Mediterrania Capital IV (MC IV), a private equity fund focused on North and West Africa, has gained fresh backing from German development finance institution DEG, which has increased its investment by an additional EUR 15 M (USD 16.2 M).

This new capital injection brings DEG’s total stake in the fund to EUR 25 M (USD 27 M), reinforcing its confidence in MC IV’s ability to foster economic growth, support local businesses, and create jobs in some of the continent’s fastest-growing sectors.

Since its launch, MC IV, which is managed by private equity firm Mediterrania Capital Partners, has focused on investing in mid-sized companies with strong growth potential, targeting sectors essential to the region’s economic transformation. These include healthcare, logistics, fast-moving consumer goods, education, and financial services—industries that are not only vital for development but also offer significant investment opportunities.

The fund’s approach is to acquire minority stakes in well-established businesses, providing them with both capital and strategic expertise to scale operations and expand into new markets. With plans to invest in 8 to 10 companies, each receiving between EUR 20M (USD 21.6 M) and EUR 50M (USD 54 M), MC IV aims to drive long-term, sustainable growth. Approximately 75% of the fund’s capital is allocated to North Africa, while 25% is directed toward Sub-Saharan Africa, ensuring a broad yet focused regional impact.

DEG’s relationship with MC IV dates back to May 2023, when it participated in a EUR 75 M (USD 81 M) fundraising round that played a key role in financing the acquisition of Laprophan, a leading Moroccan pharmaceutical company. That round also attracted other major development finance institutions (DFIs), including FMO, the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank, and Proparco, the French Development Agency’s private sector arm.

Since then, MC IV has moved quickly to build its portfolio and has made strategic investments that reflect its commitment to driving growth in the region. Beyond its stake in Laprophan, the fund invested in Cash Plus, a leading Moroccan fintech company, in October 2023. These investments highlight MC IV’s ability to identify and support businesses that not only show strong financial prospects but also contribute meaningfully to the economic and social fabric of their markets.

Beyond capital investment, DEG plays an active role in strengthening MC IV’s portfolio companies through DEG Impulse, its dedicated advisory initiative. By providing business support services, DEG helps these companies improve operational efficiency, reduce CO₂ emissions, integrate renewable energy solutions, and enhance sustainability practices. The goal is not just to generate financial returns but to ensure that businesses operate responsibly and contribute to the region’s long-term stability.

MC IV is also a 2X Challenge fund, meaning it actively promotes gender equality by supporting businesses that empower women in leadership and the workforce. As part of this initiative, the fund implements targeted measures to ensure that gender diversity is not just an afterthought but a core part of its investment philosophy.

For Mediterrania Capital Partners, DEG’s increased investment represents a strong vote of confidence in its strategy and execution capabilities. With additional capital at its disposal, MC IV is well-positioned to expand its portfolio and deepen its impact on the African private equity landscape.

As the fund continues to deploy capital and scale its investments, its progress will be closely watched. With rising interest in African markets and a growing recognition of the region’s potential, MC IV’s success will serve as a measure of how private equity can help shape the next phase of Africa’s economic growth.

Inside Capital Partners has secured a major boost for its second fund, Inside Equity Fund II (IEF II), with Norwegian Investment Fund (Norfund) joining as a Limited Partner.

The additional USD 7.5 M investment from Norfund brings the fund’s total size to USD 62 M, reinforcing efforts to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Southeast Africa.

The partnership reflects a growing commitment to fueling businesses that drive economic transformation in the region. SMEs in Africa’s emerging markets often face a difficult financial landscape, with limited access to capital preventing them from reaching their full potential.

IEF II was designed to address this challenge, offering equity investments to businesses that show strong potential for both growth and positive impact. The fund targets sectors that align with sustainable development goals, such as clean energy, waste reduction, and gender-inclusive enterprises.

The investment comes as Inside Capital Partners builds on the momentum of IEF II’s first close, which secured USD 55 M from a mix of returning and new investors. Dutch Good Growth Fund (DGGF) and Terra Mauricia Ltd reaffirmed their commitment, while new backers include the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), the International Finance Corporation (IFC) from the World Bank Group, Swedfund International, Mauritius Investment Corporation (MIC) Ltd, and BIO, the Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries.

