Private Equity Firms in Africa

Admaius Capital Partners is a pan-African private equity firm focused on high-impact sectors including digital infrastructure, financial services, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), healthcare, and education to drive social and economic transformation across Africa. The firm targets businesses with potential for digital transformation, providing patient capital, operational support, and expertise to scale operations, expand internationally, and create long-term value. With a strong emphasis on ESG principles and responsible investing, Admaius blends local market knowledge with global experience to attract new international capital into African private equity opportunities.

Alitheia Capital is a pioneering impact-investing private equity and financial advisory firm headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. The firm specializes in identifying and investing in high-potential businesses across Africa, operating with a philosophy of "true profit with a purpose." This approach involves deploying private capital into Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) that not only generate financial returns but also address critical business, social, or environmental needs within their communities. Alitheia Capital manages over $250 million in assets across various funds, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth across the continent.Established in 2007 by Tokunboh Ishmael and Jumoke Akinwunmi, Alitheia Capital has been at the forefront of Africa's venture capital and private equity landscape for over two decades. Their inaugural fund launched in 2009, and since then, they have played a pivotal role in nurturing Africa's tech ecosystem, often as the first institutional investor in high-impact technology companies. The firm is particularly known for its flagship gender lens fund, Alitheia IDF, which boasts a portfolio exceeding USD 100 million and is recognized as the continent's premier and largest gender lens fund.Alitheia Capital's diverse portfolio includes investments in companies such as Lupiya, a Zambian Fintech firm; Hinckley Recycling, Nigeria's first registered e-waste recycler; OmniRetail, a B2B media and information services company; and Complete Farmer, an agribusiness venture. Other notable investments include Paga and MAX.Ng in the fintech and mobility sectors, Reelfruit and Psaltry International in agro-processing, Wemy in manufacturing, and SparkMeter in clean energy solutions. The firm also made an exit from Baobab Nigeria, a financial institution providing inclusive banking services.The team at Alitheia Capital comprises seasoned professionals with a diverse blend of investment prowess and occupational expertise. Key team members include Tokunboh Ishmael as Managing Partner, Yewande Adewusi as Chief Operating Officer, and several Investment Principals such as Oti Ilentamhen, Moyosore Babalola, and Oyindoubra Eghaghe. They provide both financial backing and strategic guidance to their investee companies, fostering long-term partnerships and implementing robust risk management practices. The firm's commitment to gender inclusion is evident in its proactive investments in women-led, women-focused, and women-serving businesses, aiming to drive social transformation and entrepreneurial innovation.

BIM Ventures is a Saudi venture studio and builder, established in 2017, focused on creating successful and sustainable enterprises from inception. The firm operates by identifying, validating, and launching innovative ideas, which are then spun off into independent businesses. They leverage their internal expertise, extensive resources, and broad network to support the growth of these ventures. BIM Ventures also partners with external entrepreneurs and companies to develop their ideas into viable businesses, emphasizing a rapid venture building process from ideation and market research to MVP development and market launch.The firm's investment strategy includes generating its own ventures through a continuous ideation process and securing financing to ensure their growth. They also collaborate with partners, offering an ecosystem that provides comprehensive support, including UI/UX, marketing, design, branding, and access to a network of investors. BIM Ventures facilitates seed funding and aims to match startups with angel investors, guiding projects through their growth and expansion phases.BIM Ventures has made numerous investments across various sectors, demonstrating a sector-agnostic approach while showing a strong presence in technology, financial services, and real estate. Notable portfolio companies include iStoria, Takadao, Sanad Cash, Tygo, WeDeliver, Darent, CASHIN, Rumbl, Conix, AtarCloud, and Muhlah. The firm has also engaged in significant partnerships, such as a joint investment fund with SBI Holdings, targeting $100 million for Saudi startups, and the launch of BIM Capital, a joint venture with SBI Holding, aiming to attract over $200 million in foreign direct investment and manage assets exceeding $2 billion across private equity, venture capital, debt funds, and real estate development.The team at BIM Ventures, led by Mohamed Amine Merah as Founder, Managing Partner, and CEO, comprises experienced professionals dedicated to fostering the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East. The firm's commitment extends to providing mentorship and logistical support, aligning with Saudi Arabia's vision to boost private sector contribution and attract foreign investment.

