The African Export Import Bank (the “Bank”) was established in Abuja, Nigeria in October, 1993 by African Governments, African private and institutional investors as well as non-African financial institutions and private investors for the purpose of financing, promoting and expanding intra-African and extra-African trade. The Bank was established under the twin constitutive instruments of an Agreement signed by member States and multilateral organizations, and which confers on the Bank the status of an international multilateral organization; as well as a Charter, governing its corporate structure and operations, signed by all Shareholders.
Google for Startups is an initiative launched in 2011 that focuses on supporting startups globally by providing access to Google's products, connections, and best practices. The program partners with over fifty leading startup organizations to foster entrepreneurial ecosystems in more than 135 countries. It offers various resources, including financial support and exclusive programming, to help these partners and their startups thrive. Central to this initiative are six Google for Startups Campuses located in London, Tel Aviv, Seoul, Madrid, São Paulo, and Warsaw. These Campuses serve as collaborative spaces where startup founders can access mentorship, educational resources, and networking opportunities within their local communities. Startups benefit from free workspaces, community events, and a network of like-minded entrepreneurs, all aimed at nurturing their growth and innovation across diverse sectors such as healthcare, retail, finance, and technology.
International Finance Corporation (IFC), established in 1956, is a member of the World Bank Group dedicated to fostering private sector development in emerging markets. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., with global offices, IFC provides financial and advisory services to support economic activities across various sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, and financial services. It invests in both direct equity and debt, as well as fund investments, with a focus on projects that promote sustainable development and inclusive growth. IFC's investment range typically spans from $1 million to $100 million, with a minority equity stake, often up to 20%. It also offers debt financing, with loan sizes up to 25% of total project costs or 50% for expansion projects. IFC's portfolio includes a mix of asset-backed securities, corporate debt securities, government obligations, equity investments, and derivative assets. It aims to exit investments through domestic stock markets, arrangements with project sponsors, or public listings within 7 to 15 years.
LoftyInc Capital Management is a venture capital firm established in 2017 and headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. The firm focuses on investing in technology companies across Africa, having committed over $25 million to more than 150 high-growth enterprises, including three unicorns. LoftyInc has successfully attracted approximately $1.5 billion in follow-on funding for its portfolio companies, emphasizing long-term growth and community benefits. The firm has developed a broad ecosystem that includes tech hubs, angel networks, and talent platforms to support its investments. To date, LoftyInc has realized 14 exits and achieved a notable return on investment through its funds.
Kepple Africa Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2019 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The firm specializes in providing seed-stage and early-stage financing to startups across Africa, focusing primarily on sectors such as information technology, fintech, and business-to-consumer (B2C) markets. By supporting innovative companies in these areas, Kepple Africa Ventures aims to contribute to the growth of the African startup ecosystem.
Proparco is a Paris-based organization established in 1977 that specializes in providing private sector funding for sustainable development initiatives. It focuses on financing and supporting companies and financial institutions across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Proparco targets key development sectors, including infrastructure—especially renewable energy—agriculture, financial institutions, health, and education. The organization aims to enhance the role of private entities in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the international community in 2015. By financing projects that create jobs, provide essential goods and services, and combat climate change, Proparco contributes to sustainable economic growth and development. Its financing solutions include loans, guarantees, equity, and quasi-equity options tailored to the needs of the private sector.
African Development Bank (AfDB), established in 1964 and headquartered in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, operates as a multilateral development finance institution. It offers loans, guarantees, risk management products, trade finance, treasury services, equity investments, and technical assistance to support development projects and programs across Africa. AfDB collaborates with national and international institutions to facilitate public and private sector investments aimed at economic growth and social progress. Its concessional financing window, African Development Fund (ADF), provides low-income countries with grants, loans, guarantees, and capacity-building support for poverty reduction initiatives.
