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.
Regional Industry Director, Financial Institutions Group, Asia and Pacific
Stephanie Friedeburg
Vice President, Corporate Strategy and Resources
Mohamed Gouled
Vice President, Industries
Cheryl Hanway
Director
Saadia Khairi
Vice President and Chief Risk Officer
Rosy Khanna
Regional Industry Director for Financial Institutions in Asia-Pacific
Alfonso Garcia Mora
Regional Vice President for Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean
Vivek Pathak
Director and Global Head of Climate Business
Mary Peschka
Regional Director for Eastern Africa
Sergio Pimenta
Regional Vice President, Africa
Oumar Seydi
IFC Regional Director, Africa
Sarvesh Suri
Regional Industry Director, Infrastructure and Natural Resources
Dahlia Khalifa
Regional Director of Central Africa, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone
Past deals in West Africa
Lagos Free Zone
Private Equity Round in 2025
Lagos Free Zone is an operator of a commerce and trade zone designed to leverage the potential of the West African market. It offers exceptional infrastructure facilities and services, including clustered opportunities across multiple sectors. The zone provides deep sea port connections and regional rail connectivity, facilitating ease of doing business for its clients. By enabling access to essential amenities, Lagos Free Zone aims to attract investments and foster economic growth in the region.
Institut Pasteur de Dakar
Debt Financing in 2024
The Institut Pasteur de Dakar Foundation (IPD) is a non-profit association of public utility, concerned with promoting public health and well-being in West Africa. Since its founding in 1896 by one of Louis PASTEUR's disciples, Émile Marcoux, the IPD has been at the forefront of the fight against infectious diseases. Since 2009, the Institut Pasteur de Dakar has been a Senegalese foundation, jointly managed by the government of Senegal and the Institut Pasteur (Paris).
Sonatel
Debt Financing in 2024
Sonatel SA, headquartered in Dakar, Senegal, is a leading telecommunications provider in West Africa, offering a wide range of services including fixed line, mobile, Internet, television, voice, and mobile money to both individuals and businesses. Established in 1985, Sonatel operates in Senegal and has expanded its reach to Mali, Guinea Bissau, Guinea, and Sierra Leone. The company has developed a modern, fully digitized network supported by high-speed optical fiber submarine cables, boasting one of Africa's largest Internet bandwidths at 6.5 Gbps. Through its Orange brand, Sonatel facilitates the convergence of mobile, Internet, and television technologies, playing a crucial role in the economic development of Senegal and positioning the country as a telecommunications hub in the region.
Indorama Fertilizers
Debt Financing in 2024
Indorama Fertilizers operates a world-class, 1.4 million metric tonnes per annum urea manufacturing facility based in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The plant has been developed to global environmental, social and construction standards. It plays a key role in supporting the agricultural sector in Nigeria by providing a reliable supply of fertilizers for local farmers, thereby enabling import substitution and supporting the diversification needs of the Nigerian economy. Indorama Fertilizers is also advantageously located to serve neighboring West African countries and key Western hemisphere markets, including North America, South America and Europe
CSquared
Venture Round in 2023
CSquared is a company based in Nairobi, Kenya, specializing in the construction and operation of metro fiber and Wi-Fi networks to enhance internet connectivity for local providers. Formed in 2013 from Google's Project Link, CSquared aims to assist Internet service providers and mobile network operators in delivering broadband services to homeowners, small businesses, and mobile users in Uganda and Ghana. By focusing on wholesale metro fiber-optic networks, the company enables these providers to offer affordable internet solutions through shared infrastructure, thereby fostering increased connectivity for communities in the region.
Husk Power Systems
Debt Financing in 2023
Husk Power Systems Pvt. Ltd. is a renewable energy company based in Patna, India, that focuses on generating and distributing electricity to households, community services, small businesses, and factories. Founded in 2007, the company utilizes biomass waste—such as rice husks and other agricultural residues—to produce electricity through its proprietary technology. Husk Power Systems designs and operates mini-power plants and micro-grids, offering electricity as a pay-for-use service primarily to rural areas. This approach not only provides reliable lighting, reducing reliance on kerosene, but also fosters economic development by enabling microenterprises and the use of electricity-operated machinery. By creating a sustainable energy ecosystem at each power plant, Husk Power Systems aims to deliver shared value to its stakeholders and stimulate local economies.
