Summit Day
Limited spaces.
VCs, to register, please contact Munazzah Siddique at:
munazzah.siddique@informa.com.
Qualifying LPs, to register, please contact Krystal Onu at:
Doors open at 08:15
In a world marked by shifting geopolitics and tightening global capital flows, how are Africa focused fund managers adapting their fundraising strategies to stay ahead? Working with HNWIs: what innovative approaches can unlock new pools of capital? Which regions are standing out for private capital business? Discussing the trends, approaches, benefits and challenges related to generalist vs. sector specific investments.
What regulatory, educational and structured changes are needed to mobilise Africa’s own institutional capital into private markets? Can fund of funds be the bridge between caution and connection? Is this the time for the continent to get involved in global manufacturing supply chains? Who will light the fire and who will keep it burning?
What are the key drivers to turning LP optimism into real capital deployment on the continent? New money, new rules: how are Middle Eastern and Asian institutional LPs reshaping fundraising dynamics and demands? Are GPs ready for the microscope? How are fund managers strengthening governance, transparency and risk controls to meet global standards and build long-term LP trust? DPI vs. IRR: which is more important?
What new types of infrastructure funds are emerging across Africa, and how are regulatory changes shaping capital allocation trends both continentally and globally? How are infrastructure funds being domiciled and structured, and what investor preferences are driving these decisions? With Africa’s massive capital needs and limited pools available, how are investors tackling smaller ticket sizes and market-specific challenges to scale infrastructure investment effectively?
How are models like blended finance and local currency guarantees proving effective? What can we learn from recent successful financing deals? In what ways can DFIs, insurers and export credit agencies collaborate to attract commercial private capital at scale?
Mission 300: what role can private markets play in scaling this initiative? Are pushbacks from the U.S. creating new opportunity corridors? How can the continent leverage carbon markets and offset projects to create new revenue streams for investors?
This workshop explores the key opportunities and challenges facing private capital in African infrastructure.
With a rapidly growing population demanding housing, transport, power, and water, the need for sustainable infrastructure investment has never been greater.
We will discuss critical risks including climate impact, the asset-heavy nature of infrastructure despite digital demands, and regional challenges in markets like South Africa, Nigeria and beyond.
The session will also cover the risk premium in African infrastructure, the role of private sector offtake amid uncertain government support, and the mismatch between infrastructure capital supply and demand.
Attendees will gain practical insights into managing these risks to unlock investment and deliver essential services across the continent.
Why are there more credit conversations on the continent today? What steps can be taken to grow the pool of credit GPs on the continent? How are private credit funds and investors navigating the risks of defaults and macroeconomic volatility in Africa’s unique markets? How has the asset class evolved and what innovations are on the horizon?
What distinguishes private credit strategies across different regulatory environments in Africa, particularly in terms of collateral requirements, structuring, and lender expectations? How have fund managers responded when debt deals underperformed or failed- what structural weaknesses, warning signs, or market dynamics contributed to these outcomes? In cases where fund managers hold both equity and debt positions, how does this dual exposure influence credit structuring, monitoring, and return expectations compared to standalone lending? What are the most common misconceptions about deploying private credit in African markets, and how are fund managers redefining best practices through lived experience?
How is private credit evolving to meet the diverse capital needs of Africa’s SME ecosystem- from micro-scale agribusinesses to high-growth fintechs? What role does local currency lending play in enabling SME resilience and stability, especially in volatile markets and climate-affected sectors? As venture debt platforms emerge, where are the strategic opportunities to support early- and growth-stage businesses without over-reliance on equity? What structural or market gaps still exist in SME financing, and how can credit providers better align with the lifecycle of African enterprises to unlock scalable, long-term impact?
As African businesses seek capital to scale, innovate, and trade across borders, private credit has emerged as a vital financing solution. This session explores real-world case studies that demonstrate how structured credit - through mezzanine financing, asset-backed lending, and trade finance-is closing funding gaps and driving impact. Each case reveals practical strategies, risk mitigants, and the catalytic role of private lenders.
8 mins presentations followed by 6 mins Q&A
What made private credit the right fit over traditional bank financing? How did it create real, tangible growth for the portfolio company? What lessons can other African entrepreneurs learn from this journey?