With a 10-year investment horizon, IEF II aims to support 12 high-impact businesses across Madagascar, Zambia, and Mauritius, with potential expansion into Mozambique and Tanzania.

It follows the success of Inside Capital’s first fund (IEF I), which fully deployed USD 35 M into six companies across industries such as waste recycling, renewable energy, packaging, building materials, and hospitality. IEF II aims to continue this strategy, targeting businesses that not only demonstrate strong growth potential but also contribute to sustainable development.

Jérôme Lagesse, Managing Partner at Inside Capital Partners, emphasized the significance of this investment, describing it as a critical step toward creating lasting change. “At Inside, we see investment as more than just capital—it’s a catalyst for transformation. By welcoming Norfund as a partner, we are reinforcing our commitment to high-impact SMEs, unlocking economic opportunities, and driving sustainable development where it’s needed most.”

Beyond financial returns, IEF II integrates a strong Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework into its investment process. The fund follows ESG screening processes aligned with EDFI standards and applies IFC Performance Standards to conduct environmental and social due diligence on potential investees. This ensures that each investment aligns with sustainable development goals and contributes to positive social and environmental outcomes.

As the fund continues to grow, so does its ambition to reshape Africa’s investment landscape. Norfund’s involvement strengthens IEF II’s ability to back businesses that are driving real economic change, providing long-term financial support to the companies that will shape Southeast Africa’s future.

Smallholder farmers in Kenya are set to benefit from a EUR 1 M (USD 1.08 M) technical assistance grant aimed at helping them adopt sustainable farming practices and withstand the impacts of climate change.

The funding, provided by Proparco, will support the Climate Resilient Agri-Food Systems (CRAFS) project, an initiative by the Equity Group Foundation (EGF) designed to equip farmers with the knowledge, tools, and financial access needed to transition to Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA).

The agreement, signed on March 18, 2025, in Nairobi, brings together key players in Kenya’s agricultural and financial sectors. In attendance were French Ambassador to Kenya H.E. Arnaud Suquet, Proparco’s Regional Director for East Africa Jean Guyonnet-Dupérat, and Equity Group CEO Dr. James Mwangi. This partnership builds on a long-standing relationship between Proparco and Equity Group, reflecting a shared commitment to sustainable economic growth.

Kenya’s agricultural sector is the backbone of its economy, contributing 30% of GDP and 45% of export earnings while providing livelihoods for 75% of rural communities. However, climate change has made farming increasingly unpredictable, with extreme weather patterns, erratic rainfall, and soil degradation threatening productivity. Many smallholder farmers struggle to adapt, often lacking the resources, knowledge, and financial support needed to transition to sustainable methods.

The CRAFS project is designed to address these challenges head-on. Through this initiative, 15,000 farmers every year will receive hands-on training in sustainable farming techniques, access to climate-friendly financing, and support in adopting innovative solutions like water harvesting, waste-to-energy systems, and energy-efficient agricultural practices. A dedicated team will work directly with farmers, suppliers, and value chain partners to ensure these changes are implemented effectively.

For France, this partnership represents a broader commitment to supporting Kenya’s economic transformation. Ambassador Arnaud Suquet emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating: “Agriculture is central to employment, food security, and sustainability in Kenya. This collaboration between France, through Proparco, and EGF will help empower local farmers, demonstrating how impactful partnerships can drive real change in agriculture, fintech, health, and renewable energy.”

Jean Guyonnet-Dupérat, representing Proparco, highlighted the importance of working with established partners like Equity Group. “We are proud to strengthen our collaboration with Equity, a key player in Africa’s financial ecosystem. Through EGF, they are creating real impact by supporting farmers and innovators in the agricultural sector. Proparco is committed to backing initiatives that drive sustainable growth.”

For Dr James Mwangi, the initiative is a crucial step toward securing a resilient agricultural future for Kenya. “This is about empowering farmers to succeed in an unpredictable climate. By embracing Climate-Smart Agriculture, we are giving them the knowledge, financial support, and tools to increase productivity while reducing their environmental footprint. The challenges are significant, but with the right support, smallholder farmers can thrive and contribute to a more sustainable future.”

