Development Partners International

Development Partners International (DPI) is a prominent Pan-African private equity firm based in London, established in 2007 by co-founders Miles Morland and Runa Alam. The firm specializes in investing in growing companies throughout Africa and currently manages over $1.1 billion in assets across two private equity funds. DPI has built a strong portfolio, having invested in 19 companies across 27 African countries. The firm's investment team, which has over 100 years of combined experience in African investments, is entirely composed of African professionals, with over 40% of its members being women. This diverse team leverages local knowledge, networks, and language skills to effectively source and execute transactions across the continent.

Runa Alam

Co-Founding Partner and Chief Executive Officer

Rose Fletcher

Chief Financial Officer and Partner

Eduardo Gutierrez

Partner

Miles Morland

Co-Founding Partner and Chairman

Bassirou Niang

Vice President, Portfolio Management

Past deals in Africa

Marcyrl Pharmaceutical

Private Equity Round in 2023
Marcyrl Pharmaceutical is one of the largest leading pharmaceutical company manufacture generic products.

Cofina Mali

Secondary Market in 2022
Cofina Mali is a microfinance group that focuses on supporting the growth of informal micro-enterprises in the region. As part of the broader Groupe COFINA, which was established in 2013, it operates in six French-speaking African countries, including Mali. The institution is dedicated to mesofinance and aims to enhance financial inclusion while promoting the formalization of the African business market. By investing in the dynamic private sector, Cofina Mali plays a crucial role in providing financial services that cater to the needs of small businesses, thereby contributing to the economic development of the area.

Halan

Venture Round in 2021
Halan is a ride-hailing application that provides two and three-wheeler vehicle rides and on-demand logistics. The application also caters to businesses, offering smart-tech last-mile delivery through their integrated smart services using motorcycle and tricycles. It allows customers to request motorbike or tuk-tuk rides, or order food or goods for delivery via motorbikes or cargo tricycles. Halan also offers on-demand logistics solutions to support large organizations and small businesses alike in their distribution and supply chain. It also provides convenience and safety, while for the driver it offers incremental business. The application has delivered partnerships with fast-food chains like McDonald’s, KFC and Pizza Hut in Egypt. Halan was founded in November 2017 and is based in Cairo, Al Qahirah, Egypt.

CMGP

Acquisition in 2018
CMGP is today the market leader for irrigation in Morocco owing this to its rich experience and professional expertise. With a comprehensive range of products and through close collaboration with the most important manufacturers, CMGP covers the distribution and installation of irrigation equipment and pumping stations.

ABI

Venture Round in 2017
ABI is the Côte d’Ivoire-incorporated holding company for Groupe Banque Atlantique, a leading West African financial services group operating in the banking and insurance sectors. Founded in 1978, it has been controlled since 2012 by the Banque Centrale Populaire (“BCP”), one of Morocco’s leading banks. ABI operates in all 8 UEMOA countries with branches in Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali and Senegal amongst others.

Dolidol

Private Equity Round in 2017
Established in 1972, Dolidol is one of the oldest mattress manufacturers in Morocco and a leading player in the industry. The Dolidol household brand name is one of the most recognized and widely used foam and bedding brands throughout Morocco, perceived as being higher-end with better quality products. Dolidol manufactures and sells polyurethane foam, mattresses and sofas, as well as non-woven textile. Dolidol has developed a wide distribution network in Morocco with 46 owned stores, 10 distribution facilities and over 1,100 distributors.
EGIC is a market-leading provider of water pipes and water drainage solutions in Egypt, with growing local and exports activities in regional and international markets. The company aims to be a one-stop-shop for all water supply and drainage solutions of its customers.

OSEAD Maroc Mining

Venture Round in 2017
OSEAD Maroc Mining operates as a metal and mining platform. OSEAD is a holding company specialising in the prospecting, exploration and mining of mineral deposits. OSEAD’s main asset is Compagnie Minière de Touissit the second largest private mining operator in Morocco, which mines primarily lead and silver with some zinc.

General Emballage

Private Equity Round in 2016
General Emballage is a supplier of corrugated cardboard in Algeria. The company supplies its clients with double layered cardboard and double-double layered. General Emballage entered the market in back in 2002, since then, had grown enormously. It now employs a workforce of 1000 colleagues spread out on 3 productions facilities ( Akbou, Setif and Oran sites).

Banque Atlantique

Private Equity Round in 2016
Groupe Banque Atlantique, established in 1978 and headquartered in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, provides a range of banking, management, and financial intermediation services across Africa. The bank specializes in private banking, offering services such as checking accounts, savings and investment products, loans, insurance, and money transfers. For business clients, it provides various banking solutions, including demand deposits, savings accounts, term deposits, and payment services such as checks and transfers. Additionally, it offers facilities services like overdrafts and short-term loans, along with insurance and telematic services. The bank plays a significant role in supporting the regional economy and fostering sub-regional integration through its comprehensive financial services. A joint venture between Banque Centrale Populaire SA and Atlantic Financial Group SA, Groupe Banque Atlantique also maintains a representative office in Paris, France.

B.TECH

Private Equity Round in 2016
B.TECH is Egypt’s household appliances and consumer electronics retailer.