BUA Cement
Post in 2023
BUA Cement Plc specializes in the production and marketing of cement under the brand name "BUA Cement." The company manufactures CEM II type cement that meets Nigerian Industrial Standards, making it suitable for various construction applications such as block-making, plastering, and concrete works. Known for its high early strength, rapid setting, and low heat of hydration, BUA Cement is recognized for its quality production process. The company generates revenue primarily through the sale of bagged and bulk cement, with the majority of its business operations concentrated in Nigeria.
Agrocorp International
Debt Financing in 2022
Agrocorp International is a prominent player in the distribution and trading of agro-based commodities, operating across various global markets, including Canada, West Africa, China, Turkey, the Middle East, India, Bangladesh, and Vietnam. The company specializes in a diverse range of products, including grains such as wheat and rice, a variety of pulses and beans, oilseeds like soybeans and canola, and cotton. Additionally, Agrocorp offers animal feed products, which encompass corn and various meals, as well as edible nuts such as cashews and peanuts. Beyond agricultural commodities, the company also engages in the trade of non-agricultural goods, including coal, construction materials, and edible oils. Through its comprehensive portfolio, Agrocorp International plays a crucial role in the global agribusiness landscape.
Airtel Africa
Post in 2022
Airtel Africa Plc is a telecommunications company that delivers mobile voice and data services, as well as mobile money solutions, across Nigeria, East Africa, and Francophone Africa. The company offers a variety of services including prepaid and postpaid wireless voice, international roaming, data communication, and fixed-line telephone services. In addition, Airtel Africa provides mobile money services that encompass payment systems, microloans, savings, and international money transfers. Established in 2018 and headquartered in London, Airtel Africa aims to make mobile communications affordable, thereby supporting economic and social development in the regions it serves. As of March 2020, the company catered to approximately 110.6 million customers, with the majority of its revenue generated from its operations in Nigeria. Airtel Africa is committed to extending its network to rural areas and engaging in community-focused education initiatives.
Nexford University
Series A in 2022
Nexford University is an online higher education institution founded in 2017 and based in Washington, D.C. It offers degree programs and courses designed to meet the demands of various industries, including technology, business, and healthcare. The university focuses on providing quality, affordable education that aligns with the needs of global employers, utilizing a curriculum informed by the skills most sought after in the job market. Nexford caters to students in multiple countries, such as the United States, the Philippines, Nigeria, and Egypt, and emphasizes flexible learning options to accommodate diverse learners. By leveraging artificial intelligence, the institution enhances its educational offerings to prepare students for success in a global workplace.
Kobo360
Series B in 2021
Kobo360 is a digital logistics platform that connects cargo owners, truck operators, and drivers to streamline the supply chain process. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, the platform utilizes data analytics and artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency in logistics operations, particularly in last-mile delivery. Kobo360 aims to reduce communication gaps and optimize pick-ups and deliveries, ensuring goods are moved seamlessly across the continent. The company also supports rural farmers by minimizing farm wastages, thereby enabling them to access new markets and increase their earnings. In addition to its logistics services, Kobo360 plans to establish a marketplace to link farmers directly with buyers globally, which will help eliminate intermediaries and improve profitability for smallholder farmers. Ultimately, Kobo360 seeks to build a comprehensive logistics ecosystem that enhances trade and commerce in Africa and emerging markets.
TradeDepot
Series B in 2021
TradeDepot Inc. is a technology-driven distribution platform based in Lagos, Nigeria, founded in 2016. The company aims to revolutionize the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector in Africa by connecting top consumer goods companies directly with retailers. TradeDepot's SaaS platform offers features such as predictive trade intelligence, real-time stock level access, and the ability to place bulk orders online. It also enables the auto-generation of sales promotions, helping to enhance sales and streamline operations. By focusing on improving the distribution of food, beverages, and personal care products, TradeDepot seeks to build the largest retail distribution network in Africa and improve the livelihoods of retail store owners. The company also has an office in Wilmington, Delaware, reflecting its commitment to expanding its reach and impact.
Union Bank of Nigeria
Debt Financing in 2020
Union Bank of Nigeria Plc is a full-service commercial bank headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. Established in 1917, the bank serves a diverse clientele, including individuals, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and large corporations, primarily in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. It operates through four main segments: Retail Banking, Commercial Banking, Corporate Banking, and Treasury. Union Bank offers a variety of financial products and services, such as current and savings accounts, debit cards, online and mobile banking, SME solutions, loans, credit services, and cash management. The bank is a subsidiary of Union Global Partners Limited and is committed to supporting economic growth through its comprehensive banking solutions.
