Ethiopia to Adopt International Standards for Measuring Investment Impact
Ethiopia plans to adopt internationally recognized frameworks to measure the social and environmental impact of investments. The initiative aims to improve transparency and attract more impact investors by aligning with global standards. Officials believe the move will strengthen investor confidence and support sustainable development projects.
GEN-IMPACT: £10 million investment to advance African genomics and health equity
The GEN-IMPACT initiative has received £10 million to expand genomics research capacity across Africa. The program seeks to improve the representation of African populations in genomic data and strengthen local research infrastructure. Its broader goal is to advance health equity by enabling more accurate diagnostics and treatments tailored to African populations.
Impact investors look to fill USAID gap
Impact investors are increasingly stepping in to fund development projects as USAID funding declines or shifts priorities. Private capital and blended finance structures are being used to support sectors such as agriculture, climate resilience, and small businesses. However, experts warn that private investment cannot fully replace traditional development aid.
Bridging Africa’s $331B SME Funding Gap: How Deal Source Africa is Powering a New Collaboration-Driven Investment Era
Africa faces an estimated $331 billion financing gap for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Deal Source Africa is building a platform that connects investors, development institutions, and entrepreneurs to streamline deal sourcing and funding. The initiative aims to increase collaboration and unlock capital for high-growth African businesses.
Japan Plans to Raise $1.5 Billion for Impact Investing in Africa
Japan is planning to mobilize $1.5 billion for impact investments across Africa through partnerships between public and private institutions. The fund will focus on sectors such as climate solutions, healthcare, and financial inclusion. The initiative reflects Japan’s growing strategic interest in sustainable investment across the continent.
EIB and WTO sign agreement to strengthen cooperation on trade and investment
The European Investment Bank and the World Trade Organization signed an agreement to deepen cooperation on trade-related investment and development finance. The partnership will support projects that improve trade infrastructure and supply chains, particularly in developing countries. The goal is to make global trade more inclusive and sustainable.
Leveraging on Rwanda’s First Fund Administrator to Unlock African Investment
Rwanda has launched its first domestic fund administration service to strengthen its position as a regional financial hub. The initiative aims to attract private equity and venture capital funds by improving regulatory infrastructure and operational efficiency. It could help unlock more cross-border investment flows across Africa.
Saviu Partners lands AfDB investment
Private equity firm Saviu Partners secured investment from the African Development Bank to support African SMEs. The capital will help expand Saviu’s portfolio and accelerate growth in sectors such as healthcare, technology, and consumer services. The partnership highlights growing institutional support for SME-focused private equity funds.
FinDev Canada discloses proposed commitment to BlueOrchard fund
FinDev Canada is considering a financial commitment to a BlueOrchard investment fund focused on emerging markets. The fund aims to provide capital for financial inclusion, climate solutions, and sustainable development initiatives. The proposed investment reflects Canada’s strategy of supporting impact-oriented private finance.
Phatisa consortium to buy Zaad
A consortium led by Phatisa plans to acquire Zaad, a company operating in Africa’s agribusiness sector. The acquisition is intended to scale agricultural supply chains and strengthen food systems across the region. The deal highlights continued private equity interest in Africa’s agricultural value chains.
Acumen backs Nigerian hibiscus exporter AgroEknor
Impact investor Acumen has invested in AgroEknor, a Nigerian company exporting hibiscus and other agricultural products. The funding will support expansion, improve farmer livelihoods, and strengthen export capacity. The investment reflects growing interest in value-added agricultural exports from Africa.
Acumen backs Ghana's Sommalife
Acumen has invested in Sommalife, a Ghanaian business producing organic moringa-based products. The company works with smallholder farmers and focuses on sustainable sourcing and local value creation. The funding will help Sommalife expand production and increase access to global markets.