Investors in West Africa

Showing 1-50 out of 717 matches

International Finance Corporation

International Finance Corporation (IFC), established in 1956 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a member of the World Bank Group dedicated to private sector development in developing countries. The organization provides a range of financial and advisory services to foster economic growth across various sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure, manufacturing, healthcare, education, and technology. IFC invests in both direct projects and funds, focusing on emerging markets and prioritizing sustainability and inclusive development. It offers a diverse array of financial instruments, such as equity, loans, and quasi-equity products, while adhering to strict investment guidelines that exclude certain industries, such as weapons, tobacco, and gambling. IFC typically invests between $1 million and $100 million, supporting projects that are predominantly privately owned in member countries. The organization does not actively manage portfolio companies but seeks to exit investments through equity sales or public listings, often maintaining equity stakes for eight to fifteen years.
Made 26 investments in West Africa

British International Investment

British International Investment is a development finance institution and impact investor based in London, United Kingdom. Established in 1948 and wholly owned by the UK Government's Department for International Development, BII aims to foster long-term economic growth and sustainability in emerging markets, particularly in Africa and South Asia. The institution invests across various sectors, including infrastructure, health, and agribusiness, with a focus on job creation and business development. BII provides financial support through debt, equity capital, and mezzanine financing, both directly and via intermediaries, catering to a wide range of industries such as distribution, education, consulting, logistics, and electronics.
Made 27 investments in West Africa

Google for Startups

Google for Startups is an initiative designed to support and empower startups globally. Established in 2011 and based in San Francisco, the program offers access to Google's products, resources, and best practices through a vast network of partners and six dedicated Google for Startups Campuses located in major cities such as London, Tel Aviv, and São Paulo. Its mission is to foster entrepreneurial success and create a positive impact on the future. By collaborating with over fifty leading startup organizations, Google for Startups enhances local tech ecosystems and supports startups across more than 135 countries. The program provides financial assistance, exclusive programming, and mentorship opportunities. The Google for Startups Campuses serve as collaborative spaces where startup founders can engage with their peers, access educational resources, and receive training from both Google and local experts. These Campuses offer free workspaces, events, and a vibrant community, enabling entrepreneurs to thrive in their respective industries.
Made 21 investments in West Africa

Ventures Platform

Ventures Platform Ltd. is a venture capital firm based in Abuja, Nigeria, with an additional office in Lagos. Founded in 2016, the firm specializes in early-stage and growth capital investments, focusing on companies that demonstrate positive offline indicators in their respective markets. It primarily targets technology companies across Africa and Asia, investing through personal capital. Ventures Platform aims to support mission-driven founders who are building capital-efficient platforms that address infrastructural gaps and improve livelihoods within underrepresented communities. The firm typically engages in its acceleration program by investing in 10-15 companies over a period of 16 weeks, while also considering fund of fund investments in other venture capital funds.
Made 25 investments in West Africa

LoftyInc Capital Management

LoftyInc Capital Management is a venture capital firm established in 2017 and headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. The firm focuses on investing in technology companies across Africa, having committed over $25 million to more than 150 high-growth enterprises, including three unicorns. LoftyInc has successfully attracted approximately $1.5 billion in follow-on funding for its portfolio companies, emphasizing long-term growth and community benefits. The firm has developed a broad ecosystem that includes tech hubs, angel networks, and talent platforms to support its investments. To date, LoftyInc has realized 14 exits and achieved a notable return on investment through its funds.
Made 24 investments in West Africa

Kepple Africa Ventures

Kepple Africa Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2019 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The firm specializes in providing seed-stage and early-stage financing to startups across Africa, focusing primarily on sectors such as information technology, fintech, and business-to-consumer (B2C) markets. By supporting innovative companies in these areas, Kepple Africa Ventures aims to contribute to the growth of the African startup ecosystem.
Made 10 investments in West Africa

Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa initiative

Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa initiative provides Sustainable Development Opportunities.
Made 15 investments in West Africa

Helios Investment Partners

Helios Investment Partners is a private equity and venture capital firm specializing in buyouts of going concerns, recapitalization, mezzanine, growth capital for private enterprises, restructurings joint ventures, startups; either green-field or brownfield; and the majority or blocking-minority structured investments in listed entities. It seeks to invest in the telecommunications, media, financial services, power, utilities, travel, leisure, distribution, fast-moving consumer goods, logistics, and Agro-allied sectors. The firm prefers to invest in Africa with a focus on Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya. It seeks to invest between $15 million and $200 million in an individual transaction. The firm prefers to have a board seat in its portfolio companies. Helios Investment Partners LLP was founded in 2004 and is based in London, United Kingdom.
Made 20 investments in West Africa

Shell Foundation

Shell Foundation is an independent non-profit charity based in London, established in 2000 by the Shell Group. The foundation focuses on creating and scaling innovative solutions to address global development challenges, particularly those connected to the energy sector. By applying business principles to social and environmental issues, it aims to achieve significant and lasting impact. The foundation has developed an enterprise-based model that combines financial support, such as grants and loans, with non-financial resources to foster social innovation. It leverages the skills and networks of Shell to enhance its development efforts and strives to harness private markets for public benefit on a large scale.
Made 5 investments in West Africa

Launch Africa Ventures

Launch Africa Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2020 and headquartered in Ebene, Mauritius. The firm focuses on addressing the substantial funding gap in the seed and pre-Series A investment landscape across the African continent. By targeting early-stage companies, Launch Africa Ventures aims to support and enhance the growth of startups operating in various sectors throughout Africa, contributing to the development of the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Made 16 investments in West Africa

Proparco

Proparco is a Paris-based organization established in 1977 that specializes in providing private sector funding for sustainable development initiatives. It focuses on financing and supporting companies and financial institutions across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Proparco targets key development sectors, including infrastructure—especially renewable energy—agriculture, financial institutions, health, and education. The organization aims to enhance the role of private entities in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the international community in 2015. By financing projects that create jobs, provide essential goods and services, and combat climate change, Proparco contributes to sustainable economic growth and development. Its financing solutions include loans, guarantees, equity, and quasi-equity options tailored to the needs of the private sector.
Made 12 investments in West Africa

FMO

FMO is a financial investment firm that specializes in financing businesses and projects FMO invests across the agribusiness value chain to enhance food security, support sustainability and promoting inclusive development.
Made 14 investments in West Africa

Investisseurs & Partenaires

Investisseurs & Partenaires is an impact investment group focused on supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across Sub-Saharan Africa. Established in 2002 and based in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, the organization has invested in over 90 companies in 16 African countries, spanning various sectors such as health, transport, and microfinance. By providing not only capital but also technical and strategic support, Investisseurs & Partenaires aims to foster local value creation and long-term employment while generating significant social, environmental, and governance impacts. The team, led by Jean-Michel Severino, comprises approximately forty professionals operating from both Paris and seven African offices. Through long-term partnerships with entrepreneurs, the organization shares management expertise to enhance business strategies and outcomes.
Made 32 investments in West Africa

Ingressive Capital

Ingressive Capital, founded in 2017 and based in Lagos, Nigeria, is a venture capital firm dedicated to investing in early-stage technology companies across Africa, particularly in Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, and Nigeria. With a focus on pre-seed and seed investments, the firm targets startups led by indigenous founders in sectors such as fintech, SaaS, healthtech, and agritech. Ingressive Capital aims to support transformative growth in Africa's economy by investing in both business-to-consumer and business-to-business solutions that enhance value chain ownership and cater to the continent's dynamic, tech-enabled youth demographic. The firm aspires to be a valuable partner for entrepreneurs, fostering their success and contributing to the overall development of the African startup ecosystem.
Made 14 investments in West Africa