BluePeak Private Capital is an alternative asset management firm established in 2019, dedicated to providing bespoke financing solutions to mid-sized businesses across Africa. With offices in Tunis, Nairobi, London, and Luxembourg, the firm addresses critical financing gaps by offering tailored capital structures that support sustainable growth and resilience. The firm manages impact-driven funds, including the BluePeak Private Capital Fund SCSp, which reached a final close at USD 156 million in September 2023. BluePeak's investment strategy focuses on sectors such as healthcare, education, energy, consumer goods, agribusiness, manufacturing, telecoms/infrastructure, and logistics, aligning with ESG principles and Sustainable Development Goals. Committed to fostering inclusive economic development, BluePeak integrates environmental and social considerations into its investment processes. By partnering with businesses that demonstrate strong growth potential and a commitment to positive impact, BluePeak aims to generate attractive returns while contributing to the advancement of African economies.

Crescent Group is a diversified family business group headquartered in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, with a rich history spanning over five decades. Established in 1971, the group has grown from its origins in the oil and gas sector to encompass a wide array of industries globally. It operates through two primary subsidiaries: Crescent Petroleum, the Middle East's oldest private oil and gas company, and Crescent Enterprises, a conglomerate with diversified global operations and interests across multiple sectors.The firm's investment focus, particularly through Crescent Enterprises' platforms CE-Invests and CE-Ventures, includes strategic investments in late-stage companies, private equity, and corporate venture capital in early- to late-stage high-growth companies and venture funds globally. Crescent Group's extensive portfolio covers sectors such as oil and gas, ports and logistics, power and engineering, aviation, healthcare, media and entertainment, real estate and construction, IT commerce, food and beverages, and business incubation.Founded by Hamid Jafar in 1971, the Crescent Group began with Crescent Petroleum, which quickly expanded its international presence. Over the years, the group diversified its interests, leading to the creation of Crescent Enterprises in 2007, which further broadened its reach into various industries and markets. The group is led by the Jafar family, with Hamid Jafar as Chairman, and Majid Jafar leading Crescent Petroleum, and Badr Jafar as CEO of Crescent Enterprises.With over 7,000 dedicated employees, Crescent Group maintains a significant international presence across 22 countries and five continents. Its operations and investments span the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Canada, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the United Kingdom, demonstrating a commitment to global expansion while upholding sustainable business practices and social responsibility.