As Kenya continues to face the realities of climate change, initiatives like CRAFS are not just about survival—they are about long-term prosperity. With backing from Proparco and Equity Group, thousands of farmers will gain the skills and resources needed to adapt, ensuring food security and economic stability for the future.

Swedfund, Sweden’s state-owned development finance institution, is deepening its commitment to Africa’s economic future with a USD 16.3 M investment in AfricInvest’s Small Cap Fund, a private equity fund managed by a leading pan-African investment platform, AfricInvest.

This strategic move is designed to bridge the financing gap that hinders small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from reaching their full potential, unlocking growth opportunities in sectors that drive innovation, employment, and long-term development.

Across Africa, SMEs serve as economic engines, yet many face significant barriers to accessing capital. By channelling funds through AfricInvest, Swedfund is ensuring that high-potential businesses get the financial backing they need to scale sustainably.

With an ambitious fundraising goal of up to EUR 180 M (USD 187 M), the fund will focus on supporting SMEs across a broad range of industries, from agribusiness and healthcare to education, consumer goods, manufacturing, and services—sectors that are crucial for social and economic transformation.

“This investment strengthens our ability to support underserved businesses across Africa,” says Sofia Gedeon, Investment Director for Sustainable Enterprises at Swedfund. “AfricInvest’s approach aligns with our mission to drive economic growth, create jobs, and set new standards for responsible investing. We are not just financing businesses; we are investing in sustainable development and inclusive progress.”

AfricInvest already has an extensive track record, having raised over USD 2.3 B and backed nearly 230 companies in 38 African countries. Its Small Cap Fund had previously secured funding from Proparco, the private sector financing arm of the French Development Agency, along with a proposal from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group. Their combined support underscores the fund’s potential to create a meaningful impact by fostering business expansion and job creation across the continent.

The fund integrates rigorous environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into its investment strategy, with a strong emphasis on gender equality and sustainability. At least 30% of its portfolio is allocated to women-led businesses or companies with substantial female ownership, reinforcing the link between inclusive business practices and long-term prosperity. In addition, climate-conscious investment strategies are embedded in its operations, ensuring that growth does not come at the expense of environmental responsibility.

This latest commitment follows Swedfund’s USD 20 M investment in AgDevCo earlier this month, which is dedicated to strengthening agribusinesses across sub-Saharan Africa. That funding aims to improve food security, increase rural productivity, and support SMEs that produce nutritious food for both local markets and high-value exports.

With each investment, Swedfund continues to champion sustainable business development, economic inclusion, and a more resilient African business landscape, ensuring that SMEs have the resources and guidance they need to grow responsibly and effectively.

Africa’s economic growth is accelerating, yet many promising businesses still struggle to access the capital needed to scale.

To help bridge this gap, UK development finance institution and impact investor, British International Investment (BII), has committed USD 20 M to the Alterra Africa Accelerator Fund (AAA Fund), a private equity fund focused on driving financial inclusion, digital transformation, job creation, and women’s empowerment across Africa.

Managed by Alterra Capital Partners, an Africa-focused private equity firm, the AAA Fund is targeting a total raise of USD 400 M to support transformative businesses in high-growth sectors.

By investing in companies that provide essential goods, services, and business solutions—primarily in East and Southern Africa—the fund is positioned to drive sustainable development while delivering strong returns. BII’s investment is expected to further support AAA Fund’s capital deployment into a diversified portfolio of impactful businesses.

But it isn’t only BII that has recognized the fund’s potential for impact, other global investors have continued to back its mission. Since the first close of the AAA Fund at USD 140 M in 2023, it has continued to attract capital from major global investors and financial institutions including Norfund AS, Standard Bank Group, International Finance Corporation (IFC), Allianz SE’s AfricaGrow Fund, and private equity veterans David Rubenstein and Bill Conway, co-founders of Carlyle.

Beyond financial backing, the AAA Fund is also driving inclusion. The AAA Fund qualifies as a 2X Investment in 2023 under the 2X Challenge, of which BII is a founding member. As part of this, Alterra has committed for all of its portfolio investments to align with at least one of the 2X Criteria over the life of the Fund. This will be achieved through Alterra’s proactive approach to working with investees on gender value-added opportunities. 