Ingressive Capital, founded in 2017 and based in Lagos, Nigeria, is a venture capital firm dedicated to investing in early-stage technology companies across Africa, particularly in Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, and Nigeria. With a focus on pre-seed and seed investments, the firm targets startups led by indigenous founders in sectors such as fintech, SaaS, healthtech, and agritech. Ingressive Capital aims to support transformative growth in Africa's economy by investing in both business-to-consumer and business-to-business solutions that enhance value chain ownership and cater to the continent's dynamic, tech-enabled youth demographic. The firm aspires to be a valuable partner for entrepreneurs, fostering their success and contributing to the overall development of the African startup ecosystem.
EchoVC Partners, established in 2011, is a venture capital firm headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. It specializes in seed and early-stage investments, with a focus on technology industries across North America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. The firm is sector-agnostic, but it has a particular interest in internet, smart data, and enterprise technologies. EchoVC Partners invests amounts ranging from $25,000 to several million dollars, depending on the stage of opportunity and capital needs of the business.
Future Africa is a Lagos-based venture capital firm established in 2016, dedicated to empowering mission-driven founders and innovators to tackle significant challenges across the African continent. The firm focuses on creating a future where purpose and prosperity are accessible to all. Future Africa invests in a diverse array of sectors, including agriculture, data and artificial intelligence, e-commerce, education, finance, healthcare, and technology, among others. By supporting startups and entrepreneurs, Future Africa aims to foster the development of transformative solutions that contribute to the continent's economic growth and social progress.
British International Investment is a development finance institution and impact investor based in London, United Kingdom. Established in 1948 and wholly owned by the UK Government's Department for International Development, BII aims to foster long-term economic growth and sustainability in emerging markets, particularly in Africa and South Asia. The institution invests across various sectors, including infrastructure, health, and agribusiness, with a focus on job creation and business development. BII provides financial support through debt, equity capital, and mezzanine financing, both directly and via intermediaries, catering to a wide range of industries such as distribution, education, consulting, logistics, and electronics.
FMO, the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank, is a financial institution based in The Hague, Netherlands, founded in 1970 through a collaboration between the Dutch government and various financial entities. It focuses on supporting the private sector in developing countries and emerging markets across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Central and Eastern Europe. FMO provides a diverse range of financial products, including long-term project financing, private equity, loans, guarantees, and mezzanine financing. Its investment portfolio is primarily allocated to financial institutions, energy, agribusiness, food and water, and private equity. By offering capital, expertise, and networks, FMO aims to foster sustainable economic development and empower local businesses and projects.
The European Investment Bank (EIB), established in 1958, is a long-term lending institution owned by the EU Member States. Headquartered in Luxembourg, it offers a wide range of financing solutions, including project loans, loans to banks and intermediaries, venture capital funds, and equity investments. EIB also provides structured finance products, guarantees, and securitization instruments, along with advisory services for infrastructure projects, urban development, and small to medium-sized enterprises. Its portfolio is predominantly composed of loans (93.08%), with a small portion allocated to debt and fixed income, shares, and other assets. EIB's mission is to support European integration and social cohesion, primarily within the European Union and internationally.
Helios Investment Partners, established in 2004, is a London-based private equity firm focused on Africa. It invests in a broad range of sectors, including telecommunications, media, financial services, power, and consumer goods, among others. The firm engages in various investment types such as buyouts, growth equity, and structured investments in listed entities. Helios typically invests between $15 million to $200 million per transaction, with a preference for board seats in its portfolio companies. It primarily targets Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya.
The Baobab Network is a prominent start-up accelerator based in Africa, with offices in Nairobi, South Africa, Nigeria, and London. It focuses on supporting early-stage technology ventures across the continent by connecting them with talent and global investors. The organization provides a range of services, including leadership development, entrepreneurship training, strategy design, and resource planning, all aimed at fostering growth and enhancing revenue for participating businesses. In exchange for equity, The Baobab Network offers financial support and a platform for companies to expand their operations and access vital resources, ensuring they receive real-time guidance to navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape.
