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 Francophone Africa

Groupe Cofina

Debt Financing in 2024
Cofina Mali is a microfinance institution focused on supporting the growth of informal micro-enterprises in the region. Established as part of Groupe COFINA, it aims to enhance financial inclusion by offering a range of financial services, including savings and credit options tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises. Cofina Mali plays a crucial role in the formalization of the African business market by providing medium and long-term financing to businesses that may not meet the criteria of traditional commercial banks. With a presence in multiple French-speaking African countries, Cofina Mali is dedicated to fostering the development of the private sector and contributing to economic growth in the region.

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.

UAP Group

Venture Round in 2012
UAP Group is a pan-African financial services group with interests in insurance, investment management, property development and investments, securities brokerage and financial advisory. The history of the Group can be traced back by over 90 years while recent expansion and growth in the East African market have made UAP one of the key players in the financial services sector in the region. Currently, the group has businesses operating in Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, DRC and Tanzania.
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