European Investment Bank

The European Investment Bank (EIB), established in 1958 and headquartered in Luxembourg, serves as the lending arm of the European Union, primarily focusing on supporting European integration and social cohesion. It offers a range of financial services, including project loans for both public and private sectors, loans to banks and intermediaries, and structured finance products. EIB also provides guarantees, securitization instruments, and equity investments, particularly in infrastructure and environmental projects. The bank plays a crucial role in financing microfinance and risk-sharing initiatives for research and innovation, alongside offering technical expertise for sustainable energy projects. Its advisory services encompass urban development and infrastructure, and it actively supports public-private partnerships and small to medium-sized enterprises across various sectors, including transportation, energy, health, education, and agriculture.
Made 12 investments in West Africa

Acumen

Acumen is a nonprofit venture fund that invests in early-stage companies bringing critical services like agriculture, clean energy, education, financial inclusion, healthcare and workforce development to low-income communities in 14 countries across East and West Africa, South Asia, Latin America, and the United States. Since 2001, Acumen invested $128 million in 128 companies that have transformed the lives of over 308 million low-income people.
Made 15 investments in West Africa

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.
Made 9 investments in West Africa

Future Africa

Future Africa is a Lagos-based venture capital firm established in 2016, dedicated to empowering mission-driven founders and innovators to tackle significant challenges across the African continent. The firm focuses on creating a future where purpose and prosperity are accessible to all. Future Africa invests in a diverse array of sectors, including agriculture, data and artificial intelligence, e-commerce, education, finance, healthcare, and technology, among others. By supporting startups and entrepreneurs, Future Africa aims to foster the development of transformative solutions that contribute to the continent's economic growth and social progress.
Made 14 investments in West Africa

African Infrastructure Investment Managers

African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM) is a private equity infrastructure investment firm based in Cape Town, South Africa. The firm specializes in developing and managing infrastructure funds that focus on long-term institutional investments in unlisted equity across African infrastructure projects. AIIM's investment portfolio spans various sectors, including toll roads, renewable energy, power generation, and port and communication infrastructure. With equity under management amounting to USD 1.9 billion, AIIM has a proven track record, having successfully operated seven infrastructure funds across East, West, and Southern Africa. The company not only manages investments but also engages in the creation and advisory of infrastructure projects.
Made 8 investments in West Africa

TLG Capital

TLG Capital is an award-winning private investment firm dedicated to empowering frontier market entrepreneurs, with a focus on opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).TLG firmly believes that impact creation is crucial to sustained financial success. They are committed to tackling persistent challenges and better directing resources towards improving the lives for some of the world’s most vulnerable people. Their investments have had a significantly social, environmental and development impact across Sub-Saharan Africa.TLG Africa Limited is a permanent capital investment vehicle focusing on equity opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). TLG Africa invests in sectors underpinned by the ‘rise of the African consumer’, such as: healthcare, finance, consumer goods and real estate. These investments include direct minority/majority stake investments, secondary opportunities and distressed fund restructurings. TLG Africa always seeks board representation, along with other minority protections. Notable investments include WHO pre-approved pharmaceutical plant QCIL (Uganda) and healthcare facilities in West Africa. In recognition for their efforts, their deals have won multiple awards including ‘Landmark Deal of the Decade’ in 2012 and 'Frontier Deal of the Year' in 2014 from Private Equity Africa.
Made 8 investments in West Africa

Reflect Ventures

Reflect Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 2021. The firm specializes in making early-stage investments in high-potential startups at the seed and series A/B+ stages. Reflect Ventures focuses on identifying extraordinary founders and innovative companies across various sectors and geographies, including emerging and frontier markets. The firm typically seeks minority stakes in its portfolio companies, leveraging the expertise of recognized sector specialists to support the growth and development of these businesses. Its investor base includes family offices, institutional investors, and high-net-worth individuals from six continents.
Made 7 investments in West Africa