Uncovered Fund is a venture capital investment firm established in 2019 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The firm focuses on early-stage startups, primarily targeting businesses located in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. Uncovered Fund invests in various sectors, including retail, fintech, health tech, logistics, mobility as a service (MaaS), agritech, and smart city initiatives. By concentrating on these regions and industries, Uncovered Fund aims to support innovative entrepreneurs and foster growth in emerging markets.
Sahel Capital is a private equity firm established in 2010 and headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, with an additional office in Port Louis, Mauritius. The firm specializes in emerging growth and growth capital investments, focusing primarily on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the agriculture, agribusiness, manufacturing, and consumer goods sectors. Sahel Capital targets companies with proven management teams that have demonstrated expertise in their respective industries. The firm typically invests between $0.5 million and $5 million, utilizing quasi-equity instruments such as structured royalties and convertible notes, alongside traditional equity and debt financing. Sahel Capital prefers to hold board membership in its portfolio companies to provide operational oversight and risk management. With a focus on West Africa, particularly across Nigeria, the firm aims for a ten-year investment horizon, allowing for three additional one-year extensions for potential exits. In addition to its investment activities, Sahel Capital offers management consulting, market research, and financial advisory services to enhance the growth and success of its portfolio companies.
Africa Finance Corporation, established in 2007 and headquartered in Nigeria, is a multilateral development financial institution focused on addressing infrastructure financing needs across Africa. The organization provides a range of services, including debt, equity, project development, financial advisory, and treasury management, aimed at fostering sustainable economic growth. Africa Finance Corporation invests in high-quality infrastructure assets within key sectors such as power, natural resources, heavy industry, transport, and telecommunications. By targeting essential services in these core areas, the institution plays a critical role in promoting infrastructure development across the continent.
V8 Capital Partners is a venture capital firm established in 2017 and headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. The firm focuses on investing in technology and technology-enabled businesses throughout Africa, targeting sectors such as financial services, health, education, transportation, and agriculture. V8 Capital typically invests between $250,000 and $5 million in companies at various stages, from Series A to pre-IPO. In addition to its primary investment focus, V8 Capital occasionally engages in alternative asset management instruments for select limited partners.
Microtraction Limited is a venture capital firm based in Lagos, Nigeria, specializing in early-stage investments in technology startups. Founded in 2017, the firm targets companies across various sectors, with a focus on software and fintech. Microtraction typically begins its investment with $25,000 for a 7% equity stake, followed by a $50,000 convertible note at a $1 million valuation cap for startups that demonstrate significant progress. The firm aims to support exceptional technical founders in Africa, guiding them to develop their ventures into sustainable companies capable of attracting further investment or joining esteemed accelerators. By connecting these startups with later-stage investors, Microtraction plays a crucial role in navigating the funding landscape for emerging businesses.
Itanna is an accelerator firm based in Lagos, Nigeria, focused on nurturing technology startups. The firm operates a four-month accelerator program designed to support early-stage companies in their growth and development. By providing resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities, Itanna aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship within the technology sector. The firm primarily invests in startups located in Lagos, aligning its efforts with the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem of the region.
GreenHouse Capital, established in 2016 and based in Ikeja, Nigeria, operates as a corporate venture capital firm affiliated with the Venture Garden Group. It focuses on investing in early-stage technology startups, particularly in the fintech and big data sectors within sub-Saharan Africa, as well as foreign startups aiming to enter the African market. The firm aims to nurture innovation by identifying and supporting young entrepreneurs who are addressing global challenges through technology. Additionally, it has developed the Garden Institute of Business Entrepreneurs to serve as a talent management hub, fostering skill development and leadership among emerging entrepreneurs. GreenHouse Capital is dedicated to building a robust ecosystem for women-led technology companies and accelerating their growth in emerging markets.
Alitheia Capital is an impact investing firm founded in 2007 and located in Lagos, Nigeria. The firm focuses on providing both social and financial returns by investing in businesses that improve access to essential goods and services for small and growing enterprises as well as low-income households. Alitheia Capital aims to generate positive social impact while achieving sustainable financial growth, aligning its investment strategy with the needs of underserved communities.
