Fako Capital, an innovative impact investment fund in Cameroon, is making waves in the nation’s financial landscape. Established with the support of Investisseurs & Partenaires (I&P), it becomes the eighth fund launched by I&P Développement, which continues to strengthen its presence across Africa to support early-stage businesses.
The fund plans to invest up to €500,000 in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Cameroon and Central Africa, focusing on high-impact sectors.
Led by Vivian Tchatchueng, a former Investment Director at I&P, Fako Capital seeks to address two key challenges SMEs face in Cameroon and Central Africa: accessing growth-oriented financing and receiving the support necessary to strengthen their business operations.
Tchatchueng stated that “Over the mid-term, we plan to finance around 50 SME businesses, 80 percent of which will meet the criteria for financial and social inclusion of women, will be able to create around 1,000 formal jobs for young people, and will offer our investors a double financial and social return.”
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Fako Capital focuses on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across high-impact sectors with significant growth potential and profitability. These businesses are expected to promote women’s financial and social inclusion, generate formal employment for youths and contribute to the economic and social development of the sub-region’s countries and economies.
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Fako Capital becomes the latest addition to I&P’s expanding network of African impact funds, joining others such as Sinergi Burkina in Burkina Faso, Comoé Capital in Côte d’Ivoire, Zira Capital in Mali, Miarakap in Madagascar, Sinergi Niger in Niger, and Teranga Capital in Senegal. Together, these funds strive to address SMEs’ financing gap, frequently neglected by traditional banks and significant institutional investors.
Prévost Kla, Investment Director, I&P, stated “The team led by Vivian has demonstrated its commitment. It is with great confidence that we accompany them, and we hope to be able to create this dynamic around our investment and thus attract local investors who can strengthen this project and make it a leader in the financial ecosystem in Cameroon.”
Fako Capital as a catalyst for growth
The focus on SMEs is fundamental and reflects the current reality of the markets. SMEs drive the African economies but often struggle to secure financing. I&P intends to create 15,000 jobs across the continent by supporting 500 SMEs using vehicles such as Fako Capital.
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Offering initial investments ranging from €50,000 to €500,000 per SME, the fund aims to draw businesses dedicated to advancing financial inclusion, empowering women, and generating employment. As it gains traction, Fako Capital highlights the growing potential of impact investing as a catalyst for economic transformation across Africa.