Sahel Capital

Sahel Capital is a private equity firm established in 2010 and headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, with an additional office in Port Louis, Mauritius. The firm specializes in emerging growth and growth capital investments, focusing primarily on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the agriculture, agribusiness, manufacturing, and consumer goods sectors. Sahel Capital targets companies with proven management teams that have demonstrated expertise in their respective industries. The firm typically invests between $0.5 million and $5 million, utilizing quasi-equity instruments such as structured royalties and convertible notes, alongside traditional equity and debt financing. Sahel Capital prefers to hold board membership in its portfolio companies to provide operational oversight and risk management. With a focus on West Africa, particularly across Nigeria, the firm aims for a ten-year investment horizon, allowing for three additional one-year extensions for potential exits. In addition to its investment activities, Sahel Capital offers management consulting, market research, and financial advisory services to enhance the growth and success of its portfolio companies.
Made 6 investments in West Africa

Microtraction

Microtraction is an investment platform that funds Africa’s most remarkable teams with technical founders at the earliest stages of their venture and helps them build enduring companies They identify the best early-stage, growth-driven technology startups with the potential to become billion dollar companies. They get startups to a point where they are impressive enough to raise more funding or join world-class accelerators. Finally, they introduce startups to later stage investors and help them navigate the process of raising a larger round of funding.
Made 11 investments in West Africa

Uncovered Fund

Uncovered Fund is a venture capital investment firm established in 2019 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The firm focuses on early-stage startups, primarily targeting businesses located in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. Uncovered Fund invests in various sectors, including retail, fintech, health tech, logistics, mobility as a service (MaaS), agritech, and smart city initiatives. By concentrating on these regions and industries, Uncovered Fund aims to support innovative entrepreneurs and foster growth in emerging markets.
Made 5 investments in West Africa

Africa Finance

Africa Finance Corporation, established in 2007 and headquartered in Nigeria, is a multilateral development financial institution focused on addressing infrastructure financing needs across Africa. The organization provides a range of services, including debt, equity, project development, financial advisory, and treasury management, aimed at fostering sustainable economic growth. Africa Finance Corporation invests in high-quality infrastructure assets within key sectors such as power, natural resources, heavy industry, transport, and telecommunications. By targeting essential services in these core areas, the institution plays a critical role in promoting infrastructure development across the continent.
Made 4 investments in West Africa

V8 Capital Partners

V8 Capital Partners is a venture capital firm established in 2017 and headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. The firm focuses on investing in technology and technology-enabled businesses throughout Africa, targeting sectors such as financial services, health, education, transportation, and agriculture. V8 Capital typically invests between $250,000 and $5 million in companies at various stages, from Series A to pre-IPO. In addition to its primary investment focus, V8 Capital occasionally engages in alternative asset management instruments for select limited partners.
Made 6 investments in West Africa

African Capital Alliance

African Capital Alliance is a private equity firm founded in 1997, with its headquarters in Port-Louis, Mauritius, and an additional office in Lagos, Nigeria. The firm specializes in growth capital and equity investments, targeting small and medium-sized enterprises across various sectors, including oil and gas, media, healthcare, energy, technology, telecommunications, and agriculture. African Capital Alliance focuses primarily on middle-market companies in West Africa, particularly Nigeria, while also exploring opportunities in other Sub-Saharan African nations. The firm aims to support growth companies and turnaround situations, often making control investments ranging from $1 million to $60 million, with significant minority and majority rights. Through its subsidiaries, African Capital Alliance offers private equity, asset management, and real estate management services, positioning itself as an impactful player in the African investment landscape.
Made 8 investments in West Africa

Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries

BIO is to support a strong private sector in developing and/or emerging countries, to enable them to gain access to growth and sustainable.
Made 15 investments in West Africa

