The AVCA Podcast
by AVCA – The African Private Capital Association
Formerly known as PE Talks Africa – a podcast about the trends and opportunities in Africa's private capital ecosystem.AVCA operates at the nexus of private capital in Africa, championing and enabling private investment across the continent. As the pan-African industry body, we play a significant role as an effective change agent for the industry, acting as the trusted independent source of information, insight, and intelligence inspiring investor confidence; making the case for both commercial returns and impact in Africa.
Episodes
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‘Current Affairs’ The Jurisdiction Advantage: Why Kigali Matters
In this episode of the AVCA Podcast, we sit down with Hortense Mudenge, Chief Executive Officer, Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC), to explore how Kigali has emerged as a leading jurisdiction for fund domiciliation in Africa, the policy choices that underpin its growth, and what fund...
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Thematic Series | From Fields to Factories: Scaling Africa’s Real Economy with Oxano Capital
Explore the untapped potential of Africa’s manufacturing and agriculture sectors. This episode highlights how investor attention has skewed toward technology and digital innovation. Learn about the impact on key sectors such as agro-processing and why the commercial potential make these areas are...
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'Inside the Raise' How to Reach Final Close
This conversation will explore how leading Africa-focused fund managers have successfully raised capital in the current fundraising environment and how their investment strategies are evolving to capture opportunities across the continent. The session will also examine broader themes, including…
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Thematic Series | Courageous Capital: The Future of VC in African Tech
Marsha Wulff, Co-Founding Partner, LoftyInc, shares her insights on investing in Africa's emerging tech ecosystem. She discusses the essence of “Courageous Capital,” highlighting the critical role investors must play in supporting not only entrepreneurs but the systems they are building. Read...
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Thematic Series | Credit Where It’s Due: Turning Africa’s Risk Perception Into Resilience
In this episode, we take a closer look "Inside the Raise" with Isha Doshi, Co-Founder, Partner & CFO, TLG Capital, about the evolution and transformative potential of private credit in Africa. How can disciplined structuring and impact-focused lending deliver strong returns whilst reshaping…
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Thematic Series | Building the Invisible Infrastructure: Kuunda’s Journey to Powering Africa’s Digital Lending Revolution
In this episode, we dive "Inside the Deal" with Bruce Nsereko-Lule, General Partner at Seedstars Africa Ventures, and Andrew Milne, Group Co-CEO of Kuunda, to unpack one of Africa’s most compelling fintech success stories.
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'Inside the Exit' Health Horizons: Lessons from an Impact Exit with Leapfrog Investments
LeapFrog Investments recently completed its exit from Goodlife Pharmacy, East Africa’s largest retail pharmacy platform, marking a significant milestone in the region's healthcare sector. Under LeapFrog's guidance since 2017, Goodlife expanded from 19 to 150 stores, serving over 2 million…
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Africa's Infrastructure in 2025: Rachel More-Oshodi on the M300 Summit
In this episode of the AVCA podcast, Rachel More-Oshodi, CEO of ARM-Harith Infrastructure Investment, shares insights from the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit and discusses trends in Africa's infrastructure landscape. Drawing on findings from AVCA's 'Private Capital Investment in Africa's...
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The Power of Storytelling in African Private Capital
How does storytelling shape the future of African privatecapital? In this episode, Bidemi Zakariyau Akande, Founder of LSF PR,and Yolande Tabo, Investor Relations Principal at Convergence Partners, break down the power of storytelling in investment and business. From building brand trust to...
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Global Ambitions, Local Talent: On P1 Ventures' African Tech Mission
What does it take to build global tech companies from Africa? In this episode, Mikael (Mika) Hajjar, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at P1 Ventures, shares how his firm identifies exceptional founders in unexpected places. With US$50 million deployed across 34 companies, including Yassir…
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Backing Bold Entrepreneurs for Good: 10 Years of Novastar Ventures
In this episode of The AVCA Podcast, we are joined by Brian Waswani Odhiambo, Partner at Novastar Ventures, and Ross Strike, Head of M&A and Investor Relations at Nigeria-based fintech Moniepoint, for a conversation about building category-defining companies in Africa. The discussion explores…
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In Conversation with Jerry Parkes, Injaro Investments – AVCA Quick-Fire Chats
The Role of Private Capital in Unlocking Africa’s Agricultural Potential In this episode, we talk to Jerry Parkes, Chief Executive Officer at Injaro Investments, about investing in agriculture and supporting smallholder farmers in Africa. Jerry also emphasises the importance of cross-sectoral...
