The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a €20 million investment into the newly launched Amethis Europe Expansion Fund, a private equity vehicle designed to support the international growth of European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly those expanding into Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
The fund will provide both growth capital and strategic support to help European companies scale their operations beyond domestic markets. This includes facilitating exports, cross-border partnerships, acquisitions, and direct investments in emerging and frontier markets, with a strong emphasis on Africa.
Ambroise Fayolle, Vice-President of the EIB, stated:
This new investment in the Amethis Europe Expansion Fund reflects our commitment to fostering sustainable economic ties between Europe and Africa. By supporting European SMEs seeking to grow on the African continent, we are helping to unlock new opportunities for innovation, quality jobs, and shared prosperity.
The Amethis Europe Expansion Fund is managed by Amethis, a private equity firm with a strong track record of investing in growth-stage companies across Africa and Europe. The fund aims to bridge the gap between European innovation and African market potential, creating mutually beneficial partnerships that drive inclusive economic development.
Laurent Demey, Co-founder and Managing Partner at Amethis, welcomed the EIB’s participation:
We are delighted to have our long-standing partner, the EIB, as a significant subscriber to this new and innovative European strategy. The EIB’s commitment demonstrates the trust we’ve built over more than a decade. Their support provides critical resources to help French and European SMEs expand internationally—particularly into Africa—while fostering win-win collaborations between the two continents.
The EIB’s investment aligns with its broader mandate to promote sustainable development, private sector growth, and regional integration. By backing funds like Amethis Europe Expansion, the EIB is helping to mobilize capital for high-impact businesses that can drive economic transformation across multiple regions.
