The Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund - AECF

The Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF) is a US$50-100m private sector fund, backed by some of the biggest names in development finance and hosted by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). Our aim is to encourage private sector companies to compete for like-for-like investment support for their new and innovative business ideas.

The AECF is open to proposals from all countries in Africa. However it will focus initially on 13 countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Ghana, Nigeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, South Africa, Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia) operating from three regional hubs (Nairobi, Accra and Johannesburg). Multi-country and regional projects are also eligible.

AfriCap - Microfinance fund

AfriCap is a landmark fund. Established in 2001 AfriCap is a Mauritian based investment company operating out of Johannesburg and investing solely in Microfinance and microfinance related industries throughout Africa. Using a combination of developmental and private investors, AfriCap generates both financial and social returns through investing in institutions committed to serving low-income communities without access to conventional banking services.

AfriCap currently has 10 investments across 11 countries in equity and quasi equity instruments and maintains the role of active minority investor by providing governance, management advice and technical assistance. In 2007 AfriCap closed a second round of funding; raising its capital to $50 million and reconstituting as a permanent capital investment company - AfriCap Microfinance Investment Company.