EchoVC Partners

EchoVC Partners LLC is a venture capital firm based in Lagos, Nigeria, specializing in seed and early-stage investments across various sectors. The firm focuses on internet technologies, including smart graph platforms, consumer internet, media, smart data applications, and enterprise solutions. It also emphasizes investments in e-commerce, digital media, and underserved entrepreneurs in North America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. EchoVC Partners aims to finance innovative teams and business models, with an average investment size ranging from $25,000 to $20 million, tailored to the specific needs of the businesses it supports. Its approach is stage-agnostic, enabling flexibility in funding opportunities while targeting high-potential markets and technologies.
Made 12 investments in West Africa

FinDev Canada

FinDev Canada is a development finance institution that offers financial solutions to businesses in developing countries, with the potential to develop markets, empower women, and mitigate climate change. It provides innovative and sustainable solutions for entrepreneurs in developing markets. It primarily invests in companies operating in the alternative energy, agriculture, and financial sectors. FinDev Canada was established in 2018 and is headquartered in Montréal, Quebec.
Made 4 investments in West Africa

E3 Capital

E3 Capital invests in growing, entrepreneurial businesses in Sub-Saharan Africa addressing the lack of electrification in the region with new technology and innovative business models. The fund is backed by Schneider Electric, the leading energy management multinational, and a number of public-sector investors.
Made 9 investments in West Africa

Novastar Ventures

Novastar Ventures Ltd is a venture capital firm founded in 2014 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, with additional offices in Lagos, Nigeria, and London, United Kingdom. The firm specializes in seed, start-up, early to late venture, and growth capital investments, primarily focusing on businesses in education, healthcare, agriculture, food, and water sectors. Novastar Ventures targets companies based in East and West Africa, Asia, Europe, and the United States, investing amounts between $0.25 million and $8 million. The firm collaborates with entrepreneurs to create impactful solutions that address the needs of underserved markets, aiming to drive meaningful change and improve consumer experiences across various sectors. By fostering innovation and supporting bold business models, Novastar Ventures seeks to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs who are committed to serving the aspiring mass market in East Africa.
Made 3 investments in West Africa

SunFunder

SunFunder Inc. is a solar energy finance company based in San Francisco, California, that specializes in providing various forms of financing to solar energy enterprises, particularly in emerging markets. Founded in 2012, the company offers short-term working capital, inventory, construction, and structured finance loans to solar product distributors, manufacturers, and project developers primarily in East and West Africa, as well as Asia. SunFunder's mission is to catalyze the development of solar energy infrastructure by leveraging its expertise in the solar market and facilitating efficient due diligence processes. By acting as a financial intermediary, SunFunder enables investors to engage in high-impact, fixed-income debt offerings that support the growth of solar assets in regions with inadequate energy access.
Made 5 investments in West Africa

TLcom Capital

TLcom Capital is a venture capital investment firm founded in 1999, with its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, and additional offices in Lagos and London. The firm focuses on early to growth-stage technology companies, primarily targeting Africa as its main market. TLcom Capital has invested in sectors such as technology, media, mobile, and the internet, managing total commitments of approximately 300 million USD through various dedicated investment vehicles. The firm's investment strategy revolves around identifying, supporting, and collaborating with world-class entrepreneurs and management teams that leverage disruptive technologies and innovative business models. TLcom Capital's primary investment themes include access to data services, financial services, eCommerce, consumer applications in areas like health and education, and software solutions for corporations and SMEs.
Made 8 investments in West Africa

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.
Made 4 investments in West Africa

Oui Capital

Oui Capital is a principal investment firm founded in 2018, with a focus on early-stage venture capital in the African continent. Based in Lagos, Nigeria, the firm addresses the gap between the numerous high-growth technology startups in sub-Saharan Africa and the availability of smart capital needed to support these ventures. Oui Capital primarily invests in companies across various sectors, including e-commerce, mobility, logistics, enterprise software, health tech, edtech, and fintech. The firm aims to leverage its investments to foster innovation and growth within the rapidly evolving African technology landscape.
Made 5 investments in West Africa

