German development finance institution DEG has announced a $25 million investment in Helios V, the fifth private equity fund managed by Helios Investment Partners. The commitment underscores DEG’s continued support for private capital mobilization in Africa, particularly in sectors critical to the continent’s long-term development.
Helios V is focused on providing growth capital to mid-sized companies across Africa, targeting sectors that are essential to economic transformation and resilience. These include:
- Financial services and fintech
- Consumer goods
- Information and communications technology (ICT)
- Healthcare
- Light industry
- Renewable energy
The fund aims to back businesses that are not only commercially viable but also capable of delivering measurable development impact across the continent.
Founded in 2004, Helios Investment Partners is one of Africa’s most established private equity firms. Over the past two decades, it has raised and deployed approximately $2.5 billion across four funds and currently manages over $3 billion in assets, including co-investment vehicles.
As of December 2024, Helios had generated $4.3 billion in liquidity and exits, demonstrating its ability to deliver strong returns while supporting the growth of African enterprises.
