Africa50, the pan-African infrastructure investment platform and multi-vehicle asset manager, has officially named Sérgio Pimenta as the Chief Executive Officer of the Africa50 Infrastructure Acceleration Fund (IAF). This strategic appointment marks a significant step in Africa50’s mission to catalyze infrastructure development across the continent by mobilizing large-scale private and institutional capital.
Pimenta joins Africa50 with an impressive track record spanning over 25 years at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group. During his tenure, he held several senior leadership roles, most recently serving as Vice President for Africa. In this capacity, he oversaw IFC’s investment and advisory operations across the continent, helping to drive private sector growth and development in emerging markets.
In his new role, Pimenta will lead the Africa50 IAF, a 12-year closed-ended private equity fund designed to accelerate infrastructure delivery by investing in transformative, commercially viable projects. The fund has already secured $275 million in capital commitments from 22 prominent African and international institutional investors.
Speaking on his appointment, Pimenta expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to Africa’s development:
I am honoured to join the Africa50 Group to lead the Infrastructure Acceleration Fund. It is a pioneering platform that strengthens global momentum for deploying private sector capital and unlocking Africa’s tremendous potential. Together with the team and our partners, I look forward to scaling a pipeline of transformative, bankable projects that power regional trade, drive sustainable growth, and create jobs across the continent to improve the lives of people.
Alain Ebobissé, CEO of Africa50 Group, welcomed Pimenta’s appointment, highlighting the strategic importance of his leadership:
We are delighted to welcome Sérgio to lead this important aspect of our business. His profound expertise in capital mobilization, combined with his in-depth knowledge of the African and global emerging markets, will be instrumental in supporting Africa50 IAF in achieving its strategic goals and accelerating the delivery of high-impact infrastructure projects across the continent. I am confident that Sérgio will help us deliver a solid investment portfolio, affirming Africa50 IAF’s role as a key investment vehicle for investors ready to partner in Africa’s growth.
Africa50 IAF is positioned as a cornerstone initiative to bridge Africa’s infrastructure financing gap, focusing on sectors such as energy, transportation, ICT, and water. Under Pimenta’s leadership, the fund aims to unlock new opportunities for sustainable development and regional integration.
