helios Fund V, a private equity fund managed by Helios Investment Partners, the world’s largest Africa-focused investment firm.

Announced at the Finance in Common Summit in Cape Town by EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle, signals Europe’s continued interest in fueling Africa’s digital and financial transformation.

The fund is set to back businesses within the financial services, technology and digital infrastructure sectors—from data centres and fibre networks to telecom towers—as well as companies driving innovation in cloud computing, fintech, logistics, health tech, and education tech.

These areas are in line with the priorities outlined in the EU-Africa Global Gateway Investment Package, which aims to enhance sustainable development across the continent through strategic investments in key industries.

Africa’s digital transformation is well underway, but many businesses still struggle to access the capital they need to scale. That’s where Helios comes in. The fund will provide long-term investment to high-impact companies, helping them expand and compete in a rapidly evolving market.

Beyond technology and infrastructure, gender inclusion is also a key focus of the fund. Helios has committed to ensuring that at least 30% of its portfolio meets the EIB’s gender equality criteria, with investments targeting women-led businesses, leadership training, and capacity-building programs. The fund is also a member of the 2X Global network, reinforcing its commitment to advancing women’s economic empowerment across the continent.

The investment is part of EIB Global’s broader push to mobilize private capital for African businesses, working alongside other European development finance institutions (DFIs).

Last year alone, EIB Global invested EUR 232 M in funds across Africa, accounting for 49% of its total fund investments—a clear indication of its increasing focus on supporting private capital flows into African markets.

EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle called Helios a trusted investment partner with deep African expertise, emphasizing that the fund aligns with the EU-Africa Global Gateway Investment Package, which aims to strengthen Africa’s economic resilience.

South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Finance, David Masondo, welcomed the investment, saying that private capital plays a critical role in driving Africa’s economic growth. He highlighted that the funding will help strengthen capital markets, expand financial infrastructure, and mobilize resources for high-impact sectors, all of which are key to job creation and industrial growth.

Private equity has long been a catalyst for economic transformation in Africa, with private equity firms like Helios playing a key role in providing not just funding, but also strategic expertise and technical knowledge to help African businesses scale. With Helios Fund V, the EIB is making a strong bet on Africa’s digital and financial future, ensuring that businesses across the continent have the capital they need to thrive, expand, and compete on a global stage.