Swedfund, Sweden’s development finance institution, has committed €15 million to the AfricInvest Small Cap Fund, a private equity initiative aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Africa.
Why it matters
SMEs are key drivers of economic growth and job creation in Africa, yet many struggle to access capital.
Swedfund’s investment seeks to bridge this gap by enabling AfricInvest to support high-potential businesses in sectors like agribusiness, healthcare, education, and manufacturing.
The big picture
- AfricInvest integrates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, with a focus on gender equality and sustainability.
- At least 30% of its portfolio will be invested in women-led or female-owned businesses.
- The fund embeds climate-conscious investment strategies to promote responsible business practices.
What they’re saying
“This investment allows us to expand our support for underserved businesses while aligning with measurable sustainability goals,” said Sofia Gedeon, Investment Director for Sustainable Enterprises at Swedfund.