Swedfund has committed €15 million to the AfricInvest Small Cap Fund, a private equity initiative dedicated to empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Africa. This investment aims to tackle the persistent issue of limited access to capital, which remains a major barrier for SMEs—key contributors to job creation, innovation, and economic expansion across the continent.
Sofia Gedeon, Swedfund’s Investment Director for Sustainable Enterprises, highlighted that the fund is structured around measurable sustainability objectives while setting new benchmarks for responsible investment. “This commitment enables Swedfund to extend its reach and provide financial backing to underserved businesses throughout Africa. AfricInvest’s investment strategy is aligned with sustainability-driven outcomes, positioning us to accelerate economic progress, generate employment, and foster inclusive growth,” Gedeon explained.
With a legacy spanning multiple decades, AfricInvest has established a strong footprint across Africa and intends to direct capital into pivotal sectors, including agribusiness, healthcare, education, consumer goods, manufacturing, and services. By embedding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles within its investment approach, the fund aims to drive lasting economic and social transformation.
A major focus of AfricInvest’s strategy is gender inclusivity, ensuring that at least 30% of its portfolio is dedicated to female-led or women-owned enterprises. Additionally, the fund integrates climate-conscious strategies into its investment framework, prioritizing businesses that adopt sustainable environmental practices.
Established in 1994, AfricInvest is a leading pan-African investment platform that manages a diverse range of asset classes, spanning private equity, venture capital, private credit, and publicly traded equities. Over the past three decades, the firm has successfully raised over $2.3 billion in capital and has financed nearly 230 companies across 38 African nations.
With Swedfund’s financial support, AfricInvest is poised to strengthen its mission of closing the SME financing gap in Africa. By equipping businesses with essential resources, strategic expertise, and responsible investment solutions, the fund aims to accelerate economic development and drive meaningful transformation across the continent.
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