International Finance Corporation

International Finance Corporation (IFC), established in 1956 and headquartered in Washington, District of Columbia, is the private equity and venture capital arm of The World Bank Group. It focuses on fostering sustainable economic growth in developing countries by financing private sector investments and mobilizing capital in international financial markets. IFC provides a wide range of financial products, including loans, equity, quasi-equity, and advisory services, targeting sectors such as agriculture, forestry, financial services, education, healthcare, infrastructure, manufacturing, retail, tourism, and technology. The organization aims to support businesses and financial institutions in emerging markets to create jobs, improve corporate governance, and enhance environmental performance. IFC typically invests between $1 million and $100 million, often taking minority stakes but preferring majority ownership in its portfolio companies. It does not engage directly in the management of its investments and usually exits through domestic stock markets or other arrangements after several years. By focusing on initiatives that benefit underserved communities, IFC contributes to local economic development and improves the quality of life for people in developing regions.

Wale Ayeni

Acting Global Head, Disruptive Technologies and Venture Capital Investments

Paulo De Bolle

Global Director

Andi Dervishi

Chief Investment Officer and Global Head, Fintech, ePayments and New Finance

Makhtar Diop

Managing Director

Imad N. Fakhoury

IFC Regional Director South Asia

Allen Forlemu

Regional Industry Director

Mary Porter Peschka

Director

Leila Search

Investment Professional

Oumar Seydi

IFC Regional Director, Africa

Past deals in COMESA

M-Kopa

Debt Financing in 2023
M-Kopa Kenya Limited is a leading provider of solar home systems, specializing in pay-as-you-go energy services for off-grid customers. Founded in 2011 and based in Nairobi, Kenya, M-Kopa began commercial operations in 2012 and has since expanded its reach to Uganda and Tanzania. The company offers a range of solar products, including systems that provide lighting, phone charging, and solar-powered radios, which are sold through over 1,000 retail agents and shops. M-Kopa utilizes a proprietary technology platform that integrates mobile payments and IoT connectivity, allowing customers without credit histories to access essential products and services. With a dedicated team of over 500 staff, the company is committed to delivering innovative solutions that meet the needs of underserved communities, continually improving its offerings through data-driven insights and customer relationship management.

Avenue Group

Debt Financing in 2023
The Avenue Group is a healthcare provider based in Nairobi, Kenya, focused on delivering high-quality, affordable, and accessible medical services. The organization encompasses several entities, including Avenue Hospital, Avenue Healthcare, Avenue Homecare, and Avenue Rescue Services. Collectively, these facilities offer a range of services, such as home care, rescue operations, managed care, dental services, laboratory testing, physiotherapy, and both medical and surgical treatments. Through its various offerings, the Avenue Group aims to meet the diverse healthcare needs of the community it serves.

WIOCC

Venture Round in 2022
WIOCC specializes in high-capacity connectivity solutions, linking Africa with global financial and commercial centers. Recognized as a key player in the wholesale market, it caters to carriers, mobile operators, and internet service providers by offering customized bandwidth packages tailored to meet diverse customer needs. With a comprehensive range of services, including global connectivity, carrier IP transit, and colocation, WIOCC ensures built-in redundancy in its network, safeguarding traffic and enhancing reliability. Operating across more than 30 African countries, the company positions itself as a pivotal provider of managed connectivity services for cloud operators and content providers, effectively supporting the growing demand for fixed and mobile broadband in Africa's evolving markets.
Equity Bank Kenya is a financial services provider headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. It is licensed as a commercial bank by the central bank of Kenya, the central bank, and national banking regulator. Equity Bank Kenya Limited was incorporated in 2014 as a result of the corporate restructure of Equity Group Holdings Limited.

Brimore

Series A in 2022
Brimore Holding B.V. operates an online retail and distribution platform that specializes in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Cairo, Egypt, the company provides a wide range of products, including detergents, perfumes, skincare items, canned food, clothing for men, women, and children, as well as personal care and home care products. Brimore connects manufacturers with customers, facilitating access to various goods in emerging markets. Its offerings also include food and beverage, wellness products, and textiles, catering to diverse consumer needs.