Access Bank
Post in 2020
Access Bank, established in 1988 and headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, is a commercial bank that offers a wide range of banking products and services to individual and business customers. The bank operates in Ghana and provides various accounts, including standard savings and current accounts, as well as specialized options such as access advantage and premier accounts. Access Bank also offers online banking services, facilitating ATM transactions, online access, point-of-sale terminal services, bill payments, and Western Union money transfers. In addition to personal banking, the bank provides corporate and investment banking, commercial and business banking services, along with mortgage loans and sustainable international banking solutions.
Zenith Bank
Debt Financing in 2020
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.
Kobo360
Series A in 2019
Kobo360 is a digital logistics platform that connects cargo owners, truck operators, and drivers to streamline the supply chain process. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, the platform utilizes data analytics and artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency in logistics operations, particularly in last-mile delivery. Kobo360 aims to reduce communication gaps and optimize pick-ups and deliveries, ensuring goods are moved seamlessly across the continent. The company also supports rural farmers by minimizing farm wastages, thereby enabling them to access new markets and increase their earnings. In addition to its logistics services, Kobo360 plans to establish a marketplace to link farmers directly with buyers globally, which will help eliminate intermediaries and improve profitability for smallholder farmers. Ultimately, Kobo360 seeks to build a comprehensive logistics ecosystem that enhances trade and commerce in Africa and emerging markets.
Sierra Rutile
Venture Round in 2019
Sierra Rutile is a prominent mineral sands company based in Sierra Leone, specializing in the extraction and production of rutile, zircon, and ilmenite. The company operates several mines across the Bonthe and Moyamba districts in southern Sierra Leone, focusing on expanding its core rutile production significantly. Sierra Rutile's flagship asset features one of the largest natural rutile deposits globally, with a resource exceeding 600 million tonnes. The company produces various grades of rutile, including Standard Grade Rutile and Industrial Grade Rutile, along with high-grade ilmenite and zircon-in-concentrate. Its products are utilized in various industries, including pigments, metal, and welding. A significant portion of Sierra Rutile's revenue comes from markets in Asia, with additional contributions from Europe, America, Africa, and the Middle East.
Kobo360
Seed Round in 2018
Kobo360 is a digital logistics platform that connects cargo owners, truck operators, and drivers to streamline the supply chain process. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, the platform utilizes data analytics and artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency in logistics operations, particularly in last-mile delivery. Kobo360 aims to reduce communication gaps and optimize pick-ups and deliveries, ensuring goods are moved seamlessly across the continent. The company also supports rural farmers by minimizing farm wastages, thereby enabling them to access new markets and increase their earnings. In addition to its logistics services, Kobo360 plans to establish a marketplace to link farmers directly with buyers globally, which will help eliminate intermediaries and improve profitability for smallholder farmers. Ultimately, Kobo360 seeks to build a comprehensive logistics ecosystem that enhances trade and commerce in Africa and emerging markets.
CSquared
Venture Round in 2017
CSquared is a company based in Nairobi, Kenya, specializing in the construction and operation of metro fiber and Wi-Fi networks to enhance internet connectivity for local providers. Formed in 2013 from Google's Project Link, CSquared aims to assist Internet service providers and mobile network operators in delivering broadband services to homeowners, small businesses, and mobile users in Uganda and Ghana. By focusing on wholesale metro fiber-optic networks, the company enables these providers to offer affordable internet solutions through shared infrastructure, thereby fostering increased connectivity for communities in the region.
Hygeia Group
Venture Round in 2016
Hygeia Group, based in Lagos, Nigeria, specializes in integrated healthcare services, managing hospitals and health maintenance organizations (HMOs). Founded in 1986, the company operates its flagship facility, Lagoon Hospital Apapa, along with two additional hospitals located in Ikeja and Victoria Island. Hygeia's hospital services encompass a wide range of specialties, including surgery, cardiology, pediatrics, and critical care, among others. Through its HMO, Hygeia provides managed care to over 400,000 enrollees from more than 250 corporate clients, working with a vast network of over 1,200 healthcare providers nationwide. Additionally, the Hygeia Community Health Plan is a donor-funded initiative designed to enhance healthcare access for low-income groups in Nigeria. As a subsidiary of CIEL Healthcare Ltd, Hygeia Group is committed to delivering comprehensive healthcare solutions to its patients and communities.
