The African Private Capital Association begins its 20th Annual AVCA Conference & VC Summit in Johannesburg today. More than 700 industry practitioners from 60 countries around the world will come together to advance new ideas and build lasting partnerships to transform Africa’s development.
The flagship event is the largest Africa-focused forum for private capital globally, convening prominent investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers and business leaders to showcase investible opportunities across Africa. Marking its 20th anniversary this week, the annual event has prepared the ground for innovation, knowledge exchange and action-oriented collaboration among key stakeholders over the past two decades.
Since 2004, the association has tracked over 4,000 private capital investments across the continent, with a total reported value of US$81 billion – a testament to the progress made in Africa’s investment ecosystem over the years. Themed ‘Embracing Change: Shaping the Next Era of Africa’s Prosperity’, AVCA’s annual conference returns to South Africa after 11 years.
According to AVCA’s forthcoming Private Capital Regional Landscape Report: Southern Africa (published in May 2024), the region is ranked 1st in Africa for deal value, with US$4.1 billion invested across 252 deals between 2022 and 2023. South Africa accounted for 201 deals worth US$3.5 billion. Of the 832 portfolio companies actively backed by private capital in the region, South Africa is home to 575 (nearly 70%).
The conference officially kicks off on Tuesday 23rd April, opening with remarks from AVCA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Abi Mustapha-Maduakor, and a keynote address from Phuthuma Nhleko, Chairman and Co-Founder of Phembani Group, focusing on Africa’s long term economic transformation in a 21st century digital world.
The full agenda incorporates interactive panels with 130+ speakers, roundtable debates, investor and portfolio company spotlights, a landmark awards ceremony, and networking opportunities with high-level speakers, including Adenia, Africa50, African Capital Alliance, Africa Finance Corporation, AfricInvest, African Infrastructure Investment Managers, British International Investment, Development Partners International, FSD Africa, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Helios Investment Partners, International Finance Corporation, Kuramo Capital Management, Soros Economic Development Fund, TPG, U.S International Development Finance Corporation, Ventures Platform, Verdant Capital, Visa Foundation, 500 Global, and more.
Ahead of the proceedings, AVCA announced three leading private equity investors who will join its Board of Directors this year, bringing a wealth of experience to support the association in expanding its reach and impact as it continues to champion private investment across Africa.
The new Board members are:
- Takudzwa Mutasa, Partner, Development Partners International (effective April 2024)
- Hany Al-Sonbaty, Managing Partner, Sawari Ventures (effective April 2024)
- Nieros Oyegun Soerensen, Partner & Chief Executive Officer, Verod Capital Management (effective October 2024)
Abi Mustapha-Maduakor, CEO of AVCA, said: “We are delighted to return to South Africa to celebrate 20 years of convening Africa’s private capital ecosystem. This year, we have curated a vibrant and engaging agenda to acknowledge the remarkable resilience our industry has shown across dealmaking, exits and fundraising, amid a challenging period of economic uncertainty. AVCA is proud to play its role as the nexus of private capital in Africa by bridging the gap between global and local finance, aligning the industry on interventions to revitalise growth, and providing a space for meaningful dialogue for lasting change. We also look forward to the impactful contributions the new Directors will make with the wealth of experience they bring to the Board.”
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