Boosting investment in innovative businesses
Le projet de pôle Agro-industriel dans la région du Bélier contribue à la sécurité alimentaire et nutritionnelle. De façon spécifique, il s'agit de développer un pôle agro-industriel dans la région du Bélier à travers une dynamisation des filières agricoles porteuses (riz, maïs, manioc, légumes, porcin et poisson) et une implication accrue du secteur privé, des jeunes et des femmes. Il s’agit de doter la région d’infrastructures clés pour permettre le développement des activités agricoles et agro-industrielles. Le projet ambitionne d’appuyer l’ensemble des acteurs pour qu’ils puissent évoluer de manière dynamique autour des chaines de valeur, dans un environnement plus intégrateur et inclusif. Le projet bénéficiera à 461.600 personnes dont 112.000 personnes d’une manière directe, 800 jeunes diplômés et 200 PME.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) is taking a stake of US$10.50 million in the capital of Seedstars Africa Ventures (SAV) venture capital fund to enable it to invest in innovative African businesses with strong growth potential.
The AfDB has agreed to invest US$7 million from its ordinary resources and US$3.5 million from the European Union Boost Africa programme. The investment will allow SAV to raise funds, expand its presence in Africa and attract other investors.
SAV is an early-stage venture capital fund investing in high-growth companies active across sub-Saharan Africa.
The fund focuses on businesses that have strong potential, are generating income and tackling key challenges in the market. It mainly targets sub-Saharan Africa, especially markets less well covered by traditional investors, and enjoys a particular focus on French-speaking countries such as Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin and Cameroon. However, it also has investments in Ghana, Uganda and Tanzania.
As a venture capital fund of US$75 million, SAV targets the startup and launch phases of businesses tackling key constraints in the market. Initial investments are around the €250 000 mark, followed by additional capital injections of €5 million to support their growth.
SAV focuses on financial inclusion and the technologies that equip businesses (fintech and insurtech); retail sales and logistics platforms that target the online and mobile consumers market; health-related technologies; prepaid, off-grid energy; and, more generally, the adoption of technology in businesses, particularly in the food-processing industry and value chains.
It is estimated that the fund will help create 9 000 full-time jobs, 50% of them for women, and have a significant economic impact.
The fund’s objectives are in line with those of Boost Africa, which aims to invest in innovative startups that are growing strongly and having a positive social impact. Its investment strategy will strengthen that of the AfDB, which links entrepreneurship, investment and economic growth to poverty reduction and sustainable development.
It will also contribute to the AfDB’s operational priorities – the High 5s – by supporting startups operating in key sectors such as agriculture, health, industrialisation and off-grid energy.
Finally, the investments will contribute to strengthening regional integration and improving the lives of people in Africa.
