Ismael Wagane Diouf, CEO of Aciencia Capital Advisors, emphasizes the critical role of private equity and venture capital in Africa’s economic development. Highlighting the sector’s dynamic growth—investments reached USD 8.3 billion in 2023, with fundraising doubling in 2024—DIOUF points out persistent regional disparities, particularly the underrepresentation of Francophone Africa.
Mr Diouf argues that private equity is a key lever for transforming SMEs, supporting housing and infrastructure projects, creating jobs, and developing local skills. He stresses the need for structured reforms: educating companies on governance, providing tax incentives, simplifying the creation of local funds, and training local fund managers to reduce dependence on foreign expertise.
Success in African private equity relies on selecting promising sectors (healthcare, technology, infrastructure), rigorous due diligence, active management, innovation, and ESG integration. Despite challenges like security risks and currency volatility, Africa remains an attractive market, with patient capital opportunities in climate, energy, and digital sectors.
Mr Diouf concludes: “We must encourage the emergence of funds that are truly anchored in the African economic fabric.”
📖 Read the full story published in the Magazine Business Africa: https://africabusinessmag.com/il-faut-favoriser-lemergence-de-fondsveritablement-ancres-dans-le-tissueconomique-africain-ismael-wagane-dioufceo-daciencia-capital-advisors/finance-marche/
