Swedfund International

Swedfund International AB is a principal investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, established in 1979. It specializes in making direct investments and fund of funds investments, focusing on complex and high-risk environments primarily in emerging markets across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and non-EU countries in Eastern Europe. The firm provides risk capital in various forms, including equity, loans, and share options, typically investing between SEK 5 million and SEK 100 million. Swedfund does not invest in Swedish businesses or in sectors such as weapons, tobacco, or alcohol. It seeks to support seed, start-up, and mid to late venture stages, aiming for an exit within five to ten years. As a minority investor, Swedfund limits its investments to one-third of the total capital required and takes an active role by securing a Board seat in its portfolio companies. Additionally, it offers financial support to small and medium-sized Swedish enterprises for knowledge transfer and equipment investment but does not engage in donations or sponsorships. The firm also has an office in Nairobi, Kenya.

Björn Areskog

Senior Investment Manager

Benoît Bourban

Investment Analyst

Agnes Carlström

Investment Manager

Dahlfors, Håkan

Director of Project Accelerator

Gayk Dzharayan

Investment Manager

Julia Ekberg

Investment Analyst

Anthony Foulgoc

Investment Analyst

Sofia Gedeon

Investment Director Sustainable Enterprises

Helen Hagos

Senior Investment Manager

Junehee Han

Investment Analyst

Jérémie Hoffsaes

Senior Investment Manager

Sara Jolind

Investment Analyst

Jonas Kolijn

Senior Investment Manager

Jakob Larsson

Senior Investment Manager

Alejandro Navarro

Investment Manager

Jane Niedra

Investment Director, Financial Inclusion

Jane Niedra

Investment Director Financial Inclusion

Gunilla Nilsson

Investment Director Energy and Climate

Gunilla Nilsson

Investment Director Energy and Climate

Jonas Nilsson

Investment Manager

Audrey Obara

Regional Director, East Africa

Arvid Raa

Investment Manager

Sofia Ragnhammar

Investment Manager

Johan Selander

CFO

Filip Stubbfält

Investment Analyst

Anton Ståhl

Investment Manager

Sebastian Süllmann

Investment Manager

Elin Thesleff

Investment Manager

Esther Wachira

Associate Senior Investment Manager

Tomas Wadström

Senior Investment Manager

Björn Areskog

Senior Investment Manager

Tomas Wadström

Senior Investment Manager

Past deals in East Africa

Apollo Agriculture

Debt Financing in 2024
Apollo Agriculture Ltd. is an agtech company based in Nairobi, Kenya, that supports smallholder farmers by providing financial and technical assistance. Founded in 2015, the company offers loans to help farmers acquire essential inputs such as fertilizer, seeds, and crop insurance, along with access to expert advice. By utilizing agronomic machine learning, remote sensing, and mobile technology, Apollo customizes financing packages based on individual farmer needs, assessing credit risk through satellite and soil data. This tailored approach aims to enhance farming practices and significantly increase crop yields, thereby maximizing profits for farmers in emerging markets.

Co-operative Bank of Kenya

Debt Financing in 2021
The Co-operative Bank of Kenya Limited, founded in 1965, is a licensed banking institution incorporated under the Companies Act. Initially registered under the Co-operative Societies Act, the bank transitioned to its current structure in 2008 to facilitate its listing on the Nairobi Securities Exchange. The bank offers a range of financial services, including corporate banking, retail banking, investment, and asset management. Its operations are organized into three primary segments: Retail Banking, which focuses on loans and deposits for individual customers; Wholesale Banking, which serves corporate and institutional clients; and Group Functions, which encompasses support services such as ICT and finance. The majority of the bank's revenue is generated from its Retail Banking segment, reflecting its strong presence in serving individual and small business clients in Kenya.

Kasha

Venture Round in 2020
Kasha is an e-commerce platform based in Kigali, Rwanda, that focuses on providing accessible personal care and health products for women in Rwanda and Kenya. Founded in 2016, Kasha offers a wide range of products, including bath and body items, menstrual care supplies such as sanitary pads and tampons, and sexual health products including contraceptives and lubricants. The company also provides pharmaceuticals, pain relievers, supplements, and mom and baby care products. Kasha aims to promote health for women at all stages of life, addressing needs related to maternal health, menstrual hygiene, family planning, and chronic diseases. By operating both online and in urban and rural areas, Kasha seeks to enhance accessibility to essential health and personal care products.

Ecobank

Debt Financing in 2015
Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, established in 1985 and headquartered in Lomé, Togo, provides a range of retail, corporate, and investment banking services across Africa and internationally. Its operations include Corporate & Investment Banking, Commercial Banking, and Consumer Banking, offering products such as current and savings accounts, loans, cards, and digital banking services. The bank serves a diverse clientele, including individuals, small and medium enterprises, multinationals, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations. With a network of 888 branches and over 2,460 ATMs, Ecobank facilitates various financial services, including treasury, cash management, remittance, and bancassurance. Subsidiaries such as Ecobank Nigeria Limited and Ecobank Zimbabwe Limited extend its services, focusing on commercial and retail banking tailored to local markets.

Radisson Emerald Addis Hotels

Debt Financing in 2008
Radisson Emerald Addis Hotels contains 204 rooms in the upmarket center of Addis Ababa.

Radisson Emerald Addis Hotels

Private Equity Round in 2008
Radisson Emerald Addis Hotels contains 204 rooms in the upmarket center of Addis Ababa.

Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund

The Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF), established in 2002 and based in Ebene, Mauritius, operates as a public-private partnership focused on mobilizing capital to support infrastructure development in sub-Saharan Africa. The fund provides long-term debt and mezzanine finance on commercial terms to projects primarily owned and managed by private sector entities. By targeting infrastructure initiatives in fragile states, where traditional lenders may hesitate due to perceived risks, EAIF aims to foster growth and improvement in critical infrastructure. The fund is managed and advised by Investec Asset Management, ensuring a strategic approach to lending that aligns with the needs of the region's development goals.
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