WIOCC

Debt Financing in 2021
WIOCC specializes in high-capacity connectivity solutions, linking Africa with global financial and commercial centers. Recognized as a key player in the wholesale market, it caters to carriers, mobile operators, and internet service providers by offering customized bandwidth packages tailored to meet diverse customer needs. With a comprehensive range of services, including global connectivity, carrier IP transit, and colocation, WIOCC ensures built-in redundancy in its network, safeguarding traffic and enhancing reliability. Operating across more than 30 African countries, the company positions itself as a pivotal provider of managed connectivity services for cloud operators and content providers, effectively supporting the growing demand for fixed and mobile broadband in Africa's evolving markets.

MaxAB

Series A in 2021
MaxAB is a B2B e-commerce marketplace based in Cairo, Egypt, that connects food and grocery retailers with suppliers, particularly in underserved areas. Founded in 2018, the company leverages data-driven technologies and advanced supply chain solutions to streamline the food and grocery market. MaxAB aims to empower retailers by providing access to a diverse range of products, premium service, and operational support. Its technology-driven logistics network ensures efficient distribution, delivering the right amount of food to the right locations at the right time, thereby reducing costs and improving the procurement and delivery process for retailers.
Commercial International Bank (CIB), founded in 1975 and headquartered in Giza, Egypt, is a prominent financial services provider that caters to both individual and corporate clients. The bank offers a wide range of products, including deposits, savings accounts, loans, and private banking services, as well as e-banking solutions. CIB is particularly well-known for its corporate banking services, which encompass project finance, debt capital markets, structured products, and various financing options, such as working capital and syndicated loans. With strong brand equity, CIB serves over 500 of Egypt's largest corporations and demonstrates significant potential in the growing retail and SME banking sectors. Over its 40 years of operation, the bank has maintained its position as the most profitable commercial bank in Egypt, thanks to its effective management, high operating standards, and commitment to corporate governance.

MaxAB

Series A in 2021
MaxAB is a B2B e-commerce marketplace based in Cairo, Egypt, that connects food and grocery retailers with suppliers, particularly in underserved areas. Founded in 2018, the company leverages data-driven technologies and advanced supply chain solutions to streamline the food and grocery market. MaxAB aims to empower retailers by providing access to a diverse range of products, premium service, and operational support. Its technology-driven logistics network ensures efficient distribution, delivering the right amount of food to the right locations at the right time, thereby reducing costs and improving the procurement and delivery process for retailers.

Daystar Power

Debt Financing in 2021
Daystar Power specialises in providing solar power and energy efficiency solutions for businesses in the commercial, industrial, and agricultural sectors that result in significant reduction of power costs, diesel consumption and pollution.

MaxAB

Series A in 2021
MaxAB is a B2B e-commerce marketplace based in Cairo, Egypt, that connects food and grocery retailers with suppliers, particularly in underserved areas. Founded in 2018, the company leverages data-driven technologies and advanced supply chain solutions to streamline the food and grocery market. MaxAB aims to empower retailers by providing access to a diverse range of products, premium service, and operational support. Its technology-driven logistics network ensures efficient distribution, delivering the right amount of food to the right locations at the right time, thereby reducing costs and improving the procurement and delivery process for retailers.

Liquid Intelligent Technologies

Debt Financing in 2021
Liquid Telecom is an independent data, voice, and IP provider that commits to build a digital future. Liquid Telecom has built Africa’s largest single fibre network, currently stretching over 18,000km across Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, DRC, Lesotho and South Africa. The award-winning Pan-African fibre network covers Africa’s fastest growing economies, where no fixed network has existed before.

Twiga Foods

Debt Financing in 2020
Twiga Foods Ltd. is a mobile-based supply platform that connects farmers and vendors in Africa's retail sector. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the company serves small and medium-sized retail outlets, kiosks, and market stalls by enabling them to order a variety of fresh produce, including bananas, pineapples, and tomatoes, through a cashless business-to-business platform. By bridging the gap between farmers and vendors, Twiga Foods aims to enhance access to quality food at competitive prices, thereby improving profit margins for both parties. The platform facilitates efficient distribution, making it easier for vendors to stock their businesses with necessary supplies while supporting local agriculture.

