Top 10 Active Investors in Africa

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Africa is full of opportunities. While raising capital is easy for some, many other entrepreneurs are just not aware of the different options or possibilities available to fund their business. The last decade has seen more capital flowing into Africa like never before.

While some investment comes from the continent itself, most of it is coming from the US, Europe, the Middle East and China. In this article, Africa HR Solutions looks at the Top 10 Active Investors in Africa.

Top 10 Active Investors in Africa

  1. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Founded by billionaire Bill Gates and his wife, Melinda, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation was launched in 2000. As of December 2014, the Foundation had already donated money and property to non-profit organizations amounting to $44.3 billion.

  • In 2016, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation awarded a grant of $4.48 million to Sidai Africa, a social enterprise operating in the livestock sector in Kenya.
  • In June 2017, a $2.4 million grant was awarded to Sanergy, an organization that aims to provide hygiene and sanitation solutions to people living in urban slums
  1. The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative

The Chan Zuckerbergd Initiative (CZI) was announced in 2015 by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan. The mission of this organization is to ‘advance human potential and promote equality’. The CZI pledged endowment of 99% of their Facebook shares, worth $45 billion.

  • In 2015, Bridge International Academies, a private education franchise, received $10 million to improve and expand their affordable private elementary schools in East Africa.
  • In June 2016, the CZI invested $24 million in Andela. This start-up trains African engineers and programmers with the aim of outsourcing them to top tech companies in Europe and USA.
  1. Investment AB Kinnevik

Investment AB Kinnevik was founded in 1936. The Sweden-based organization is one of Europe’s largest listed investment company, with total assets estimated at $7 billion. Being a major investor on the Africa continent, about 8% of the company’s portfolio is made up of African businesses.

  • In January 2014, Konga, one of Nigeria’s leading e-commerce businesses, received $25 million from AB Kinnevik
  • In more recent years, the Swedish company has made some notable investments in Africa; Jumia, Iroko Partners, Millicom, Tele2, MTG, Rocket Internet and several others.
  1. Helios Investment Partners

Helios Investment Partners is a private equity and venture capital firm founded in 2004. The organization focuses on businesses in telecommunications, media, financial services, travel and leisure, FMCG and logistics.

  • In 2010, Helios Investment Partners invested $92 million in Interswitch, a Nigerian services provider.
  • A solar energy company in Tanzania, OffGrid Electric, received a $10 million investment in 2016.
  • Other major investments in Africa include Bayport, Equity Bank, MallforAfrica and several others.
  1. Seedstars World

Seedstars is one of the most highly regarded start-up funders. The Swiss-based venture builder organization is active in 35+ countries around the world, with investments in young start-up businesses in emerging countries.

  • In 2014, Seedstars invested $330,000 in SimplePay, a third-party payment processing company from Nigeria.
  • In 2016, South African start-up Giraffe won the grand prize of $500,000 in equity investment funding, after winning the annual continental competition by Seedstars.
  1. Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Program

The Tony Elemelu Entrepreneurship Program (TEEP) selects 1,000 entrepreneurs across the African continent every year for a program of training, mentoring and funding. The TEEP is backed by a $100 million fund from The Tony Elemelu Foundation.

  • Every participant to the TEEP program receives a $5,000 seed investment to their business
  • Over a ten-year period, the TEEP expects the program will help 10,000 start-ups to ultimately create one million new jobs and add $10 billion in revenue to Africa’s economy.
  1. International Finance Corporation

Commonly known as the IFC, the International Finance Corporation is a member of the World Bank Group. The organization is the largest global development institution focusing exclusively on the private sector in developing regions.

  • In 2015, Madagascar’s SMTP Group received a $3 million investment for the expansion of its poultry business.
  • In 2016, the IFC provided a $7.5 million equity to Zoona, a financial business providing in-country and cross-border money transfers in Zambia, Mozambique and Malawi.

Any company or entrepreneur seeking to establish a new venture or expand an existing enterprise can approach the IFC. You can directly submit an investment proposal to field office closest to the location of the proposed projects.

  1. African Women’s Development Fund

The AWDF is the first pan-African women’s grant maker in Africa. One of the primary objectives of the AWDF is to help build a culture of learning and partnerships within the African women’s movement.

  • Since 2001, the program has granted $17 million to 800 women’s organization in 42 African countries.
  • The AWDF only awards grants to organisations, not individuals. Grants provided range from $8,000 to $50,000.
  1. Omidyar Network

Founded by the billionaire founder of eBay, Pierre Omidyar, the Omidyar Network opened its Africa office in 2013. The firm is made up of a foundation and an investment firm, offering support to both profit and non-profit organisations across the world.

  • In 2009, Bridge International Academies, received an investment of $1.8 million to improve its network of low-cost primary schools in East Africa.
  • In 2014, start-up BudgIT received $400,000 for their project to provide Nigerian citizens access to and understanding of public budgets.
  1. Africa Innovation Foundation

Every year, The Innovation Prize for Africa provides a grant to inventors and innovators with breakthrough ideas and solutions that can positively impact Africa. The foundation accepts applications in priority areas in Africa; health, agriculture, energy, ICT, manufacturing and services.

  • In 2016, Dr. Valentin Agon from the Republic of Benin won the prize for an anti-malaria drug treatment made from natural plant extracts.
  • In 2017, Dr. El-Shafei from Egypt won the grand prize for his innovative magnetic bearing, which can be used in electricity generation.
  • The 7th edition (2018) of the pan-African innovation event will be hosted in Rwanda from the 11th to 12th of October 2018.