Launch Africa Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2020 and headquartered in Ebene, Mauritius. The firm focuses on addressing the substantial funding gap in the seed and pre-Series A investment landscape across the African continent. By targeting early-stage companies, Launch Africa Ventures aims to support and enhance the growth of startups operating in various sectors throughout Africa, contributing to the development of the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Zrosk Investment Management is a venture capital firm established in 2018 and based in Lagos, Nigeria. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups, particularly focusing on the pre-seed to series A funding stages. Zrosk seeks to acquire at least 10% ownership in its portfolio companies and aims to maintain this stake through the series A round, providing essential follow-on capital to support growth. The firm targets investments across various sectors, including fintech, software as a service (SaaS), entertainment technology, web 3.0, mobility, logistics, business services technology, e-commerce, agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and the creative industries. Zrosk is dedicated to being a value-added investor, offering more than just financial support to its portfolio companies.
CRE Venture Capital, founded in 2015, is a venture capital investment firm focused on early-stage technology companies that are connected to the African market. Headquartered in Mahwah, New Jersey, the company maintains a regional office in Lagos, Nigeria, to better engage with local opportunities. As a Registered Investment Adviser, CRE Venture Capital aims to foster innovation and growth in the tech sector across Africa, leveraging its expertise and resources to support emerging businesses in the region.
Partech is a global venture capital firm established in 1982, headquartered in Paris with offices across Europe, Africa, and the Americas. The firm manages over €2.5 billion in assets and has invested in over 220 companies across 40 countries. Partech focuses on technology investments, backing entrepreneurs from seed to growth stages, and provides operational support and strategic guidance alongside capital. The firm's portfolio spans various sectors, including software, fintech, health tech, mobility tech, and artificial intelligence, among others. Partech's investment approach is unconstrained by trends, working collaboratively with founders to drive success.
African Capital Alliance is a private equity firm founded in 1997, with its headquarters in Port-Louis, Mauritius, and an additional office in Lagos, Nigeria. The firm specializes in growth capital and equity investments, targeting small and medium-sized enterprises across various sectors, including oil and gas, media, healthcare, energy, technology, telecommunications, and agriculture. African Capital Alliance focuses primarily on middle-market companies in West Africa, particularly Nigeria, while also exploring opportunities in other Sub-Saharan African nations. The firm aims to support growth companies and turnaround situations, often making control investments ranging from $1 million to $60 million, with significant minority and majority rights. Through its subsidiaries, African Capital Alliance offers private equity, asset management, and real estate management services, positioning itself as an impactful player in the African investment landscape.
Chinook Capital is a venture capital investment firm based in Ilupeju, Nigeria, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in investing in seed- and pre-stage companies within the internet software, services, and media sectors. By targeting early-stage opportunities, Chinook Capital aims to support and foster innovation in these dynamic industries.
Verod Capital Management, established in 2008, is a Nigeria-based private equity firm with an additional office in Ghana. The company specializes in mid-market investments, focusing on growth capital and buyout transactions. Verod targets a diverse range of sectors, including financial services, business services, education, healthcare, agri-business, consumer goods, light manufacturing, and technology. It primarily invests in West African countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, with a typical investment size ranging from $3 million to $20 million. Verod seeks majority or significant minority equity stakes in portfolio companies, aiming to hold these assets for four to seven years. The firm is known for its active, hands-on management approach, working closely with management teams to enhance governance, business practices, and profitability, ultimately positioning companies for successful exits.
Timon Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2018 and headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, with an additional office in New York City. The firm specializes in investing in seed and early-stage startups and actively participates in growth stage equity financing on a global scale. Timon Capital has a regional focus on the United States and Sub-Saharan Africa, seeking to support innovative companies in these markets.
Zenith Bank is a prominent commercial bank established in May 1990, commencing operations in July of the same year. It provides a wide array of specialized financial services, including asset management, trade finance, lending, and treasury products. The bank offers various account types such as domestic and foreign accounts, corporate current accounts, and savings accounts, alongside treasury and custodian services. Zenith Bank became a public limited company in June 2004 and was subsequently listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange later that year, marking a significant milestone in its growth. Today, it is recognized as Nigeria's largest bank by tier-1 capital, with a diverse shareholder base of approximately one million.