For Alterra Capital Partners, BII’s commitment marks a significant milestone. Alterra was formed in 2020 when the Carlyle Africa team spun out, later integrating the Anglophone team of Emerging Capital Partners. With more than 100 years of combined private equity experience and a track record of investing USD 1.9 B into 20 companies across Africa, the Alterra team has deep expertise in backing businesses that serve fundamental consumer and business needs.

For BII, this investment aligns with its strategy of channelling capital into businesses that strengthen Africa’s economies. “We are delighted to work with Alterra’s experienced team to empower businesses that drive growth in Africa’s emerging economies,” said Sara Taylor, Head of PE Funds and Co-Investments at BII. “Our investment ensures capital reaches a diverse range of companies, fostering productive, sustainable, and inclusive development.”

Geneveive Sangudi, Partner at Alterra, echoed this sentiment: “BII’s commitment adds invaluable credibility and resources to our strategy of advancing sustainable and inclusive growth in Africa. This investment will accelerate our efforts to support transformative businesses, particularly in high-growth sectors that are essential to Africa’s economic future.”

With strong institutional backing and a focus on scaling businesses that directly impact millions of lives, the AAA Fund is poised to provide long-term support to businesses that are essential to Africa’s economic progress.

In a major push toward sustainable development, Standard Bank South Africa has secured a USD 250 M loan from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to expand green financing in the real estate sector. The seven-year unsecured loan is expected to make eco-friendly housing more accessible while helping property developers overcome the steep upfront costs of sustainable construction.

At its core, the initiative aims to break down financial barriers that often prevent developers from investing in energy-efficient materials, water-saving systems, and green certification. Many developers and homebuyers recognize the long-term benefits of green buildings—lower electricity and water costs, increased property value, and a reduced carbon footprint—but struggle with the initial expenses. With this funding, Standard Bank plans to offer tailored financial solutions that encourage sustainable construction without adding financial strain.

The funds will support greenfield projects across industrial, retail, and residential sectors, with a strong emphasis on affordable housing. As South Africa’s cities expand and urbanization accelerates, the need for resource-efficient homes is greater than ever. Green housing is no longer just about environmental responsibility—it’s a practical solution to rising utility costs and ongoing energy supply challenges.

“South Africa’s property sector presents immense growth potential, and with rising urbanization, the demand for sustainable, resource-efficient developments has never been greater,” says Kenny Fihla, Deputy CEO of Standard Bank Group and CEO of Standard Bank South Africa. “This collaboration allows Standard Bank and its clients to meaningfully grow a more sustainable real estate landscape.”

But this is more than just a loan. The IFC funding is also accompanied by a performance-based incentive, backed by the UK’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. The incentive will help developers and homeowners offset the cost of green certification, making it easier to meet international sustainability standards.

This partnership is part of a broader strategy by both Standard Bank and IFC to scale up green financing in emerging markets. Standard Bank will leverage the IFC’s Market Accelerator for Green Construction (MAGC) program, which is designed to fast-track the development of certified green buildings, particularly in high-impact areas like affordable housing.

For the IFC, this initiative aligns with its mission to support sustainable and inclusive growth. “IFC is pleased to expand its collaboration with Standard Bank, our longstanding partner in South Africa, to help widen access to finance for certified green buildings,” says Cláudia Conceição, IFC’s regional director for Southern Africa. “As we continue to champion innovative blended finance solutions for high-impact segments—such as affordable housing and women homeowners—IFC is helping to drive a more sustainable future while supporting economic resilience.”

Standard Bank is no stranger to the green financing space. Already a dominant player in residential home loans, the bank has seen rapid growth in its green home loan portfolio over the past two years. These certified homes adhere to strict environmental standards, significantly cutting energy and water consumption while offering long-term savings to homeowners.

With the new IFC funding, Standard Bank aims to cement its position as South Africa’s leading financier for sustainable housing. The bank’s sustainability strategy aligns with the growing market demand for green real estate solutions, especially as energy and water security remain critical challenges.

For homebuyers, this means more opportunities to own a home that is both environmentally friendly and cost-effective. For developers, it’s an opportunity to build for the future without being held back by high certification costs. For Standard Bank, it’s another step toward its vision of driving sustainable development while creating long-term financial value.

