The year 2021 saw a rise in private equity and venture capital financing in Africa, driven by opportunities in the post-pandemic period.
The overall value of non-bank and non-market financing transactions on the continent last year reached at least $10.7 billion. Based on official market data, this figure may be higher, because of the 703 operations identified (only 445 are reported).
The overall value available for 2021 is 205% higher than that available for 2020 ($3.5 billion). It is also the highest value of financing announcements outside of commercial banks and stock markets since 2018, when a record $13.8 billion was reached. The number of deals in 2021 (703) is also a record never reached before.
The alternative financing activities cover private equity funding, the various stages of venture capital (series A,B,C,D,E) with amounts exceeding $4 billion. They also include debt financings and pre- or post-IPO financings.
This strong dynamic for such activities in 2021 reflects investors' renewed confidence in Africa's potential. Foreign direct investment flows to the continent also improved significantly, UNCTAD revealed. However, compared to other regions, the volume of alternative financing announced for African companies remains quite low. Also, the top 10 deals are valued at $5.5 billion, or more than half of the total.
From Dakar to Nairobi, Kampala to Abidjan, mobile money has become a lifeline for millions of Africa...
Airtel Gabon, Moov sign deal to share telecom infrastructure Agreement aims to cut costs, boo...
• WAEMU posts 0.9% deflation in July, second month in a row• Food, hospitality prices drop; alcohol,...
Malawi votes in high-stakes presidential election Tuesday Economic crisis, inflation dominate vot...
Vision Invest invests $700m in Arise IIP, Africa’s largest private infrastructure deal in 202...
5G penetration in Sub-Saharan Africa stands at 1.2% despite $28 billion in operator investments over five years. High smartphone and data plan...
Mombasa's commuter train service resumed on September 17, 2025, after modernization. The expanded 16.6 km line connects Mombasa's main district and...
INP-HB and HABG signed an MoU to develop an Executive Master's in Compliance and Anti-Corruption. The program aims to train competent professionals in...
DBSA closed a 100 mln rand ($5.7 mln) financing for EV charging stations. Local firm Zero Carbon Charge will build 60 solar-powered stations by...
Surprisingly, only one African song made it onto Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. The track is "Essence," a collaboration...
The Umhlanga Festival, also known as the “Reed Dance,” is one of the most iconic cultural events in the Kingdom of Eswatini in Southern Africa. Every...