AXA Mansard

Secondary Market in 2015
AXA Mansard is a member of the AXA Group, the worldwide leader in insurance and asset management with 166,000 employees serving 107 million clients in 64 countries. The group is a conglomerate of independently run businesses, operated according to the laws and regulations of many different countries. Despite being written in upper case, "AXA" is not an acronym, the name was chosen because it is short and can be pronounced easily the same way in every language. AXA is present in geographically diverse markets, with operations concentrated in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. AXA’s is also present in Central and South America, Middle East and in Africa via operations in Cameroon, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal and Algeria. AXA has more than over 20 year’s continuous presence in Africa. In 2016, IFRS revenues amounted to Euro 100.2 billion and IFRS underlying earnings to Euro 5.7 billion. AXA had Euro 1,429 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2016. AXA Mansard was incorporated in 1989 as a private limited liability company and is registered as a composite company with the National Insurance Commission of Nigeria (NAICOM). The Company offers life and non-life insurance products and services to individuals and institutions across Nigeria whilst also offering asset/investment management services, health management services and pension fund administration through its three subsidiaries AXA Mansard Investments Limited, AXA Mansard Health Limited and AXA Mansard Pensions Limited. From 2004 to 2015, AXA Mansard Insurance grew its turnover at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 55%. In 2016, GWP was NGN 20.7 billion, while net income was NGN 10.9 billion, a 10% increase over 2015. The company has progressed from the 97th position out of 109 insurance companies existing in 2003 to one of the top 4 out of 58 insurance companies in 2016. This growth has attracted the attention of analysts from across the world. AXA Mansard Insurance was listed on the Nigeria Stock Exchange in November 2009. In December 2014, AXA Mansard became a member of AXA following AXA’s acquisition of Assur Holdings (AAH), the majority shareholders in the erstwhile company. AXA Mansard Insurance plc is rated B+ by A.M. Best (2016) for Financial Strength. The Company is also certified ISO 9001:2008 compliant by the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) for quality management systems.

HomeChoice (South Africa)

Private Equity Round in 2014
HomeChoice is one home-shopping retailer, selling homeware merchandise and financial services.

Université Privée de Marrakech

Private Equity Round in 2014
Université Privée de Marrakech is one of the foremost private higher education providers in Morocco and serves over 2,000 students.

Food Concepts Plc

Private Equity Round in 2013
Food Concepts Pioneer Limited owns and operates bakeries which produce baked goods.

Touax Africa

Private Equity Round in 2013
Touax Africa is a joint venture between Touax SCA and ADP I, specializing in modular construction and transport solutions. Based in Morocco, the company focuses on acquiring and developing modular construction operations to meet the needs of diverse industries, including construction, mining, residential, tourism, events, health, and telecommunications. Through its subsidiaries, Touax Africa constructs modular buildings that provide quick and efficient space expansion for its customers, facilitating rapid responses to their operational requirements.

Biopharm

Private Equity Round in 2013
Biopharm spa manufactures and distributes generic drugs. The company offers anti-inflammatory, antalgic, cardiology, dermatology, gastroenterology, neuropsychiatry, pneumo allergology, rheumatology, and anti-infective drugs. It offers liquids, creams, gels, tablets, and powders. Biopharm spa was founded in 1991 and is based in Alger, Algeria.

CAL Bank

Private Equity Round in 2012
CAL Bank Limited offers a comprehensive range of banking and financial services in Ghana, catering to large corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises, public sector institutions, and retail customers. The bank operates through five key segments: Corporate Banking, Retail & Business Banking, Treasury, Brokerage, and Asset Management. It provides personal banking products such as savings and current accounts, as well as corporate finance solutions including project finance, financial advisory services, and private equity placements. In addition, CAL Bank offers various finance solutions tailored for specific sectors, general and life insurance products, and loans for individuals and businesses. The corporate and institutional banking services encompass business financing, transactional banking, and international trade finance. With a network of 28 branches and approximately 100 ATMs, CAL Bank is headquartered in Accra and has been serving the Ghanaian market since its establishment in 1990.

Eaton

Private Equity Round in 2011
Eaton Towers Limited is a prominent telecom tower company based in London, specializing in acquiring, building, and leasing shared infrastructure services to mobile and data network operators across Africa. Founded in 2009, the company has established a significant presence in countries including Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, Burkina Faso, and Niger, boasting over 5,000 towers. Eaton Towers provides a range of services such as build-to-suit towers, co-location, in-building solutions, small cells, sale and leaseback, and managed services. It aims to address the growing demand for voice and data services driven by increased smartphone usage and the need for improved network coverage in rural areas. By enabling mobile network operators to share infrastructure, Eaton Towers helps reduce capital and operating costs, which is critical in a region where network build and operating expenses are notably high. Its customer base includes major African mobile operators like Airtel, MTN, Orange, Tigo, Vodacom, and Vodafone, positioning Eaton Towers as a key player in the African telecommunications landscape.

Liberty Star Consumer Holdings

Private Equity Round in 2011
Libstar was founded in 2005 as an investment holding company investing in companies operating in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry. The company focuses on the food, beverage, household, and personal care segments of the market. Headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, Libstar has annualized net revenues in excess of R7bn. The group consists of 28 business units that operate nationally across 31 sites located in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Kwa-Zulu Natal, Western Cape, and Eastern Cape provinces. Libstar offers its customers a wide range of products with the convenience of a single supplier with a nationwide presence, and distribution and manufacturing capacity. The group concentrates on supplying the needs of the foods service industry, private label segments of larger retailers and the manufacturing of products for brand owners, as well as its own branded products.

Letshego

Venture Round in 2010
Letshego Kenya Limited, a financial lender, provides credit services to small and micro-entrepreneurs, salaried employees, and civil servants in Kenya.