Development Partners International (DPI) is a London-based private equity firm founded in 2007 by Miles Morland and Runa Alam. DPI focuses on investing in high-growth, impact-driven companies across Africa, targeting businesses that benefit from the continent’s emerging middle class. The firm aims to unlock the full potential of African companies by deploying global capital and expertise, while promoting strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards and delivering measurable development impact.DPI manages over US$3 billion in assets across three main funds—African Development Partners I, II, and III—which are ranked in the top quartile for performance. The firm has made more than 30 investments across 43 African countries and 17 industries, creating over 60,000 jobs and supporting portfolio companies to become market leaders. DPI is also a pioneer in gender equity, with a female co-founder and CEO, one-third of partners being women, and a commitment to the 2X Challenge to integrate a gender lens into its investment process.In addition to private equity, DPI recently launched a venture capital arm, DPI Venture Capital, focusing on fintech and technology startups in Egypt and the MENA region. DPI is a signatory to the UN Principles for Responsible Investment and the IFC Operating Principles for Impact Management, underscoring its commitment to sustainable investing and contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Ensō Equity is a principal investor that focuses on both early-stage and later-stage businesses. The firm seeks out companies that are poised to benefit from significant global trends and those that contribute to the fundamental enhancement of the world. Adopting a long-term investment perspective, Ensō Equity operates without the typical time constraints often associated with traditional private equity funds. The firm is not a passive investor; instead, it actively engages with its portfolio companies to add strategic value and guide them toward achieving their full potential. This hands-on approach is rooted in the team's extensive experience, broad networks, and a proven operational track record across diverse sectors and investments.Ensō Equity was founded in 2019 by Anton Newbury, who serves as the Managing Director and invests his own balance sheet into the firm's ventures. Newbury's career in investing spans 27 years, with a predominant focus on private equity and venture capital. His extensive background includes leadership roles at Brait Private Equity and Kathea Communications, co-founding DNI 4PL contracts, and serving as Commercial Director of Premier Foods. He also held key positions as Co-Managing Partner of Athena Capital, an IC Member of Family Legacy Capital LLC, and an IC Member on 1K1V, both Sub-Saharan private equity funds.The firm's portfolio includes a range of investments such as Enso Property Investments, indicating a focus on real estate. Beyond property, Ensō Equity has invested in companies like Happy Pay, a fintech firm, Okja in the food products sector, and PulseLive, which operates in entertainment software. Other notable investments include Ingress Healthcare and Freewheel Cycology, demonstrating a diversified interest across various industries. These investments highlight the firm's commitment to sectors such as financial services, consumer goods, technology, and healthcare, particularly within the South African market.The Ensō Equity team brings a wealth of expertise to its investment strategy. Anton Newbury's deep experience in private equity and venture capital, coupled with his operational background, forms the cornerstone of the firm's value-add approach. Riaan Schmulian, an Investment Principal, is a CA(SA) and CFA charterholder who gained significant experience in leverage finance, corporate actions, and large corporate credit at the FirstRand Group before joining Ensō Equity in 2023. Sarah Lane supports the team as an Executive Assistant. This collective experience enables Ensō Equity to provide strategic guidance and operational support to its portfolio companies, particularly within the African continent.

Lombard Odier is an independent Swiss banking group with a rich history dating back to 1796. The firm operates as a global wealth and asset manager, serving both private and institutional clients. Their core offerings encompass private banking, comprehensive wealth management, and sophisticated asset management solutions. A distinctive aspect of Lombard Odier's approach is its strong emphasis on sustainable investing, aiming to align client objectives with positive environmental and social outcomes.Founded in Geneva, Switzerland, Lombard Odier has maintained its independence through a unique partnership model, where the firm is wholly owned and managed by its Senior Managing Partners. This structure fosters a long-term perspective and a client-centric approach, allowing for stability and continuity across generations. The firm has consistently evolved, integrating cutting-edge banking technology not only for its own operations but also offering these solutions to other financial institutions.While Lombard Odier focuses on a broad range of traditional and alternative investments, specific notable investments or portfolio companies are not publicly highlighted in the provided information, as their primary business revolves around managing client wealth and assets rather than direct venture capital investments in specific startups. Their investment strategies span various asset classes, including private equity, real estate, infrastructure, and natural resources, often with a sustainable lens.The team at Lombard Odier comprises experienced professionals across wealth management, asset management, and technology. The firm emphasizes a culture of excellence, innovation, respect, integrity, and teamwork. With a global presence across more than 25 offices in 19 jurisdictions, their experts provide local expertise combined with an international outlook, ensuring tailored solutions and a deep understanding of diverse market dynamics for their discerning clientele.

Mediterrania Capital Partners is a private equity firm specializing in growth investments in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-cap companies across Africa. Headquartered in Malta, with offices in Abidjan, Algiers, Barcelona, Cairo, Casablanca, and Mauritius, the firm adopts a hands-on approach to value creation, emphasizing sustainable development and social impact. Since its inception in 2008, Mediterrania Capital Partners has focused on sectors that directly enhance the quality of life, including healthcare, education, financial services, construction, and food manufacturing and distribution. By partnering with companies that have annual turnovers ranging from €20 million to €300 million, the firm aims to drive economic growth and foster social development in both North and Sub-Saharan Africa. With assets under management totaling approximately $791 million as of October 2024, Mediterrania Capital Partners has built a diversified portfolio of companies that collectively employ over 20,000 people. The firm's commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles ensures that its investments not only yield financial returns but also contribute positively to the communities they serve.