As South Africa grapples with energy shortages, rising utility costs, and urban expansion, this kind of investment is becoming increasingly critical. Standard Bank’s latest partnership with IFC signals a shift toward a greener, more financially inclusive real estate sector—one where sustainability is no longer an option but a standard.

In a move that signals strong confidence in Africa’s early-stage tech ecosystem, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) has announced a proposed USD 6 M equity investment in the Ventures Platform Pan-African Fund II (VP II).

The fund, managed by Nigeria-based Ventures Platform, is designed to support seed-stage, technology-driven startups across the continent, with a particular focus on Nigeria.

This investment is set to come at a crucial time for African startups. While the global venture capital landscape has cooled, the need for early-stage funding remains high. For many African founders, access to capital is a major hurdle, and funds like VP II are stepping in to bridge that gap. IFC’s backing is set to add credibility and much-needed liquidity, helping to sustain momentum in the region’s growing tech sector.

Ventures Platform, led by seasoned investors Kola Aina and Dotun Olowoporoku, has built a reputation for identifying and nurturing high-potential startups. Founded in 2016, the firm has played a key role in shaping Africa’s digital economy. It initially launched with a USD 40 M fund in 2021, later increasing it to USD 46 M in 2022 after securing additional commitments from global institutional investors, including Standard Bank, British International Investment (BII), Proparco, and AfricaGrow.

Over the years, Ventures Platform has backed over 90 startups, many of which have gone on to become industry leaders. Companies like Piggyvest, PayHippo, Mono, SeamlessHR, and Tizeti have benefitted from its early-stage support, demonstrating the fund’s ability to identify winners in Africa’s fast-evolving digital landscape.

With VP II, the firm is looking to double down on its strategy, focusing on sectors that are critical to Africa’s economic transformation, such as fintech, insurtech, health tech, edtech, agritech, enterprise SaaS, and digital infrastructure.

What makes this investment particularly noteworthy is its timing. The African startup ecosystem, like much of the global market, has been experiencing a slowdown in venture funding. Rising interest rates and economic uncertainty have made capital harder to secure. However, Kola Aina sees this as an opportunity rather than a setback.

IFC’s investment in VP II is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Africa’s venture capital infrastructure. The institution has been steadily increasing its commitments to the region, recognizing the potential of homegrown innovation to drive economic growth. In addition to the proposed USD 6 M investment in Ventures Platform’s new fund, IFC has also injected capital into other early-stage funds. It recently committed USD 6 M to Flat6Labs’ USD 85 M Africa Seed Fund and another USD 6 M to Lofty Alpha, a venture capital firm focusing on startups across the continent.

The global finance body has also been expanding its reach beyond traditional tech sectors. In a bid to support sustainable innovation, IFC has pledged USD 5 M to the Equator Africa Fund I, marking its entry into climate tech venture capital. It has also acted as a limited partner in P1 Ventures’ first institutional fund, which closed at USD 50 M, and Janngo Capital’s second fund, which secured EUR 73 M (USD 78 M). These investments highlight IFC’s commitment to not only supporting tech startups but also empowering diverse founders and underserved markets.

For Africa’s tech ecosystem, these capital injections couldn’t come at a better time. With global investors becoming more cautious, funds like VP II provide a much-needed safety net for early-stage founders. By supporting local venture capital firms, IFC is helping to create a sustainable investment pipeline—one that ensures that promising startups don’t just survive the funding winter but emerge stronger.

As Africa continues to cement its place in the global digital economy, investments like these will play a crucial role in shaping the continent’s future. The next generation of African unicorns may well be emerging from funds like Ventures Platform Pan-African Fund II, and with backing from players like IFC, the foundation for long-term success is being laid.

Women-led businesses in Côte d’Ivoire are set to gain greater access to financing through a groundbreaking gender bond issued by Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire, the first of its kind in the West Africa Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU).

To support its endeavour, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Africa Local Currency Bond Fund (ALCB Fund) have announced a landmark investment into the gender bond.

The bond aims to address the country’s significant credit gap for female entrepreneurs by channelling much-needed capital to nearly 1,200 women-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (WMSMEs), fostering business growth, job creation, and greater financial inclusion in Côte d’Ivoire.

The investment is part of a growing movement to use capital markets as a tool for financial inclusion. Gender bonds, a relatively new financial instrument, direct funds toward initiatives that promote gender equality and economic empowerment. This is only the second such bond issued in Africa, following an IFC-supported transaction in Tanzania.

