KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts), a firm specialising in private investment in particular purchases through leveraging, has retained the services of Dominque Lafont, previously in charge of the Bolloré Africa Logistics group, one subsidiary of the Bolloré group.

Mr Lafont will be Advisor for Africa. Let us remember that KKR is in competition on this world region, with other investors such as Blackstone through Black Rhino, or Abraaj Capital who recently raised US$1.1 billion for acquisitions in Africa. In the same context, Helios nvestment Partners, another leading firm in private equity in Africa, is looking for South African partners to invest on the continent.

After Lamido Sanusi, the Nigeria Central Bank ex-governor recruited by Black Rhino or Albert Essien, the soon-to-be ex-CEO of Ecobank Transnational Incorporate who will join the Africa and emerging market team of insurer Old Mutual, Dominique Lafont seems a choice hire for KKR. In almost 10 years, he has transformed Bolloré Africa Logistics in one of the most important port operators in Africa, both in volume of goods and port terminals, with a turnover close to US$3.2 billion.

KKR had its first African investment in Ethiopia, when in 2014, it entered the capital of Afriflora, a company specialising in the production and distribution of flowers, with US$200 million. The firm has now ambitions in other sectors, particularly in the energy and infrastructure sector.