Equity Group Holdings

Debt Financing in 2020
Equity Bank Kenya is a financial services provider headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. It is licensed as a commercial bank by the central bank of Kenya, the central bank, and national banking regulator. Equity Bank Kenya Limited was incorporated in 2014 as a result of the corporate restructure of Equity Group Holdings Limited.

Grainpulse

Venture Round in 2019
Grainpulse Limited, founded in 2002 and based in Kampala, Uganda, operates as an integrated agribusiness company focused on enhancing food and nutrition security for households. The company provides a variety of agricultural services, including the collection, storage, processing, and loading of coffee, grains, and animal feed, as well as the supply of fertilizer blends. Grainpulse aims to support both smallholder and commercial farmers by offering agro-input materials, agronomy services, and market access, thereby facilitating the formalization and commercialization of sustainable local agriculture. The company's commitment to integrity, customer-centricity, performance, and teamwork underscores its mission to positively impact the lives of farmers in Uganda.

El Zatona

Pre Seed Round in 2019
Developer of a cloud-based retail-management system designed to automate sales. The company's platform offers stock management, sales, purchase tracking and real-time insights, enabling clients to increase business operations efficiency.

Fawaterak

Pre Seed Round in 2019
Fawaterak, an online payments platform helping small and micro businesses to process all their payments online through integrating local and global payment networks in one dashboard featured by powerful tools for collect payments locally and globally . Powered by A.I Main features: Create and share invoices with his clients instantly, get paid faster online (no App needed for the client). This act increased the payment rate due to easiness and availability. Website & Apps Integration: Ability to integrate merchant website & mobile app with fine-tuned invoicing system, this helped merchants to get paid online from Anywhere Instant payment’s collections: Get paid using credit cards, cash, or wire transfers within seconds. Supported by the local bank of the merchants, and offering recurring payments. A.I Powered: With A.I we are building scoring system which notify and feedback merchants about the best time his customer can pay for him or he can pay or not, also merchant could create an invoice to their clients just by taking a snapshot of printed invoice through our mobile application.

Netsahem

Pre Seed Round in 2019
Developer of a digital fundraising platform designed to facilitate electronic donations to non-profit organizations. The company's platform offers an innovative and wide range of e-payment methods to transfer funds, enabling NGOs who operate offline to spread their reach and raise more funds for people in need of help across the Egypt region.

Youspital

Pre Seed Round in 2019
Developer of a digital healthcare platform designed to pre-book medical tests. The company's platform facilitates and automates customer acquisition, booking, onboarding, and payment, enabling hospitals and patients to increase their efficiency and decrease the cost of treatment respectively.

NeQabty

Seed Round in 2019
Developer of a mobile-based financial application designed to provide automated syndicate services. The company's application offers payment of service costs, medical services, and booking events and trips, enabling clients to pay for their medical applications such as prescriptions, renewals, and medical fees.

Vezeeta

Series C in 2018
Vezeeta is a digital healthcare platform based in Heliopolis, Egypt, that connects patients with healthcare providers across the Middle East and Africa. Founded in 2011, the platform allows patients to search, compare, book, and review healthcare services in countries such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Lebanon. With over 200,000 verified reviews, users can quickly find and schedule appointments with doctors, enhancing their access to quality healthcare. Additionally, Vezeeta offers innovative software solutions for healthcare providers, facilitating efficient clinic management and improving the overall patient experience. The platform aims to empower millions of patients by leveraging data to create better healthcare accessibility in the region.

Twiga Foods

Series B in 2018
Twiga Foods Ltd. is a mobile-based supply platform that connects farmers and vendors in Africa's retail sector. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the company serves small and medium-sized retail outlets, kiosks, and market stalls by enabling them to order a variety of fresh produce, including bananas, pineapples, and tomatoes, through a cashless business-to-business platform. By bridging the gap between farmers and vendors, Twiga Foods aims to enhance access to quality food at competitive prices, thereby improving profit margins for both parties. The platform facilitates efficient distribution, making it easier for vendors to stock their businesses with necessary supplies while supporting local agriculture.

