The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, and is the largest global development institution focused exclusively on the private sector in developing countries has announced plans for a significant investment in Adenia Entrepreneurial Fund I, a private equity vehicle focused on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and small-cap companies across Africa.
The proposal includes an equity commitment of up to $30 million, alongside a $20 million co-investment envelope, bringing IFC’s potential contribution to $50 million.
Adenia Entrepreneurial Fund I aims to raise $180 million in total capital. The fund will target growth equity investments in 10 to 12 companies, with individual ticket sizes ranging from $10 million to $20 million. Its strategy centers on supporting businesses with strong growth potential, operational resilience, and the ability to scale across diverse African markets.
The fund will be managed by Adenia Partners, a well-established private equity firm headquartered in Mauritius. Adenia operates through a robust regional presence, with offices in Kenya, Madagascar, Morocco, Nigeria, and South Africa, enabling it to source and manage investments across the continent effectively.
By backing Adenia Entrepreneurial Fund I, IFC aims to strengthen access to long-term growth capital for African SMEs, which remain critical drivers of job creation and economic development.
