Empower Africa

PBR Life Sciences (Techstars '23) has raised $1 million in pre-seed funding to enhance AI infrastructure and expand into Ghana and Kenya. Founded in 2015, the company provides pharmaceutical firms with anonymized market data to optimize production and decision-making in African markets. Launch Africa Ventures, Microtraction, Kaleo Ventures, Octerra Capital , Marula Square, XA Africa, ARM Labs , and Techstars participated in the funding round. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dpxtY8nX Adeniyi Akiseku Julie Wole-Ajayi B.Pharm. MCIM 'Kemi Sope-Agbebi Adeoye Sobande Lola Thompson Duke Chartered FCIPD, MSC, MBA, MCIPM Akin Odubitan Sophia Runsewe, ACIPM, HRPL Ayodeji Alaran VICTORIA OBEY Israel J. Adebayo Michael Mutie Hannah Subayi Kamuanga Yele Bademosi Catherine Oyekan Dayo Koleowo Ire Aderinokun Chioma Chukwuemeka-Joseph (ACA) (FMVA) Ife Oyedele II Andrew Firman, CFA Onyeka Egonu Ashim Egunjobi #empowerafrica #africa #investinafrica #startupfunding #innovation #AI #HealthcareAnalytics #HealthTech

South African fintech Sourcefin has secured $8.2 million in funding from Futuregrowth Asset Management’s High Growth Developmental Equity Fund (HGDEF). Founded in 2020, Sourcefin provides financing and supply chain support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs), addressing critical gaps in working capital. The funding will enable Sourcefin to scale investments and support tender fulfilment, crucial for SMME growth in South Africa. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/d74-_EPH Brandon Davis Kurisani Sonia Makhubele Aleshan Maistry Daine Hand CA(SA) Joshua Kadish Cody Pooran Luca Cioffi Marom Mishan Jonah Fouché Jedd Harris Jared Wolf Jordan Hertz Avi Mishan Chris Marais Marc Ungar Amrishsingh Narrandes Smital Rambhai Musa Ngema, CFA Brian Masondo Denzil Kennon Yusuf Chothia Rookaya Ahmed Nersan Naidoo Lee Schilder Shelley Marshall Muhammad Fareez Davids Khaya Ntuli Riyaadh Davids Andrew Canter Nkanyiso Ninela CA(SA) Ameera Ebrahim Shay Douglas Jason Lightfoot Yunus January Nadia Ismail #empowerafrica #africa #investiafrica #SMMEFinance #Fintech

Africa has another unicorn. 🦄 South Africa’s TymeBank Group has raised $250 million in a Series D round to become the continent's ninth unicorn. The funding was led by Nu Holdings. Tyme serves over 15 million customers through its hybrid banking model and has provided $600 million in financing to small businesses. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dtNXp_b7 Luke Lanterme Jarred Deacon Coenraad (Coen) Jonker Rean Bloem Karl Westvig Senzi Skosana Estee Jason John Kane Heidi Stoffberg Erin Louw Hugo Mare Jessica Moshoeshoe Duke Mathebula Tommy Nel (CFA, ACMA CGMA) Tyler Posthumus Ashraf Abrahams Tebogo Matsokotsa Yusuf Dockrat Meghan Moir Jesse Luke Wilson Cheslyn Jacobs Moeketsi Moeng Marin Cundall Lonwabo Jwili Diketso Lebaka Cameron Chaplin Amrita Arjun (CISA, CIA, CRMA, CCSA) Shane Nair Nomonde Msewu Kele Boakgomo Sithembile Kobe Chris Becker Miguel Da Silva Lee-Anne Kalam Jason Ellinas Mmasetena N. Annelie Pretorius Thomas Harraway #empowerafrica #africa #investinafrica #TymeGroup #FintechInnovation #StartupFunding #DigitalBanking #Fintech

Incofin Investment Management has invested $1.55 million through its Nutritious Foods Financing Facility (N3F) to enhance food systems and nutrition. The first investment supports TRUK RWANDA in improving cold chain logistics, reducing food waste, and boosting farmers' income. The second investment focuses on Couvoir Amar in Senegal to increase domestic poultry production, making protein-rich food more affordable. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/d5rRw7Uc Herve Tuyishime Kerry Bunyolia Wanjiru Waithaka, CFA Emma Zawadi Awich Esther Mareka Ndolo Loïc De Cannière Christian Regnicoli, CAIA, MBA Aparna Pittie Fredrick Bennani Shonan Kothari Shege Ebale Paul Buysens Bineta Mbengue Ndiaye Myrtho Vlastou Seija Gadeyne Niels De Bie Liliane Umutoni Geert Peetermans #empowerafrica #investinafrica #africa #Agribusiness #SustainableAgriculture

This Rwandan financial leader is driving Rwanda’s transformation into a premier destination for global investment and economic opportunity. Through his leadership, he is creating a robust financial ecosystem that connects Rwanda to international investors. His work has been pivotal in attracting vital investments fueling Rwanda’s development agenda. Meet Nick Barigye. He is the CEO of Rwanda Finance Limited, the institution behind the Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC) — a platform that is positioning Rwanda as a competitive, transparent, and trusted financial hub on the global stage. Under his leadership, KIFC is channeling strategic investments into Rwanda’s priority sectors, unlocking new opportunities for businesses and investors. Today, we feature him in our series of the #AfricanChangeMakers. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dqXmgrmU Mihigo Romeo Maniraguha Janvier Jean Paul TUMUSIFU Umulinga Karangwa, CFA Sarah Mutoni Herve-Frederic Rugwizangoga-MBA Arlette Bahizi Immaculée Uwamungu Shaduri Umutoniwase Rumongi Jean-Marie Kananura Leila Rwagasana Pacifique RURANGWA Winnie Kabatesi Théogène Ishimwe #empowerafrica #africa #investinafrica #FinancialHub #RwandaGrowth

