Helios Investment Partners, a leading Africa-focused private investment firm, is seeking to raise $750 million for its latest fund, Helios Investors V.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has committed $75 million to the fund, while the International Finance Corporation (IFC) is also providing backing.
This significant support from major development finance institutions underscores investor confidence in Africa’s burgeoning technology sector.
The EIB’s investment aligns with the EU-Africa Global Gateway Investment Package, which aims to enhance sustainable development across the continent.
Helios Fund V will focus on companies within digital infrastructure, financial services, and technology sectors, as well as tech-enabled business services.
The fund aims to accelerate the growth of companies involved in digital infrastructure, technology-enabled services, and financial technology across Africa.
In addition to its financial objectives, Helios V has committed to integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into its investment strategy. The fund has pledged to allocate at least 30% of its portfolio to companies that meet the EIB’s gender equality criteria.
The backing of Helios V by the IFC and EIB signals a sustained appetite from major development finance institutions to allocate capital to African private equity.
As Africa advances towards digital transformation, funds like Helios V are expected to play a vital role in driving innovation, generating employment, and fostering sustainable economic expansion.