Closing thoughts

Lack of capital is one of the biggest hurdles entrepreneurs face. This results in thousands of million-dollar ideas being dropped everyday across the world. However, many private investors and investment firms invest millions in African business every year and the facilities to get your business funded do exist.

Similarly, if you need help managing your start-up or business, Africa HR Solutions is here. We offer an array of services, ranging from payroll management to HR Consulting and Medical Insurance for employees.

Get in touch today to see how we can help you.

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GRANT GERAGHTY - Africa HR Team

GRANT GERAGHTY

HEAD OF CLIENT RELATIONSHIP

Grant Geraghty is the longest-serving member of the Africa HR team. This resident subject matter expert and client champion is responsible for gaining a deep understanding of our clients’ unique HR needs in Africa and providing tailored solutions that align with their business objectives. Grant collaborates closely with our clients to ensure that their requirements are properly implemented, providing ongoing support and guidance throughout the process.

Grant brings a wealth of experience to his role, having served as Africa HR’s longest-serving employee. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree, with a major in Economics and Business Finance, from the University of Natal in South Africa. Additionally, he has completed a certification program in Payroll and Tax Administration from the University of Cape Town, further enhancing his expertise in HR operations and compliance.

His commitment to delivering exceptional service and his extensive knowledge of HR in Africa make him an invaluable member of the Africa HR team.

KEVINA TAKOORDYAL Africa HR Team

KEVINA TAKOORDYAL

HEAD OF OPERATIONS

Kevina Takoordyal has a BA Hons Business Management from the University of Glamorgan, UK, with MBA in leadership and Innovation, MBA General, PMP Certified, and Agile Scrum Master. She currently works as the Head of Operations at Africa HR Solutions Ltd with more than 20 years of proven leadership capabilities in Operations, Business Development, People Management, Process Optimization, and Project Management in the Financial Services, BPO, Banking Industry, and Heath Care Industry. In Senior leadership roles with an international footprint across Europe working and extensive Pan- African experience from a compliance, finance, and operations angle, Kevina comes across with a panoply of cross-functional skills. Kevina also serves on a few Boards, Non-Independent Executive at MioD and for NGOs on a voluntary basis, a coach and mentor to aspiring female leaders across Africa and Mauritius.

Kevina is a firm believer in Servant Leadership with a strong focus and commitment to uplifting others, with the ability to deliver through a highly engaged – diverse team, and works towards consistently synergistic value creation. While being a focused and adaptive thinker and Kevina is actively participating in panel discussions on Innovation, CX, Digital transformation.

Kevina serves as Project Assessor for the National Youth upskilling program. She has been recognized as Global Talent in a few companies, Ceridian, and International SOS Ltd whereby she has been awarded a few scholarships and had the opportunity to be mentored by Senior Vice President in the US. Award Winner in various fields and at a national level and recognized including Super Achiever Leader Award in Africa in 2016, Awarded Africa Women Leader 2018.

VILOSHNA PACKIRY POULLE​

VILOSHNA PACKIRY POULLE

Head of Finance & Business Support

Viloshna is an experienced finance professional with 18 years of expertise in strategic financial planning, financial analysis, cash flow management, systems and controls implementation, financial reporting, and continuous process improvements. She currently serves as Head of Finance & Business Support, where she has successfully automated and leveraged the financial reporting system capabilities to ensure efficient company operations.

Viloshna’s background includes senior roles in a multinational pharmaceutical company and a large listed Mauritian conglomerate. Her meticulous attention to detail and strategic thinking have streamlined financial processes, making her a valuable addition to any finance team. Viloshna is a qualified finance professional with an FCCA qualification and an MBA, bringing valuable expertise to any organization.

In her current role, Viloshna leads the company’s Treasury and Payments function, including the fulfillment of the company’s cross-border payments into Africa. With her strong educational background and extensive experience, Viloshna consistently demonstrates her ability to optimize financial operations, minimize risks, and improve profitability. Her expertise in financial reporting and process improvements make her a valuable asset to any organization.

MARK DU PREEZ​

MARK DU PREEZ

Head of Legal & Compliance

A qualified lawyer who joined Africa HR Solutions in July 2020, Mark Du Preez has experience working in private practice for a reputable law firm in South Africa. He also played commercially focused roles at a leading private bank, wealth management company, and outsourcing firm in South Africa and Mauritius.

Mark has played a pivotal role in Africa HR Solution’s risk mitigation strategy, which positively impacted P&L performance over the years.

He currently leads the Partnerships function of the company including relationships and oversight with in-country partners (ICPs) across Africa.

Alex Daruty - Africa HR Team

ALEX DARUTY

Head of Commercial

Alex has more than 15 years of experience in the global, strategic development of both enterprise and consumer brands in categories including technology, transport, enterprise software, entertainment, and travel.

With experience in roles on both agency and corporate side, he has worked across international brands and has led the development and execution of multi-discipline campaigns across EMEA, NORAM and Asia Pacific.

His focus is on driving meaningful business impact through brand differentiation and building high-functioning, digitally oriented, and analytically driven capabilities. He is motivated by working with, and developing dynamic people, teams, and organizations.

He leads, manages, develops and mentors the Key Account Management department, including line management responsibility for the team of Key Account Managers and Key Account Administrator who represent the Company as the primary communication link between all relevant stakeholders, including clients, third party in-country partners and internal functions.

Originally from Mauritius, he holds bachelor’s degrees in International Business, Finance and Management from the University of Nevada, Reno.