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In conversation with 'Tokunboh Ishmael, Alitheia Capital – AVCA Quick-Fire Chats
Driving SME Success in Africa: Tech-Forward Portfolio and Gender 3.0 with Alitheia Capital In this episode, we talk to ‘Tokunboh Ishmael, Managing Director and Co-Founder at Alitheia Capital, about gender smart strategies driving alpha and her forthcoming Gender 3.0 fund. ‘Tokunboh also reflects…
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In Conversation with Chris Chijiutomi, British International Investments – AVCA Quick-Fire Chats
The role of DFIs in mobilising private capital in Africa During AVCA Week in Johannesburg, we sat down with Chris Chijiutomi, Managing Director and Head of Africa at British International Investment (BII), to discuss BII’s longstanding partnership with South Africa as a provider of patient,...
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Impact Series - Sustainable Investments in Africa: The Playbook for Private Equity with Philipp Hein, DEG
Driving sustainable and impactful growth in Africa's private capital landscape This conversation was recorded at the 20th Annual AVCA Conference in Johannesburg, in April 2024. We sat down with Philipp Hein, CFA, Head of Private Equity Africa and Global Climate Investments at DEG, to discuss the...
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‘Current Affairs’ Bridging Prosperity: The Rise of Mezzanine and Private Credit in Africa
In this interview AVCA and Edmund Higenbottam, Managing Director, Verdant Capital explore the critical role of mezzanine and private credit as an emerging asset class, their strategic function in bridging funding gaps, and the ongoing discussion surrounding the uptake of their adoption.
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'Impact Series' Safeguarding Success: Effective Ways to Support LPs and GPs Focused on Private Capital in Africa
Join us as Angela Mwenda, Associate Director, IBIS, uncovers the crucial role ESG plays in supporting LPs and GPs, providing a comprehensive guide to harnessing opportunities while ensuring sustainable and responsible investment practices in the diverse and evolving African landscape.
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'Current Affairs' Family Fortunes: The 3S Approach to Scaling Family-Owned Businesses in Africa
In this episode we are joined by Samantha Pokroy, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Sanari Capital as we delve into the dynamic world of private equity in Africa, focusing on its transformative impact on family-owned businesses across the continent. Join us as we explore Sanari’s unique...
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'Impact Series' Forestry for the Future: Growing a Greener Africa
In this discussion we will explore the case for forestry as an asset class, venturing across the African continent to examine its wider impact. Join us for a crucial conversation about the transformative potential of forestry management across Africa, alongside Charles Groom, Investment Director:...
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'Current Affairs' with KPMG: West Africa Doing The Deal
In this podcast, Ijeoma Emezie-Ezigbo, Partner & Head of Transaction Services at KPMG West Africa sits with Abiola Ojo-Osagie, Senior Partner, AfricInvest, who covers Anglophone West Africa, to discuss behind-the-scene experiences and insights from a recently concluded investment in a…
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‘Current Affairs’ Transformation Of Technology: Navigating the Global Shift
Following the 500 Global Rise Report, AVCA speaks with Mareme Dieng, Africa Lead, 500 Global, to explore the transformative global technology landscape and ‘Rise Economies’ expected to outperform China and U.S. Join us to delve into platform shifts, economic positioning, and sectoral advancements.
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'Impact Series' Underserved Founders: Who, Why & How, and the Cost of Missed Opportunities
In this podcast we speak with Darena Ventures to discuss their strategy as an ‘impact-focused’ fund rather than impact fund, and the importance of investing in undeserved founders, including women and entrepreneurs from underserved regions diving into the 'Who?', 'Why?' and 'How?', and the...
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‘Inside The Deal’ Venturing into the Future: Technology, Innovation and A Greener Economy
In this episode, we speak with Nick Allen, Managing Partner, Savant, a trailblazing venture capital firm, and explore their recent investments in cutting-edge sectors. We'll gain insights into the company's evolution over its impressive 20-year tenure and uncover Savant's Green Economy-Focused...
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'Impact Series' A Balanced Approach: Advancing Gender Equality and Zero Hunger
In celebration of World Freedom Day, join AVCA and Aly El Shalakany, Managing Partner, Acasia Ventures as we explore the critical intersection of finance, ethics, and freedom, shedding light on how private investment can address pressing global issues, including poverty, inequality, and...