Moravia Capital is an independent placement agent firm and advisory group specializing in alternative assets, established in 2000. The firm offers comprehensive investment solutions, including private equity advisory, fund of fund management, asset management, and wealth management. They serve a diverse institutional and semi-professional investor base, including family offices, pension funds, asset managers, and business conglomerates, across the European Union, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific. Moravia Capital positions itself as a partner to funds, focusing on expeditious fundraising through customized marketing strategies that introduce selected General Partners (GPs) to suitable institutional investors.The firm was founded in 2000 by Dr. Tomas Vrana along with two other partners. Dr. Vrana, a Managing Partner, leads the company's business development, global fundraising services, and corporate finance. He has advised over 100 private equity and investment funds, with a total value of approximately EUR 15 billion, on structuring and marketing. Emad Y. Al-Monayea, also a Managing Partner, oversees Moravia's investment banking activities, fundraising in the Middle East and Asia, and global investment services, bringing over 32 years of experience in investment and corporate finance. Dr. Philip Boigner, a Partner, supports private markets funds and global investment banking, having managed capital for sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and investment companies with combined assets under management exceeding $350 billion.Moravia Capital's investment focus is broad, covering multiple strategies and sectors. Through initiatives like the More-for-Africa (MOREFA) fund, they engage in growth equity investments in Sub-Saharan Africa, targeting sectors such as Energy, Agriculture, and Consumer Empowerment. The firm emphasizes climate change, social impact education, and technology for future generations, aligning its investments with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in Food Security and Energy Transition. While Moravia Capital advises on significant capital, a specific firm-wide Assets Under Management (AUM) figure is not publicly disclosed.The team at Moravia Capital comprises highly qualified professionals with extensive experience in investment and corporate finance. Beyond the managing partners, the team includes partners, directors of investments, analysts, and an advisory board with diverse expertise spanning various sectors, including energy, engineering, and technology. This collective experience and global network enable Moravia Capital to provide tailored investment solutions and advisory services in private markets on a global scale.

Oppenheimer Generations is a family office representing the global interests of the Nicky and Jonathan Oppenheimer family. Established in 2018, the firm operates as a diverse community of commercial ventures and not-for-profit organizations. Their core philosophy centers on investing in business, people, and the environment as a catalyst for sustainable development and growth, with a strong commitment to leaving the world better than they found it and building prosperous societies through focused engagement across various lands, cultures, and communities.The firm's investment focus is broad, encompassing sectors such as consumer goods, food and agriculture technology, business and productivity software, and educational and training services. They engage in various investment stages, including Seed and Series C rounds, and are actively seeking new investments. Oppenheimer Generations has demonstrated a commitment to impact investing, aligning their commercial activities with their philanthropic goals to foster positive societal and environmental outcomes.Notable investments by Oppenheimer Generations include companies like Growsari and BluLever Education. Growsari, a business/productivity software company, received a Series C investment in 2024, while BluLever Education also forms part of their portfolio. The firm often co-invests with other funds, indicating a collaborative approach to its investment strategy.The leadership of Oppenheimer Generations includes Nicky and Jonathan Oppenheimer, who bring extensive experience from their careers in prominent global corporations and their long-standing commitment to conservation and education. Jonathan Oppenheimer serves as Executive Chairman, actively involved in the family's commercial and philanthropic endeavors, while Nicky Oppenheimer, as Chairman, continues his legacy in environmental and conservation leadership, also supporting educational initiatives through the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust.