Oikocredit International

Oikocredit is guided by the principle of empowering people. Their experience proves that the most effective and sustainable means of assisting those in need is providing an opportunity to help themselves.
Made 7 investments in West Africa

Verod Capital Management

Verod Capital Management Limited is a private equity firm established in 2008 and based in Lagos, Nigeria. The firm specializes in mid-market, growth capital, and buyout transactions, focusing primarily on opportunities in West Africa, particularly in countries such as Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone. Verod invests between $3 million and $20 million and typically acquires majority or significant minority equity stakes with minority protection rights in its portfolio companies. The firm targets a diverse range of sectors, including financial services, business services, education, healthcare, agribusiness, consumer goods, light manufacturing, civil engineering, media and technology, real estate, and energy. Verod employs an active management approach, leveraging its extensive industry knowledge and operational expertise to enhance the value of its investments and position them for successful exits, holding assets for periods of four to seven years.
Made 6 investments in West Africa

TotalEnergies Ventures

TotalEnergies is a leading global energy company with operations in over 130 countries, employing around 93,000 people across various sectors, including oil and gas exploration, refining, marketing, and chemicals. The company is committed to providing reliable energy while actively transitioning towards a sustainable future. TotalEnergies has a strong focus on research and development in renewable energy, particularly in solar and biofuels, and has established joint ventures to enhance its capabilities in photovoltaic technology. The company's venture capital arm, TotalEnergies Ventures, was founded in 2008 and seeks to invest in innovative startups that align with its vision of a low-carbon future. Areas of interest for TotalEnergies Ventures include renewables, distributed energy, new mobility, energy storage, circular economy solutions, and carbon capture technologies. Through these initiatives, TotalEnergies aims to diversify its energy offerings and contribute to the global transition to sustainable energy sources.
Made 9 investments in West Africa

Golden Palm Investments

Golden Palm Investments is an impact investment firm founded in 2008 and headquartered in Accra, Ghana. The firm specializes in investment management and advisory services, focusing on early-stage, venture, and growth capital opportunities primarily in Africa. It targets sectors such as real estate, agribusiness, financial technology, digital healthcare, and tech-enabled marketplaces, with a particular emphasis on companies that create a positive impact on the continent. By leveraging its expertise, Golden Palm Investments aims to support and develop businesses that contribute to sustainable economic growth in Africa.
Made 11 investments in West Africa

SOSV

SOSV is a global venture capital firm based in Princeton, New Jersey, founded in 1995. It specializes in early-stage investments, focusing on deep technology innovations that address human and planetary health. The firm operates startup development programs, notably HAX and IndieBio, which provide resources, facilities, and lab equipment to accelerate the growth of promising startups. SOSV supports companies from their inception through various funding stages, including seed and series A rounds, while offering ongoing assistance to help them scale and attract additional investors. By concentrating on revolutionary technologies and cross-border markets, particularly in Asia, SOSV aims to foster significant advancements that benefit humanity and the environment.
Made 7 investments in West Africa

Injaro Investments

Injaro Investments Limited is a venture capital firm established in 2009 and headquartered in Port Louis, Mauritius, with additional offices in Accra, Ghana, and Abidjan, Ivory Coast. The firm specializes in seed and startup investments, focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises within the agricultural value chain in West Africa. Injaro Investments seeks to provide support through various investment forms, including debt, quasi-equity, and equity, to enhance the operations of companies involved in agriculture. This encompasses a wide range of activities from input suppliers to farmers and ultimately to consumers, aiming to strengthen the agricultural sector in designated countries across the region.
Made 6 investments in West Africa