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'Impact Series' Seeding Success: Bridging the Agricultural Funding Gap in Africa with Pearl Capital
AVCA speaks with Wanjohi Ndagu, Pearl Capital Partners, about the challenges, strategies, and transformative potential of narrowing the funding gap in agriculture sector in Africa. This episode promises to provide valuable insights into crucial issues into the economic and social impact of…
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The Power Of Partnership In Reaching First Close
We are here With ‘Tokunboh Ishmael Managing Director Alitheia Capital and Els Boerhof, Managing Partner of Goodwell Investments, to talk about The Power Of Partnership In Reaching First Close, after joint fund UMUNTHU II announced first close with EUR 57 million for inclusive businesses in Africa.
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Unlocking Opportunities for Private Capital in Africa: Navigating Global Uncertainty
This discussion explores how private capital investors in Africa are navigating this storm to unlock opportunities on the continent and maintain a competitive portfolio amidst a threatening global recession Speakers: Runa Alam, Co-Founding Partner & Chief Executive Officer, Development Partners...
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'Impact Series' Breaking Barriers: Women Shaping the Future of Private Capital in Africa...and their one piece of advice to female fund managers
“we're proud to say we are investing in companies that are providing essential goods and services to more than 900 million people in Africa.” Read the full article: https://medium.com/@avca-africa/breaking-barriers-women-shaping-the-future-of-private-capital-in-africa-bc7f72fd3a44 Leveling the...
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‘Exiting Africa’: How to execute 7 exits in 12 months with Mediterrania Capital Partners
AVCA meets with Albert Alsina, Mediterrania Capital Partners to challenge the myth of Africa as a weak exit environment, discuss exit strategy in Africa and to deep dive on achieving their exit accomplishments. Learn more about Mediterrania Capital Partners: https://www.mcapitalp.com/
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'Food for Thought’ Series: Combatting the Effects of Climate Change with IFC
What will climate change mean for agriculture in Africa? In this podcast with Yosuke Kotsuji, Acting Head of Africa Agribusiness at IFC, we will discuss IFC’s investment in Nigeria’s Jubaili Agrotec for food security, and the use of innovation to combat climate change.
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#SDG Series: SDG 7 - Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all (in collaboration with AG International)
In this episode, we speak with Alexander Tounkara, Founder & Managing Partner at AGI, for our inaugural Achieving SDGs Through African Private Capital Series, which will focus on SDG 7 and ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. AGI is an impact fund…
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Then and Now: Reflections on Private Capital in Africa
While the industry has witnessed significant success stories across fundraising and deal-making, challenges such as foreign exchange volatility, complex regulatory environments, limited exit options, and the increasing trend of consolidation continue to prevent the continent’s investment…
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'Food for Thought' Series: Unpacking The Future of Food and Agriculture in Africa
Published 28 July 2022 The nature of African farming and food production has witnessed seismic shifts in the last several years. This panel unpacks the growth drivers of the industry’s maturation, zooming in on the enormous commercial opportunities Agribusiness has to offer private investors in...
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In conversation with Ham Serunjogi: Becoming an African Unicorn
Fireside Chat: In conversation with Ham Serunjogi In this podcast we dive into a discussion with Ham Serunjogi, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Chipper Cash, on his entrepreneurial journey to becoming 1 of the 7 unicorns in Africa, raising capital as a startup and fundamentals for growth in...
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Growth and opportunities in Angolan capital markets
In this podcast, we discuss Angolan capital markets with Rui Oliveira, CEO, BFA Asset Management, including the current state of private investment in the country, challenges BFA and the industry have faced, and the tremendous growth of GDP per capita predicted in the next 2 years.
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A majority ownership strategy for value creation in Africa
In this episode of the PE Talks Africa podcast, we catch up with Alexis Caude, Managing Partner at Adenia Partners, to discuss the exits landscape in African private equity. From the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on exiting investments and limited IPO opportunities in Africa to the sale of...
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‘Catch Me If You Can’: Exploring the drivers of venture capital in Africa
In this episode, we talk to three economists from the African Development Bank (AfDB) – Dr Fadel Jaoui, Dr Omolola Amoussou, and Dr Francis Kemeze. Fadel, Lola and Francis conducted an empirical analysis of the venture capital drivers using a dataset of African economies over the 2014 – 2019...
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AVCA COP26 Series #2: Funding the energy transition in Nigeria and West Africa
In the run-up to COP26, we discussed Àrgentil’s sustainable and impact investments across clean energy and the broader productive economy via SMEs with Gbenga Hassan, Managing Partner. He also provided insight into Àrgentil’s strategy of investing in early-stage energy opportunities, approach to...