Opus18 Capital Partners is an investment firm known for its "Partnership Investing" ethos, operating as a permanent capital vehicle with a long-term view on success. The firm actively engages with dynamic businesses, providing critical thinking, space for innovation, and accountability for high performance. While strategically focused on the financial services sector, Opus18 Capital Partners also invests in other industries alongside trusted partners, demonstrating a multi-decade track record in business building.The firm's origins trace back to the private investment group Yellowwoods, where its founders were instrumental in building notable businesses such as Nando's, Hollard, Clientele, and New Africa Investments Limited. Opus18 Capital Partners was formally established as a standalone entity in 2003, initially operating as Capricorn Capital Partners. Its founding mission, driven by Geoff Snelgar, Rob Fihrer, and Gavin Chadwick, remains to unite like-minded investors and entrepreneurs to build enduring, high-growth businesses.Opus18 Capital Partners has a multi-decade track record of investment success. Its portfolio includes companies like Liberty Guard in the construction and engineering industry, Thebe Solar Energy with a significant solar portfolio across South Africa, and Acquisan, a holding company. The firm also has investments in the gaming sector and is a current investor in companies such as Izwe Loans, a specialist finance company, and Prime Meridian Direct, which provides personal life, car, and hospital insurance.The firm boasts a tight-knit, longstanding team with strong footholds in South Africa and the UK. This team excels at identifying, nurturing, and supporting high-growth businesses led by exceptional individuals. Their success is underpinned by sharp financial acumen, broad industry insight, and a hands-on, relationship-driven investment approach, offering more than just capital through their expertise and networks. Key team members include co-founders Rob Fihrer, Geoff Snelgar, and Gavin Chadwick, along with partners Chris Mullin, Annabelle Satterly, Marc Rosen, Stefan Nothnagel, and Ross Friend.

Reddy Holdings is the investment, growth, and philanthropic platform of the G V Sanjay Reddy family office. The firm is dedicated to backing passionate early-stage founders who are pushing boundaries and aiming to radically change the world. They invest in visionary ideas and partner with companies from their inception through to IPO, taking meaningful stakes and providing active mentoring to accelerate growth, drive scale, and create lasting value. Reddy Holdings also supports exciting business opportunities and is committed to making a positive global impact.The firm carries forward the extensive industrial and philanthropic legacy of the India-based GVK conglomerate, which has a history spanning over 30 years in key sectors such as airports, energy, transportation, hospitality, and real estate. G V Sanjay Reddy serves as the Chairman of Reddy Holdings, leveraging his experience across pharmaceuticals, data analytics, technology, and venture capital to incubate and invest in disruptive technology companies. Pinky Reddy, as Chairperson of the Pinky & Sanjay Reddy Foundation, leads the philanthropic efforts focused on empowering women and providing access to education and healthcare.Reddy Holdings maintains a diverse portfolio of growth-stage businesses and has invested in over 25 startups across the US, India, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Notable portfolio companies include Aragen, India’s second-largest biopharmaceutical CRO, and Excelra, a rapidly growing data analytics business. The firm has also successfully invested in several unicorns such as Cred, Upstox, Hive, Chipper Cash, and Genies, demonstrating a strong focus on technology and fintech innovators. Other investments span areas like embedded insurance technology (Salty), online medical platforms (Docplexus), aviation technology (FLY), financial wellness (Carver Edison), circular carbon economy (Climes), and AI-driven healthcare (Jivi).The team at Reddy Holdings, including G V Sanjay Reddy and G V Keshav Reddy, brings a wealth of entrepreneurial and investment expertise. They emphasize a long-term vision over short-term gains, offering capital, network access, and mentorship to help portfolio companies scale and expand, particularly in the Indian market. Their approach is sector and geography agnostic, seeking out the world's most promising businesses with innovative models and category-defining visions.