Juicyway, a Nigerian cross-border payments startup, has raised $3 million in pre-seed funding to expand its operations in Nigeria, the US, the UK, and Canada. Founded in 2021, the fintech facilitates currency exchanges and cross-border transactions. The funding round was led by P1 Ventures with additional backing from Ventures Platform Fund, Future Africa, MAGIC Fund, Microtraction, Andrew Alli, Gbenga Oyebode, and Tunde Folawiyo. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/diYi2Thc Ife Johnson Idris Ibrahim Justin Ziegler Susan Ogbedu Kayode Amoo Ayodele Dada Rebecca Adiyelogun ACA (in view) Nwamaka Enumah Marième Diop Melody Ama M. Mikael Hajjar Selva Govinden Mia von Koschitzky-Kimani Wura Kayode Mathew Saunders Kola A. Dr. Adebayo Matthew Akano Oluwasola Osonuga (ACA) Dolapo Morgan Ato Bentsi-Enchill Yele Bademosi Ire Aderinokun Dayo Koleowo Chioma Chukwuemeka-Joseph (ACA) (FMVA) Daniel Odediran Alison Cheung Francis Sani O. Funmi Aliyu Michael Lisovetsky Troy Osinoff #empowerafrica #africa #investinafrica #startupfunding #venturecapital #fintech #innovation

Last month, Empower Africa and The Rapaport Group hosted a Trade Mission to Sierra Leone. Delegates from around the world explored the heart of the diamond region, meeting miners and witnessing the artisanal mining process firsthand. At Koyardu, the Peace Diamond Village, we saw hope and hard work in action. Delegates joined activities like gravel screening, visited the Peace Diamond School, and attended the Kono District trade fair to learn more about the community’s potential. This mission was about more than diamonds—it was about connecting with people and building sustainable opportunities for growth. We are excited to finally share the stories, photos, and videos from this powerful journey. Stay tuned for more! Learn more about the Peace Diamonds: https://lnkd.in/d5rfHD8F #EmpowerAfrica #TradeMission2024 #PeaceDiamondVillage #SustainableFuture

Sanari Capital has successfully raised $80 million for its Sanari 3S Growth Fund to support mid-market African businesses driven by technology, innovation, and growth. The fund has attracted a mix of institutional investors, including the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), Alexforbes Investments, the 27four Black Business Growth Fund, the Telkom Retirement Fund, the Motor Industry Retirement Funds, RisCura, and the National Fund for Municipal Workers. Sanari 3S Growth Fund has already invested in four companies, including Edulife Group, LightWare LiDAR, iiDENTIFii, and Energenic Holdings. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/d3ScUZqG Jo-Ann Pöhl Sihle P Gumede Samantha Pokroy Moushmi Patel Lehlogonolo Hloni Thankge Ofentse Pelle, CFA MBA Samantha Watermeyer Zoaib Hoosen Trevashan Pillay Sipho Sibeko Patricia Marsh Umeche (MSc.) #empowerafrica #africa #investinafrica #innovation #technology #funding

Swedfund International and IFU are investing $44 million in Sturdee Energy to boost renewable energy in Southern Africa. The investment will support over 200MW of renewable energy projects, adding 600 GWh of clean energy annually. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dHWkUgW5 Andrew Johnson Gerald Randall Nadeemah Docrat James White Ryno Strauss Verster Joan K. Andrew Githaiga Jesper Kaspersen Jesper Tønder Flora Oloo Ina Hoxha (Zaloshnja) Muktar Mahdi Njeri .M. Ngaruiya Magnus Nilsson Landry Ahouansou Thomas Hougaard Fleming Voetmann Frances Iris L. Youssef Shelbaya Jens-Martin Knupper Mikkel Kallesøe Mathias Hansen Rachna Sharma Nana Yaw Kwakye Hans Jørgen Nyegaard Søren Peter Andreasen Henrik Henriksen Valary Omamo Roshi Motman Axel Hallgren Audrey Obara Sebastian Süllmann Felix Ockborn Sophie Taintor Marie Aglert Gunilla Nilsson Kristin Sjöblom #empowerafrica #africa #investinafrica #RenewableEnergy #GreenEnergy #ClimateAction #EnergyTransition #CleanEnergy #SolarPower

Schroders Capital and BlueOrchard Finance Ltd have committed $5 million to the African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM) Fund 4 (AIIF4) through their Green Earth Impact Fund (GEIF). The investment is aimed at supporting climate-focused infrastructure projects in Africa. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/d_gRGFAj Anne Danker Jackline Nabwire, CFA Ashwin West Jeanne de Guillebon Clara Scholz Veronika Giusti Keller Richard Hardy Yann Groeger Derrick Gaitho Ebony Satti, EMBA Njeri Ng'ang'a Valerie Harrington Anne Jackermeier Martin Gahr, CFA Ndirangu Warugongo Raphaël Lambin, CFA Francesco Fantini Susan Waithaka Ed Stumpf Iranga Mukendi Arnold Attoungbré Kagiso Monyai, CFA Paul Frankish Zizile Ndziba Zaahid Abdul Ganey CA (SA), CFA Sylvie AMANI Epse AIOUO Tania Swanepoel Sola Lawson Hlompho Vuyo Ntoi Patrick Kouamé John Oluwadamilola Agbaje Erica Gathoni Kikunze Jens O. Floe Miriam Macharia Tahir Mullajee CA(SA), CAIA Patricia Rodrigues Jenner Ph.D.🌏 Lebogang Pholoba #empowerafrica #africa #investinafrica #InfrastructureDevelopment #SustainableInvestment #GreenFinance #ImpactInvesting