Roxgold
Post in 2015
Roxgold Inc. is a Canadian gold mining company focused on acquiring, exploring, and evaluating mineral properties. It operates primarily in West Africa, holding significant interests in the Yaramoko gold project in Burkina Faso, which spans approximately 200 square kilometers within the Houndé greenstone belt. Additionally, Roxgold has a 100% interest in the Séguéla gold project in Côte d'Ivoire, encompassing 11 mineral exploration permits. The company also explores other properties, including Houko, Solna, and Boussara in Burkina Faso. Roxgold's business model involves developing these projects through to construction or evaluating them for potential disposition. The primary source of revenue for the company comes from the sale of gold produced at its mining operations. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, Roxgold is dedicated to advancing its mineral assets in a sustainable manner.
Andela
Series A in 2015
Andela is a global technology company founded in 2014, headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. It specializes in recruiting, training, and connecting top-tier software developers from Africa and other emerging markets with global companies. Andela's platform streamlines the hiring process, enabling businesses to quickly and cost-effectively augment their teams with skilled talent. The company's unique model involves rigorous screening to select the top 1% of developers, providing them with mentorship and continuous learning opportunities, and managing all aspects of borderless hiring, from compliance to payroll. This allows clients to engage with fully managed teams or select individual roles, up to 66% faster and at a 30-50% cost reduction compared to traditional methods. Andela's diverse talent pool spans over 135 countries and specializes in advanced technologies such as application development, artificial intelligence, cloud & DevOps, and data engineering. The company has earned the trust of prominent global brands, including GitHub, Mastercard Foundry, and Mindshare.
Jabi Lake Mall
Venture Round in 2014
Jabi Lake Mall is a prominent retail center located in Abuja, Nigeria, providing over 30,000 square meters of high-quality shopping space. The mall serves as a significant venue for international retailers seeking to enter the African market. With its modern facilities, Jabi Lake Mall aims to enhance the shopping experience for consumers while supporting the growth of retail businesses in the region.
Seven Energy
Venture Round in 2014
Seven Energy is an indigenous Nigerian company focused on oil and gas exploration, development, production, and distribution. Headquartered in Lagos and London, it aims to be the leading supplier of gas for power generation and industrial use within Nigeria. The company leverages its first mover advantage in the domestic gas market, maximizing shareholder value through sustainable growth across the full value chain, which includes upstream appraisal, development, production, and midstream processing and distribution. Seven Energy possesses an upstream reserves and resources base exceeding 350 million barrels of oil equivalent and has a midstream processing and distribution capacity of 200 million cubic feet per day. Additionally, it has established long-term gas sales agreements to supply over 1 trillion cubic feet of gas to the domestic market. The company operates through its subsidiaries, Septa Energy Nigeria and Accugas, and is supported by an experienced management team committed to high standards of corporate governance and social responsibility.
Hygeia Group
Debt Financing in 2009
Hygeia Group, based in Lagos, Nigeria, specializes in integrated healthcare services, managing hospitals and health maintenance organizations (HMOs). Founded in 1986, the company operates its flagship facility, Lagoon Hospital Apapa, along with two additional hospitals located in Ikeja and Victoria Island. Hygeia's hospital services encompass a wide range of specialties, including surgery, cardiology, pediatrics, and critical care, among others. Through its HMO, Hygeia provides managed care to over 400,000 enrollees from more than 250 corporate clients, working with a vast network of over 1,200 healthcare providers nationwide. Additionally, the Hygeia Community Health Plan is a donor-funded initiative designed to enhance healthcare access for low-income groups in Nigeria. As a subsidiary of CIEL Healthcare Ltd, Hygeia Group is committed to delivering comprehensive healthcare solutions to its patients and communities.
Tigo
Venture Round in 2005
Tigo is an international telecommunications and media company headquartered in Accra, Ghana. It provides a range of services including cable, satellite, broadband, and e-commerce solutions. With a global presence, Tigo aims to deliver diverse media offerings to its customers, enhancing connectivity and access to information across various markets.
Husk Power Systems
Husk Power Systems Pvt. Ltd. is a renewable energy company based in Patna, India, that focuses on generating and distributing electricity to households, community services, small businesses, and factories. Founded in 2007, the company utilizes biomass waste—such as rice husks and other agricultural residues—to produce electricity through its proprietary technology. Husk Power Systems designs and operates mini-power plants and micro-grids, offering electricity as a pay-for-use service primarily to rural areas. This approach not only provides reliable lighting, reducing reliance on kerosene, but also fosters economic development by enabling microenterprises and the use of electricity-operated machinery. By creating a sustainable energy ecosystem at each power plant, Husk Power Systems aims to deliver shared value to its stakeholders and stimulate local economies.
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