Kaleo Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Dallas, Texas, founded in 2023. The firm focuses on investing in pre-seed and early-stage technology companies throughout Africa. By targeting the African market, Kaleo Ventures aims to support innovative entrepreneurs and foster the growth of new technologies that can address various challenges within the region.
Oui Capital is a principal investment firm founded in 2018, with a focus on early-stage venture capital in the African continent. Based in Lagos, Nigeria, the firm addresses the gap between the numerous high-growth technology startups in sub-Saharan Africa and the availability of smart capital needed to support these ventures. Oui Capital primarily invests in companies across various sectors, including e-commerce, mobility, logistics, enterprise software, health tech, edtech, and fintech. The firm aims to leverage its investments to foster innovation and growth within the rapidly evolving African technology landscape.
Goodwell Investments, established in 2005, is a private equity and venture capital firm headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, with additional offices in Cape Town, South Africa, and Nairobi, Kenya. The company specializes in early-stage, growth capital investments in the Fintech sector, focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises in impact sectors such as microfinance, mobile payments, affordable housing finance, and renewable energy. Goodwell primarily invests in India, Sub-Saharan, and West Africa, with a focus on Ghana and Nigeria. It seeks to make risk capital or equity investments, typically committing a minimum of €2.5 million, and aims to hold these investments for five to ten years. The firm also provides advisory services to its portfolio companies and seeks board representation. Goodwell only takes minority stakes, less than 50%, in its investments.
Novastar Ventures, established in 2014, is a global venture capital firm headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, with additional offices in Lagos, Nigeria, and London, UK. The company specializes in seed, early to late-stage, and growth capital investments, focusing on businesses that serve the base-of-the-pyramid (BoP) markets. Novastar invests in sectors such as education, healthcare, agribusiness, food, and water, with a geographical focus on East and West Africa, Asia, Europe, and the United States. The firm typically invests between $0.25 million and $8 million in companies, seeking to partner with entrepreneurs who are developing innovative solutions with the potential to transform markets and create lasting impact.
FinDev Canada is a development finance institution established in 2018 and headquartered in Montréal, Quebec. It focuses on providing financial solutions to businesses in developing countries, aiming to foster market development, empower women, and address climate change. The institution primarily invests in sectors such as alternative energy, agriculture, and finance, targeting opportunities in Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Through its innovative and sustainable approaches, FinDev Canada supports entrepreneurs and contributes to the economic growth of emerging markets.
The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) is a Lagos-based non-profit organization established in 2010 by Tony O. Elumelu. The foundation is dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship in Africa as a means to drive economic development and enhance the competitiveness of the continent's private sector. TEF focuses on providing entrepreneurship development programs that equip aspiring business leaders with essential skills and knowledge. Additionally, the foundation supports policies that promote business competitiveness and invests financial capital through impact investments. By promoting entrepreneurship and excellence in business leadership, TEF aims to empower African entrepreneurs and contribute to sustainable economic growth across the region.
Silverbacks Holdings, established in 2019 and headquartered in Cybercity Ebene, Mauritius, is a venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments. The company focuses on the intersection of sports, technology, and entertainment sectors within the African market, providing financial services to support the growth of innovative startups in these domains.
TLcom Capital, established in 1999, is a venture capital firm with offices in Lagos, Nairobi, and London. The company focuses on investing in early to growth-stage technology companies across Africa, with a particular emphasis on those targeting the African market. Its investment themes include access to data services, financial services, e-commerce, B2C applications, and software solutions for corporates and SMEs. TLcom manages approximately $300 million across various funds, supporting world-class entrepreneurs with disruptive technologies and deep market knowledge.
SOSV, established in 1995 and headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, is a global venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments. It focuses on deep tech innovations in the health and environmental sectors, supporting founders with breakthrough technologies through its HAX and IndieBio startup development programs. SOSV provides resources, facilities, and lab equipment to accelerate product development and scale, with a track record of helping its portfolio companies secure subsequent funding rounds led by top-tier investors.