How can fund managers pool platforms, strategies and capital to accelerate fundraising timelines and create investable, scalable opportunities? How can GPs overcome the barriers to collaboration? How do LPs view GP consolidation?
Explore the evolving landscape of private capital fund structures in Africa, where traditional models often clash with the continent’s longer growth horizons.
This workshop dives deep into practical solutions and adaptable structures that better align with African timelines and investor expectations.
Through interactive discussion and real-world examples, participants will:
- Break down the limitations of the 10+2 fund lifespan model
- Explore how open-ended, evergreen or hybrid models are being successfully deployed
- Learn how to navigate regulatory considerations, investor readiness and liquidity planning
- Exchange insights with peers on structuring for resilience, flexibility and long-term performance
What do the LPs think of infrastructure as an investable asset class? With the continent’s vast infrastructure needs, how can collaborative efforts between local and international investors create scalable capital solutions for sustainable growth? How are LPs playing a role in the infrastructure space without compromising fiduciary duty?
How are social infrastructure projects being structured to effectively provide both sustainable financial returns and measurable social impact? How can investors scale water and sanitation projects in rural and underserved urban areas while ensuring affordability? What are the opportunities for the private sector to support the development of schools, universities and vocational training centres across the continent? What innovative partnerships and strategies are making healthcare infrastructure bankable and scalable?
What is the main role of the DFI in the private credit space and what are the methods to fulfil it? Where have DFI efforts in credit succeeded or fallen short? What lessons must shape the next phase of engagement?
How does impact manifest differently in debt strategies compared to equity? How can it be measured? What are the new opportunities in the climate finance space today? How can private credit lenders build long-term trust-based relationships with borrowers to ensure both financial discipline and meaningful impact delivery?
A select number of GPs will present their fund to a group of LPs, individually, in a closed-door setting. Each GP will have 10 minutes to make their case, including time for audience Q&A.
Run strictly under the Chatham House Rule.
These exclusive presentations are only open to pre-registered development finance institutions, endowments, foundations, insurance companies, pension funds, single family offices and sovereign wealth funds, subject to qualification.
For GPs: to apply for pitching, please contact Marcia Brissett at marcia.brissett@informa.com
For qualifying LPs: to join, please contact Krystal Onu at
What makes family offices tick and how can GPs tailor their approach to attract this growing source of flexible, patient capital? How is the due diligence process and timeline different when dealing with family offices compared to DFIs or institutional LPs? Why is local family office participation still limited in African private capital and what would it take to unlock more homegrown catalytic funding?
How are African pension funds shifting their strategies to allocate more capital regionally, and what are the new opportunities for PE and VC funds across the continent? How is the shift to defined contribution plans affecting demand for PE? What lessons can be drawn from global pension reforms such as U.S. moves to open 401(k)s to private equity, and how could this benefit Africa? With frontier market pension funds entering the fray, how can fund managers build trust, meet regulatory expectations and adapt structures to suit them?
Delve into the evolving landscape of secondaries and co-investments in African private capital through compelling case studies that highlight practical strategies, emerging trends and industry impacts.
Create liquidity, support growth and foster greater LP/GP collaboration.
Case studies highlights:
- How are secondaries being utilised to exit legacy investments, inject growth capital and create continuation vehicles?
- Pricing dynamics, discounts and structuring approaches
- Why LPs increasingly favour co-investments
- How are GPs successfully structuring deals that align interests and deliver scale?
10 mins presentations followed by 5 mins Q&A
What does the roadmap for shipping and trade infrastructure acceleration in Africa involve? As global shipping giants expand their land-based services, where are the untapped opportunities for businesses to invest in and scale critical port-adjacent infrastructure in Africa? How to overcome the unique risks and challenges tied to maritime infrastructure on the continent.
What are the key investment criteria and risk factors that private capital investors consider when funding the EV ecosystem in Africa – from electric scooters and cars to buses and charging infrastructure? How can scalable charging networks and shared manufacturing platforms reduce costs for investors and operators? Which transport corridors and projects in East Africa present the greatest investment opportunities today?
A deep dive into pioneering real estate investment case studies across Africa. Spotlighting how private capital is transforming the market through student accommodation and affordable housing models. What structures are proving bankable in African real estate today? How are investors driving impact through real estate investment? Hear stories of success and inspiration.