IFC and the ALCB Fund have committed XOF 4.9 B (USD 7.8 M) to the bond’s total issuance of XOF 10 B (USD 16 M). As part of the deal, IFC is also providing a credit guarantee of XOF 1.25 B (USD 2 M). The financing will support Ecobank’s Ellevate program, which offers tailored banking products, advisory services, and capacity-building initiatives designed specifically for women entrepreneurs. In addition to its investment, IFC will work closely with Ecobank to strengthen its ability to serve women-led businesses.

For IFC, this bond represents a significant step in leveraging capital markets to drive inclusive economic growth. Sérgio Pimenta, IFC’s Vice President for Africa, emphasized the importance of expanding financial access for women entrepreneurs, calling it a key pillar of IFC’s strategy for job creation and economic development in Côte d’Ivoire. Paul-Harry Aithnard, Regional Executive Director for Ecobank in the WAEMU region, highlighted the broader impact of supporting women-owned businesses, noting that financial empowerment for women translates into stronger communities and more resilient economies.

The timing of the investment underscores its significance. The ALCB Fund, which works to deepen local capital markets across Africa, described its support for the transaction as particularly meaningful during the same week as International Women’s Day. Brock Hoback, Fund Lead for the ALCB Fund, pointed to Ecobank’s leadership in driving financial inclusion and the alignment of this bond with global sustainability goals.

This initiative also fits into IFC’s broader efforts to improve financial access for women entrepreneurs through its Banking on Women program, which has mobilized more than USD 10 B across 83 countries. In Côte d’Ivoire, IFC’s work is part of its largest portfolio in the WAEMU region, which as of January 2025 stood at USD 761 M, spanning sectors such as affordable housing, agriculture, infrastructure, and SME finance. The World Bank’s Joint Capital Program (J-CAP) also played a role in supporting the transaction by providing technical assistance to strengthen the local capital market.

By backing this bond, IFC, Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire, and the ALCB Fund are not only increasing financial opportunities for women but also setting a precedent for gender-focused investments in the region. As gender bonds gain traction, this could open the door for similar initiatives, unlocking new funding streams and accelerating economic empowerment for women entrepreneurs across West Africa.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is weighing a USD 75 M investment in Helios Investors V (“Helios V” or the “Fund”), with an additional USD 50 M set aside for potential co-investments.

This proposed investment is set to build on a recent USD 75 M commitment from the European Investment Bank (EIB Global), announced at the Finance in Common Summit in Cape Town signalling a growing confidence in Africa’s tech-driven economic growth.

Helios Fund V, a pan-African private equity fund managed by Helios Investment Partners, is positioning itself to capitalize on Africa’s rapidly evolving digital economy.

The fund is targeting a total raise of USD 750 M to invest in market-leading companies that are leading Africa’s digital and financial landscape. The fund will focus on businesses at the intersection of technology, urbanization, and Africa’s favourable demographics—key drivers of the continent’s economic growth.

With plans to invest in 10 to 12 companies with ticket sizes ranging from USD 70 M to USD 80 M per company, Helios V aims to provide significant capital to established and high-growth businesses that have the potential to lead their industries.

At the core of its investment approach are four high-impact sectors that are crucial to Africa’s technological and economic advancement. Digital infrastructure remains a top priority, with investments planned in data centres, fibre optic networks, and telecom towers—key building blocks of a more connected and digital-first economy.

Financial services and fintech are another major focus, with Helios V looking to support businesses that are expanding access to banking, digital payments, and financial management tools.

Beyond finance and infrastructure, the fund is also eyeing tech-enabled business services, including cloud computing, healthcare tech, regulatory technology, and logistics solutions—industries that are increasingly dependent on digital innovation to improve efficiency and scalability. Additionally, Helios V plans to invest in essential consumer sectors such as healthcare, education, and food, where technology is helping to lower costs and increase accessibility for a growing population.

For the IFC, this aligns with its mission to drive private sector growth in emerging markets and encourage technological progress. Similarly, the EIB’s separate investment is part of its broader push to mobilize private capital for African businesses, working alongside other European development finance institutions (DFIs).