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AVCA COP26 Series #1: On digital infrastructure and the energy transition in Africa
A conversation with Matthew McCollum and Lisa Pinsley at Actis, as part of AVCA's content series in the run-up to COP26 in Glasgow. The acceleration of the transition from coal to clean energy is on the agenda at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26). In this episode of PE...
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Catalysing private sector development to reduce poverty in Africa
As part of AVCA's special series, Achieving the SDGs through African Private Equity (PE) and Venture Capital (VC), Paulette Mbeya, Research Analyst at AVCA, speaks with Ross Strike, Investment Manager - Venture Capital at CDC Group, about how CDC tackles socio-economic challenges through private...
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Making healthcare affordable and accessible in Africa
LeapFrog Investment's Biju Mohandas explores consolidation in Africa's health ecosystem, universal health coverage, and the global lifestyle shift towards wellness as a significant part of our lives.
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Trends and opportunities in Nigeria's dairy industry
AVCA Spotlight on L&Z Integrated Farms with M.D. Abubakar For L&Z Integrated Farms, a family-owned dairy business based in Kano State, Nigeria, the future is positive and full of opportunity. In this episode of PE Talks Africa with Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, M. D. Abubakar, we...
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Value creation in African private equity
Albert Alsina is the Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner at Mediterrania Capital Partners. In 2020, Albert published Value Creation in Private Equity, a guide for investors, fund managers and business leaders seeking to create value and improve performance. In this episode, we...
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'Exiting Africa': Divesting During an Economic Downturn
AVCA 2020 Focus Series - Exits: Divesting During an Economic Downturn Speakers: - Stephane Bacquaert, Managing Director, Adenia Partners - Natalie Kolbe, Partner, Private Equity, Actis - Romain Py, Chief investment officer: Pan-Africa, African Infrastructure Investment Managers - Nina Triantis,...
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AVCA 2020 Focus Series - Portfolio Management: Value Creation During Uncertain Times
AVCA 2020 Focus Series - Portfolio Management: Value Creation During Uncertain Times Speakers: · Arjuna Costa, Managing Partner, Flourish VC · 'Tokunboh Ishmael, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Alitheia Capital · Genevieve Sangudi, Strategic Africa Advisor, The Carlyle Group, and Partner…
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AVCA 2020 Focus Series - Deal-making: Finding Opportunities Amid An Economic Crisis
AVCA 2020 Focus Series - Deal-making: Finding Opportunities Amid An Economic Crisis Speakers: Paul Boynton, Chief Executive Officer at Old Mutual Alternative Investments; Paul Kokoricha, Partner at African Capital Alliance; Skander Oueslati, Senior Partner, CIO & Co-Head of SSA at AfricInvest…
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AVCA 2020 Focus Series - Fundraising: Looking At Alternative Sources Of Capital In Africa's Investment Industry
AVCA 2020 Focus Series - Fundraising: Looking At Alternative Sources Of Capital In Africa's Investment Industry Speakers · Catherine Swanepoel, Chief Investment Officer at South Suez Capital; · Chuck Burbridge, Executive Director at Chicago Teachers' Pension Fund; · Christian Dunbar, City...
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AVCA 2020 Focus Series - Venture Capital in Africa: What has Changed with COVID-19
AVCA 2020 Focus Series - Venture Capital in Africa: What has Changed with COVID-19 Speakers: Wale Ayeni, Head of Africa Venture Capital Investing at IFC; Khaled Ben Jilani, Senior Partner at AfricInvest; Maurizio Caio, Founder & Managing Partner at TLcom Capital; Nnena Nkongho, Principal at…
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AVCA 2020 Focus Series - Africa's Private Investment Landscape: Macro & Micro Perspectives
AVCA 2020 Focus Series - Africa's Private Investment Landscape: Macro & Micro Perspectives Speakers: Daniel Adeoye, Resource Lead at PEVCA Françoise De Donder, Managing Director at AMIC Esther Ndeti, Executive Director at EAVCA Basel Roshdy, Secretary-General at EPEA Tanya van Lill, Chief…
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About this show
Formerly known as PE Talks Africa – a podcast about the trends and opportunities in Africa's private capital ecosystem.AVCA operates at the nexus of private capital in Africa, championing and enabling private investment across the continent. As the pan-African industry body, we play a significant role as an effective change agent for the industry, acting as the trusted independent source of information, insight, and intelligence inspiring investor confidence; making the case for both commercial returns and impact in Africa.
Hosted by
AVCA – The African Private Capital Association