Swedfund, Sweden’s development finance institution, has announced a €15 million investment in the AfricInvest Small Cap Fund, a move aimed at promoting gender inclusion by allocating at least 30 percent of the portfolio to women-led or female-owned businesses across Africa.
This private equity initiative, announced on March 21, 2025, aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Africa, addressing the persistent challenge of capital access for these businesses. SMEs are recognised as vital contributors to job creation, innovation, and economic growth on the continent.
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Sofia Gedeon, Swedfund’s Investment Director for Sustainable Enterprises, highlighted the alignment of this investment with measurable sustainability goals.
She stated, “This investment will allow Swedfund to expand its support for underserved businesses across Africa. AfricInvest aligns its investments with measurable sustainability outcomes, allowing us to drive economic growth, create jobs, and promote greater inclusion”.
AfricInvest plans to channel funds into diverse sectors such as agribusiness, healthcare, education, consumer goods, manufacturing, and services. By integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into its operations, AfricInvest aims to create lasting economic and social benefits.
Additionally, gender inclusion remains a key focus of the fund, with at least 30 per cent of its portfolio allocated to women-led or female-owned businesses.
AfricInvest’s decades-long commitment to African development
AfricInvest, a pan-African investment platform, has managed private equity and venture capital since 1994. It has raised $2.3 billion and sponsored roughly 230 firms in 38 African nations over 30 years.
AfricInvest hopes to fill the SME finance gap using Swedfund's resources and skills to promote responsible growth. The fund also promotes sustainable business practices through climate-focused tactics.
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“With decades of experience and a strong presence across the continent,” Gedeon remarked, “the fund is well-positioned to contribute to economic growth and social development”.
This collaboration between Swedfund and AfricInvest underscores their commitment to advancing sustainable private sector development in Africa. Through inclusion and ESG principles, this project aims to turn African SMEs into economic engines and provide equal opportunities for all stakeholders.