Sagana is an independent impact investment advisory firm dedicated to unleashing the potential of business, capital, and people to foster human and planetary health. The firm works with a diverse range of clients, including wealth holders, family offices, fund managers, corporates, development finance institutions, development agencies, and foundations. Sagana's core mission is to align financial success with purpose, offering bespoke investment strategies, portfolio construction, investment execution, and portfolio management services. They focus on sourcing and evaluating high-impact direct and fund investments that deliver measurable results without compromising returns.Sagana was founded in 2017 by Raya Papp and Wolfgang Hafenmayer. Both co-founders transitioned from successful careers in consulting and banking, driven by a shared vision to demonstrate that business can be a powerful force for both prosperity and positive change. Their journey, which began with grassroots impact work and evolved into leading global investments in sustainable ventures, shaped the ethos of Sagana, a name meaning "abundance" in Tagalog. This philosophy underpins their global efforts to identify and fund solutions for pressing global challenges.The firm has supported numerous organizations in integrating impact-driven practices. Notable case studies include assisting Verod Capital in becoming the first 2X Certified Private Equity fund for gender equality in Africa, developing an impact strategy for The Barlow Foundation to align 100% of their endowment with impact, and designing a USD 15 million initiative for the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) to enhance financial inclusion for migrant women. Sagana also helped Cementos Molins develop a Science-based target strategy for decarbonization, showcasing their expertise in environmental sustainability.Sagana boasts a team of over 40 passionate, impact-driven investment advisors spread across more than 12 countries. This global presence provides unparalleled reach and on-the-ground insights, enabling the firm to screen thousands of companies and funds annually to identify scalable, high-impact, and financially successful solutions. The team is united by values of courage, authenticity, respect, responsibility, and excellence, working collaboratively to transform visionary ideas into lasting positive change for people and the planet.

Founded in 2008, Verod Capital Management is a prominent private equity firm dedicated to investing in high-growth, mid-market companies across West Africa. Leveraging deep local expertise and networks in Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, and Kenya, Verod focuses on fostering the growth of promising businesses by providing equity and equity-linked capital, typically ranging from $15 million to $30 million. The firm also manages a venture capital fund, Verod-Kepple Africa Ventures, which invests between $250,000 and $7.5 million in tech startups across sectors such as FinTech, HealthTech, EdTech, Logistics, and Software.Verod is committed to aligning its investment strategy with global sustainability standards, being the first West African signatory to the UN Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) and the first private equity fund worldwide to achieve 2X Certified ‘Best-in-Class’ status. The firm integrates Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks into its operations, focusing on gender equity, climate action, and quality job creation, thereby investing for profit while generating positive social impact across its portfolio.Supported by a diverse group of institutional investors, Verod has successfully executed multiple exits through strategic sales, financial acquisitions, and management buyouts. Its seasoned team comprises professionals with extensive experience in investing, banking, strategy, and operations across various industries. Verod’s vision is to provide stakeholders with expert guidance, access to capital, and opportunities to make lasting impacts in Africa’s economic landscape.

YBA Kanoo Group is a prominent independent family-owned multinational conglomerate with a rich history spanning over 130 years. Established in 1890 in Bahrain as a trading and shipping business, the firm has evolved into a diversified entity with a significant presence across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia. Its overarching vision is to be a leading family investment holding company both regionally and globally, driven by a mission to deliver superior returns through strategic investments and active management of its portfolio companies. The group operates through various divisions, including Industrial & Energy, Logistics, Shipping, Travel, Real Estate, Global Investments, Ventures, and IT & Business Solutions.The firm's investment activities are primarily channeled through its 'Global Investments' and 'Kanoo Ventures' arms. Kanoo Ventures, founded in 2022, serves as the direct equity investing and partnering platform, focusing on the GCC region and expanding globally. It actively seeks opportunities aligned with key global themes such as sustainability and resource efficiency. The broader YBA Kanoo Group employs a hybrid investment model that combines direct securities trading with long-term strategic investments, emphasizing risk-adjusted asset allocation across its diverse portfolio.Kanoo Ventures has made notable investments across a range of sectors. Its portfolio includes companies like CorrosionRADAR, a provider of predictive corrosion monitoring solutions for industrial sectors, and Iyris, which focuses on horticulture technology. The firm has also invested in the financial services sector, partnering with Whampoa Group on the Digital Singapore Gulf Bank, and in healthcare with investments such as The Eye Infirmary. Other investments include Boston Oncology, Fetchr, and Retailo, demonstrating a broad interest in technology, industrials, consumer goods, and logistics.The investment team at YBA Kanoo Group is led by experienced professionals. Rebecca Hall serves as the CEO of Kanoo Ventures, while Sean Daykin is the CIO of Kanoo Global Investments. The broader team comprises a significant number of partners and principals, contributing to the firm's strategic investment decisions and active management of its diverse portfolio across various industries and geographies.