10 mins presentations followed by 5 mins Q&A
This dynamic case study session explores the convergence of private capital and Africa’s digital creative economy, with a sharp lens on digital content and streaming, music, and gaming. As digital transformation reshapes how African stories are told and sold, platforms and investors are redefining scale, monetisation, and cultural relevance.
Key case insights:
- Digital content & streaming: Global platforms are betting big on African originals. We unpack platform evolution, monetisation hurdles, telco bundling, and localisation strategies, with lessons for investors in Africa-born platforms building for local bandwidths and global audiences.
- Music: Africa’s music economy is attracting global capital. Learn how early-stage investors are playing a role in transforming these businesses from informal, talent-led ventures into structured scalable enterprises. Listen in on success stories and learnings.
- Gaming: The next frontier. Gaming presents untapped potential. But is there enough consumer demand, payment infrastructure, and content investment to support scalable studios and platforms? What innovative funding models, distribution partnerships, or localised content strategies can help unlock this potential and build commercially viable gaming ecosystems in Africa?
6 mins presentations followed by 7 mins Q&A
Africa’s creative industries are rich in talent, influence, and potential - but is there real money to be made? This workshop explores how private capital can unlock growth and returns in the cultural economy.
We’ll dive into:
- How creative ventures make money (and where the gaps are)
- What investors need to understand about business models and infrastructure
- Real examples of creative deals, exits, and scalable success stories
- The role of government, public-private partnerships, and platforms in enabling growth
Whether you’re an investor curious about CCIs or a creative founder seeking scale, this session unpacks how to move from concept to cashflow and build a thriving creative economy in Africa.
What do LPs really need to see from emerging managers beyond a polished deck and passion? And what do the GPs want? What innovative structures can help new managers demonstrate traction and build a track record before raising a fund? What tools, partnerships and regulatory changes can reduce friction for emerging managers – particularly around licencing, fee structures and operational costs?
Expect off the record honesty, collaborative problem-solving and a focus on actionable solutions.
Run strictly under the Chatham House Rule. Encouraging participants to speak openly on the topics that really matter.
Open to LPs and GPs only
For GP registrations please contact Munazzah Siddique at munazzah.siddique@informa.com
For qualifying LPs: to join, please contact Krystal Onu at krystal.onu@informa.com
With dwindling donor support and delayed deployment, how can DFIs adapt their catalytic role to truly mobilise private capital into Africa? What would it take to build sustainable ecosystems that aren’t tethered to DFI mandates? How can alignment be achieved between DFI expectations and private sector imperatives? Which models and players are proving successful in catalysing commercial LPs and how can that success be scaled? With high pressure to show commercial returns and trends towards direct investment, what are the implications and alternatives for new and existing funds?
How can GPs shift from support mode to sell mode, delivering DPI, not just developmental narratives? Trade sales and strategic partnerships: what creative exit structures are succeeding and how are GPs preparing from day one? Could pooled listings be the key to unlocking liquidity?
What are the biggest digital infrastructure trends and demands on the continent? What factors are driving evolution in this space and how can investors keep on top of changing consumer demand? How to navigate CapEx intensity, energy, and connectivity constraints to build profitable data centres. How can the continent leverage solar energy to fuel its digital infrastructure growth?
Which infrastructure sectors are most ready for PPP-led development today? How can PPP models be innovated to better attract and protect private capital investment in Africa’s complex infrastructure projects? What lessons have emerged from successful PPPs on the continent?
Which sports in Africa are emerging as the most investible and what’s driving investor interest? Is Africa building self-sustaining sports economies or simply exporting talent and how can private capital help shift the balance toward local ownership and leadership? What scalable models are emerging in esports and influencer-driven platforms and how are they monetising Africa’s growing digital fanbase? Where does sports intersect with culture, tech, and youth influence and what does that mean for venture, growth, and impact investors?
How are fund managers and financial institutions valuing intangible assets like music rights, fashion designs, and film IP and what new methodologies are emerging? Can intellectual property become collateral? Exploring how banks and investors are innovating with IP-backed financing for Africa’s creative industries. What do private capital players need to know about licensing, royalties, and legal structures to unlock the long-term value of African cultural assets?