Voltron Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2021 and based in Lagos, Nigeria. The firm focuses on early-stage investments across a diverse range of sectors, including financial services, software as a service, education, logistics, legal services, supply chain, artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, healthcare, telecom, e-commerce, automotive, real estate, and media. Voltron Capital aims to support startups primarily in Nigeria, Kenya, and other regions in Northern and Southern Africa, providing them with the necessary capital to grow and scale their operations.
Samurai Incubate, established in 2008, is a Tokyo-based venture capital firm that invests in early-stage startups, primarily in the information and communication technology, and software-as-a-service sectors. The company operates globally, with a focus on Africa, Israel, and Japan. Samurai Incubate provides comprehensive support to its portfolio companies, offering expertise in management, marketing, sales, and human resources. The firm's mission is to help startups develop their vision, strengthen their operations, and maximize revenue potential. Samurai Incubate is known for its commitment to a code of conduct inspired by the Japanese samurai spirit, emphasizing values such as righteousness, courage, honor, and challenge.
Golden Palm Investments is an impact investment firm founded in 2008 and headquartered in Accra, Ghana. The firm specializes in investment management and advisory services, focusing on early-stage, venture, and growth capital opportunities primarily in Africa. It targets sectors such as real estate, agribusiness, financial technology, digital healthcare, and tech-enabled marketplaces, with a particular emphasis on companies that create a positive impact on the continent. By leveraging its expertise, Golden Palm Investments aims to support and develop businesses that contribute to sustainable economic growth in Africa.
Emerging Capital Partners (ECP) is a Washington, D.C.-based private equity firm established in 2000, focusing on investments across Africa. With over $2 billion raised, ECP invests in companies across various sectors, including telecommunications, financial services, infrastructure, and consumer goods. The firm targets middle-market companies, typically investing between $1 million and $100 million in equity, and seeks both majority and minority stakes. ECP's portfolio spans over 40 countries, supporting more than 50,000 jobs across the continent.
CardinalStone Capital Advisers, established in 2016, is a Lagos-based investment firm specializing in private equity investments. It focuses on mid-market opportunities in Nigeria and Ghana, across sectors such as financial services, consumer goods, healthcare, industrials, agribusiness, and business services. The firm provides financial advisory services, including mergers and acquisitions, capital restructuring, and private placements, to support its investment activities.
LeapFrog Investments, established in 2007, is a London-based private equity firm that focuses on growth-stage investments in the financial services and healthcare sectors. It primarily targets emerging markets, including Africa and Asia, with a particular emphasis on countries like Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka. The firm invests in businesses that provide essential financial and healthcare products and services, such as insurance, pensions, savings, credit, mobile payments, and medical products distribution. LeapFrog typically invests between $10 million and $50 million, aiming for both minority and majority stakes, and expects to exit its investments within four to seven years through IPOs, trade sales, or secondary sales.
Adlevo Capital, established in 2007, is a private equity firm headquartered in Mauritius with a significant presence in Lagos, Nigeria. It specializes in investing in mature and later-stage technology-enabled companies across sub-Saharan Africa, with a focus on the information and communications technology sectors. Adlevo Capital provides expansion, bridge financing, buyouts, and growth capital, typically investing between $3 million to $10 million in exchange for majority or significant minority positions. It targets a 25% allocation to South Africa-based companies, with the remainder invested across the broader sub-Saharan African region. The firm's strategy is underpinned by a deep understanding of local markets, gained through active local presence and market intelligence.
Norfund, established in 1997, is a Norwegian government organization based in Oslo. It is an economic development agency that provides equity, risk capital, and loans to businesses in selected countries and sectors where access to capital is scarce. Its primary focus is Sub-Saharan Africa, with additional investments in South East Asia and Central America. Norfund aims to contribute to poverty reduction and economic development in these regions by supporting sustainable businesses through strategic minority investments.