Norfund

Norfund is an economic development agency based in Oslo, Norway, established in 1997. As an active and strategic minority investor, it provides equity, risk capital, and loans to support the growth of businesses in countries with limited access to capital, primarily focusing on Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as select regions in Southeast Asia and Central America. Norfund aims to foster sustainable business development in areas where the private sector is underdeveloped, by investing in small and medium-sized enterprises and other targeted sectors. The agency's approach is designed to create significant economic impact and promote long-term growth in these developing markets.
Made 4 investments in West Africa

KFW DEG

KFW DEG offers financing, advice and support to private sector enterprises operating in developing and emerging-market countries. Their customers can rely on their expertise: They can benefit from their market knowledge, their 21 locations worldwide, and their international network. For entrepreneurial success and development.
Made 6 investments in West Africa

The Baobab Network

The Baobab Network is a prominent start-up accelerator based in Africa, with offices in Nairobi, South Africa, Nigeria, and London. It focuses on supporting early-stage technology ventures across the continent by connecting them with talent and global investors. The organization provides a range of services, including leadership development, entrepreneurship training, strategy design, and resource planning, all aimed at fostering growth and enhancing revenue for participating businesses. In exchange for equity, The Baobab Network offers financial support and a platform for companies to expand their operations and access vital resources, ensuring they receive real-time guidance to navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape.
Made 3 investments in West Africa

GreenHouse Capital

GreenHouse Capital, established in 2016 and based in Ikeja, Nigeria, operates as a corporate venture capital firm affiliated with the Venture Garden Group. It focuses on investing in early-stage technology startups, particularly in the fintech and big data sectors within sub-Saharan Africa, as well as foreign startups aiming to enter the African market. The firm aims to nurture innovation by identifying and supporting young entrepreneurs who are addressing global challenges through technology. Additionally, it has developed the Garden Institute of Business Entrepreneurs to serve as a talent management hub, fostering skill development and leadership among emerging entrepreneurs. GreenHouse Capital is dedicated to building a robust ecosystem for women-led technology companies and accelerating their growth in emerging markets.
Made 8 investments in West Africa

Zrosk Investment Management

Zrosk Investment Management is a venture capital firm established in 2018 and based in Lagos, Nigeria. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups, particularly focusing on the pre-seed to series A funding stages. Zrosk seeks to acquire at least 10% ownership in its portfolio companies and aims to maintain this stake through the series A round, providing essential follow-on capital to support growth. The firm targets investments across various sectors, including fintech, software as a service (SaaS), entertainment technology, web 3.0, mobility, logistics, business services technology, e-commerce, agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and the creative industries. Zrosk is dedicated to being a value-added investor, offering more than just financial support to its portfolio companies.
Made 2 investments in West Africa

Itanna

Itanna is an accelerator firm based in Lagos, Nigeria, focused on nurturing technology startups. The firm operates a four-month accelerator program designed to support early-stage companies in their growth and development. By providing resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities, Itanna aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship within the technology sector. The firm primarily invests in startups located in Lagos, aligning its efforts with the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem of the region.
Made 2 investments in West Africa

Enza Capital

Enza Capital Management is a Nairobi-based venture capital firm founded in 2019 that focuses on early-stage investments in African technology companies. The firm specializes in sectors such as fintech, logistics and mobility, health, human capital management, education, energy, and climate-smart solutions. By partnering with innovative companies, Enza Capital aims to support the growth of transformative technologies in Africa.
Made 8 investments in West Africa

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is an independent non-profit organization based in Seattle, Washington, established in 2000. It is dedicated to reducing global inequities by focusing on improving health, alleviating extreme poverty, and supporting educational initiatives. The foundation also engages in community giving within the Pacific Northwest, promoting strategies and programs that assist low-income families. With regional offices in Washington, D.C.; New Delhi, India; Beijing, China; and London, United Kingdom, the foundation is governed by its co-founders, Bill and Melinda Gates, along with trustee Warren Buffett. Its mission encompasses a wide range of global challenges, aiming to create lasting change through targeted grant-making and programmatic efforts.
Made 5 investments in West Africa