(Ecofin Agency) - Throughout 2017, private equity investments in southern Africa stood at R31.3 billion ($2.4 billion), according to a survey published July 25 by the Southern African Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (SAVCA) along with the audit and consulting firm, Deloitte.

Transactions number grew from 574 in 2016 to 750 in 2017  with an increase by 54% of average transaction volume to R41.7 million. Distribution and retail trade sector came first, capturing 25.9% of investments. It is, respectively, followed by services (16.2%), real estate (10.1%) infrastructure (8.2%), banking & insurance (7.2%), media (7.2%) and mining (4.9%).

The survey also established that investment funds operating in Southern Africa had R158.8 million worth of assets under management as at 31 December 2017. During the period under review, the Southern African private equity industry raised R7.5 billion, and disposals made totaled R10.5 billion.