Apex International Energy

Private Equity Round in 2018
Apex International Energy Management LLC operates as an oil and gas exploration and production company that focuses on Egypt. It engages in asset acquisitions and capital investments in drilling, infrastructure, and production enhancement to deliver long-term profitable growth in production and reserves. The company was incorporated in 2016 and is based in Houston, Texas with an additional office in Cairo, Egypt.

Twiga Foods

Series B in 2018
Twiga Foods Ltd. is a mobile-based supply platform that connects farmers and vendors in Africa's retail sector. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the company serves small and medium-sized retail outlets, kiosks, and market stalls by enabling them to order a variety of fresh produce, including bananas, pineapples, and tomatoes, through a cashless business-to-business platform. By bridging the gap between farmers and vendors, Twiga Foods aims to enhance access to quality food at competitive prices, thereby improving profit margins for both parties. The platform facilitates efficient distribution, making it easier for vendors to stock their businesses with necessary supplies while supporting local agriculture.

Africa's Talking

Series A in 2017
Africa's Talking Ltd. is an information technology company based in Nairobi, Kenya, founded in 2010 by Eston Kimani and Samuel Gikandi. The firm specializes in providing communication solutions that enhance connectivity across Africa, focusing on mobile messaging services. It offers a range of services including bulk SMS, short codes, premium SMS, USSD, MMS, and customized mobile messaging solutions tailored for individuals, businesses, and developers. The company provides tools such as a mini-API for data access and SMSVoices.com, a platform for sharing information via SMS and online posts. By integrating reliable two-way SMS, voice, and USSD functionality, Africa's Talking enables users to streamline their mobile communication processes, thus supporting a burgeoning entrepreneurial ecosystem across the continent.

CSquared

Venture Round in 2017
CSquared is a company based in Nairobi, Kenya, that specializes in building and operating metro fiber and Wi-Fi networks. Founded in 2013 from Google's Project Link, CSquared aims to assist local Internet service providers and mobile network operators in expanding their reach and improving connectivity for homeowners, small businesses, and mobile users in Uganda and Ghana. By focusing on wholesale broadband infrastructure services, CSquared enables these providers to deliver Wi-Fi and broadband services more efficiently and at lower costs through shared metro fiber infrastructure.

Britam

Post in 2017
Britam is a diversified financial services group, listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange. The group has interests across the Eastern and Southern Africa region. The company offers a wide range of financial products and services in Insurance, Asset management, Banking and Property. The product range includes: life, health and general insurance, pensions, unit trusts, investment planning, wealth management, off-shore investments, retirement planning, discretionary portfolio management, Property development and private Equity.

Mobisol

Series B in 2016
Mobisol GmbH, founded in 2010 and based in Berlin, Germany, specializes in developing and installing solar home systems to provide electricity to underserved low-income customers in developing nations. The company offers solutions that power LED lights, radios, mobile phones, and various household appliances, while also promoting productive use appliances. Mobisol's innovative approach combines solar energy with an affordable mobile payment plan, making it accessible for those living without electricity. The company emphasizes comprehensive customer service and utilizes remote monitoring technology to ensure reliable performance. With additional offices in Tanzania, Rwanda, and Kenya, Mobisol operates as a subsidiary of ENGIE SA, focusing on delivering clean and affordable energy alternatives to fossil fuels.

Haltons Limited

Venture Round in 2016
Haltons Limited operates Haltons Pharmacy, a retail pharmacy chain in Kenya that focuses on providing accessible and affordable pharmacy care. The company is dedicated to delivering high-quality pharmaceutical products, including both prescription and non-prescription medications. Haltons Pharmacy strategically positions its retail outlets in high-traffic residential areas to maximize customer access and cater to the needs of the average Kenyan consumer. Through its network of pharmacies, Haltons Limited aims to ensure that healthcare products are readily available to the community, reflecting its commitment to dignified care.