Beyond financial performance, Helios V has committed to incorporating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into its investment strategy. The fund has pledged that at least 30% of its portfolio will go toward companies that meet the EIB’s gender equality standards, and it has joined the 2X Global network to promote gender-focused investing.

These commitments reflect a broader shift in global investment strategies, where financial institutions are increasingly prioritizing not just returns but also measurable social and economic impact.

With the combined backing from two major development finance institutions, the fund is positioned to play a critical role in fueling Africa’s next wave of digital innovation. As investors continue to recognize the potential of Africa’s tech ecosystem, Helios V’s success could pave the way for even greater financial commitments to the region in the years to come.

In a significant boost to the continent’s industrialization drive, the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the continent’s premier trade finance institution, has extended a USD 450 M global credit facility to ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP), a pan-African developer and operator of industrial parks.

The overarching agenda of the investment is to drive industrialization across the continent by supporting ARISE IIP in its aims to expand existing industrial parks and Special Economic Zones (SEZs) across multiple African nations, while also providing crucial trade finance support to businesses operating within the ARISE IIP ecosystem.

This funding is part of a larger USD 800 M commitment proposed by Afreximbank to support the ARISE IIP effort in accelerating Africa’s industrialization.

Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President of Intra-African Trade and Export Development at Afreximbank, emphasized this vision at the signing ceremony. “Afreximbank strongly believes that IPs and SEZs are veritable tools that Africa can deploy to fast-track industrial infrastructure development and to promote intra-African trade and export development.“

Africa’s industrial infrastructure gap, estimated at USD 100 B annually, has long been a barrier to economic progress. Strategic partnerships like this one are essential in closing that gap and accelerating industrialization Arvind Arora, Chief Treasury Officer at ARISE IIP, emphasized in a statement.

In his words, “The USD 450 M facility represents a major step forward in supporting Africa’s industrialisation efforts. This financing covers critical working capital and capital expenditure needs across various countries, addressing the diverse requirements for industrial development. Africa’s infrastructure investment gap, currently exceeding USD 100 B annually, significantly impacts the continent’s living conditions and its global competitiveness. At ARISE IIP, we are committed to working with strategic partners around the world to bridge this gap and accelerate industrialisation across the continent.” 

Of the total amount of USD 450 M, ARISE IIP will deploy USD 300 M to support the operations of existing industrial parks in Benin, Togo, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, and Rwanda, while also financing the development of new parks in the DRC, Kenya, Chad, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire.

Another USD 150 M will be deployed in Malawi, where it will help establish an industrial park in Lilongwe and provide trade finance support for the activities of its export trading company under Afreximbank’s Export Agriculture for Food Security initiative, a program designed to strengthen Africa’s agricultural exports and enhance food security.

But this deal is about more than just infrastructure—it’s about unlocking Africa’s economic potential. Industrial parks and SEZs are proven models for driving manufacturing, trade, and job creation, and this funding ensures that more African nations can harness their power.

The impact of this financing is expected to be transformational. Over the next five years, ARISE IIP anticipates attracting 230 new industrial tenants, generating USD 1.7 B in investment, and driving USD 5 B in exports from the new and expanded industrial parks. The benefits will also extend to local businesses, with USD 3.4 B worth of domestically sourced goods and services feeding into these supply chains.

The job creation potential is equally significant. The industrial parks and SEZs are expected to generate 32,000 direct jobs and 138,000 indirect jobs, providing new opportunities for thousands of African workers. More importantly, these jobs will be in high-value industries, helping to diversify African economies and reduce dependence on raw material exports.

The partnership between Afreximbank and ARISE IIP builds on previous successful collaborations. Their partnership has already led to ambitious projects like the USD 5 B Africa Textile Renaissance Plan, aimed at transforming Africa’s cotton industry by creating 500,000 metric tons of processing capacity and generating half a million jobs. Recently, Afreximbank’s Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA) also invested USD 300 M in ARISE IIP, reinforcing its long-term confidence in the company’s industrialization strategy.

With this latest funding, ARISE IIP is well-positioned to reshape Africa’s industrial landscape. As more countries embrace the Special Economic Zone model and prioritize value-added manufacturing, the continent is shifting from being a raw materials exporter to a global production hub, a transformation that could redefine Africa’s place in the global economy.