Flat6labs

Seed Round in 2016
Flat6Labs is a startup accelerator based in Cairo, Egypt, founded in 2011. It focuses on seed-stage investments, providing funding, mentorship, and resources to entrepreneurs in Egypt and the MENA region. Every four months, Flat6Labs selects a cohort of startups to support with seed capital and physical workspace. The accelerator emphasizes hands-on mentorship and educational experiences, often collaborating with the American University in Cairo. Its mission is to immerse entrepreneurs in real-world challenges, fostering an environment that encourages collaboration and value creation. Additionally, Flat6Labs manages early-stage venture capital funds, including partnerships that extend its investment reach into sectors such as transportation, mobile technology, big data, and virtual reality. The organization has expanded its presence with offices in several cities across the MENA region, contributing to the growth of the startup ecosystem in the area.

Lekela Power

Private Equity Round in 2016
Lekela Power B.V. is a renewable energy generation platform focused on delivering utility-scale wind and solar projects across Africa. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Amsterdam, the company operates in countries such as Egypt, Ghana, South Africa, and Senegal. Lekela Power develops, constructs, and manages a portfolio of renewable energy projects that supply clean energy to a range of consumers, including government entities, utilities, and large-scale industrial users. By providing secure and reliable renewable energy, Lekela Power aims to support the continent's growth and development while contributing to the transition toward sustainable energy sources. The company operates as a subsidiary of Mainstream Renewable Power Limited.

Tiger Resources

Post in 2015
Tiger Resources Ltd is an Australian-based company focused on the discovery, development and exploration of high-grade copper/cobalt deposits in the world-renowned Katanga Copper Belt in the DRC.

ZOLA Electric

Debt Financing in 2015
Zola Electric provides off-grid solar solutions primarily for African markets, focusing on Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana, and the Ivory Coast. The company offers solar home kits that can be either leased or purchased, utilizing a pay-as-you-go micro-finance model that accommodates various income levels. By employing advanced solar, battery, and power electronics technology, Zola Electric delivers renewable energy systems tailored to the needs of individual households and businesses in rural communities. Since its inception in 2012, the company has powered over 180,000 homes and businesses. Formerly known as Off-Grid Electric Tanzania Limited, it rebranded to Zola Electric in July 2018 and has established its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania, with an additional office in San Francisco, California. The company has garnered recognition through various awards and has attracted investment from notable firms, including Tesla and EDF.

Helios Towers Africa

Private Equity Round in 2014
Helios Towers Africa has operations in Ghana, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo and a sister company in Nigeria. The number of mobile subscribers in Africa has increased from just 16 million people in 2000 to over 500 million today. Based on these growth levels and without an increase in the sharing of telecoms tower facilities, the number of towers in Africa will need to double from the current number of 75,000, a significant environmental impact.

MIC Global

Venture Round in 2014
MIC Global is a full-stack embedded micro insurance provider purpose-built to transform the insurance industry by reimagining and integrating simple and relevant insurance products that provide protection for people so that they can provide for their families and recover swiftly. We were founded with an aspirational goal to help close the insurance protection gap by providing inclusive and affordable insurance to people and to support them in their time of need.
Bridge International Academies operates primary schools focused on providing education to underprivileged children. Founded in 2007 and based in Nairobi, Kenya, the organization offers services that align with national curricula and emphasizes comprehensive teacher training and development programs. Utilizing advanced wireless technology, Bridge International Academies aims to deliver quality education at no cost to students, fostering opportunities for a brighter future for those in underserved communities.

eleni

Venture Round in 2013
eleni LLC is a developer of commodity exchange platforms, focused on transforming markets in frontier regions of Africa. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, the company specializes in building end-to-end exchange ecosystems that significantly impact the livelihoods of rural communities. It offers a comprehensive technology suite that includes various business applications for commodity markets, alongside essential services for implementing exchange projects. These services encompass legal and regulatory frameworks, warehouse receipt systems, electronic central depositories, automated clearinghouses, trade matching, and real-time mobile market data. Additionally, eleni manages logistics for delivery, membership, training, and certification, while ensuring market surveillance, compliance enforcement, and risk management. Through its initiatives, eleni aims to enhance accessibility to commodity exchanges, ultimately improving the economic conditions for millions in rural areas.
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