This funding will fuel TRIFIC SEZ’s growth, allowing them to acquire and renovate a 14,975 square meter office tower.

Additionally, two new Grade A office towers boasting a combined 76,800 sqm of leasable space will be developed.

Tenants will enjoy a vibrant business ecosystem within the wider Two Rivers precinct, offering residential areas, restaurants, shops, and entertainment.

“We’re proud to partner with Centum, a reputable investment group, on this project,” said Warren van der Merwe, managing partner at Vantage Capital.

“This collaboration will create jobs and attract foreign investment to Kenya.”

James Mworia, CEO at Centum, expressed his satisfaction with the partnership.

“Vantage Capital’s investment will allow TRIFIC SEZ to deliver exceptional facilities, attracting businesses and boosting Kenya’s economy through job creation, foreign investment, and export revenue.”

TRIFIC SEZ aims to provide businesses with a competitive edge by offering world-class infrastructure, advanced technology, and a supportive regulatory framework.

Companies operating within the zone will benefit from tax incentives, including VAT exemption, import duty and stamp duty waivers, and a reduced corporate tax rate for the first decade.

Werksmans (South Africa) and Bowmans (Kenya) provided legal counsel for Vantage Capital. JLL, PWC Kenya, Turner & Townsend, Webber Wentzel, and IBIS Consulting also advised on the transaction.

This investment aims to bolster mid-cap companies in Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia.

The fund will focus on generating long-term capital growth through equity and similar investments in these North African nations. It also holds the flexibility to expand its reach into select sub-Saharan African countries.

This represents a continuation of the successful partnership between EBRD and SPE Capital. Their initial collaboration involved the EBRD’s 2019-2020 investment in SPE AIF I, the predecessor to SPE PEF III.

AIF I has since fueled the growth of nine companies across various sectors like healthcare, education, consumer goods, and food processing.

EBRD’s Director for Private Equity Funds Investment, Anne Fossemalle, expressed enthusiasm about supporting SPE Capital, a key strategic partner in the southern and eastern Mediterranean region.

She highlighted SPE Capital’s established presence in regional offices across Tunis, Casablanca, Cairo, and Abidjan.

This network will empower them to assist African businesses in maximizing their operational potential, generate strong returns for investors, and ultimately improve the continent’s overall well-being.

Nabil Triki, SPE Capital’s Managing Partner and CEO, acknowledged the EBRD’s unwavering support, which has been critical for the firm’s private equity funds and overall development.

He emphasized how this commitment allows them to not only deliver substantial returns but also generate a lasting positive impact in their investment markets. Triki went on to describe their collaboration as a force for sustainable growth and development, benefiting both communities and economies.

This partnership, he concluded, reinforces their shared vision of nurturing resilient, high-growth businesses across North Africa and beyond.

This new partnership will unlock greater access to credit for underserved SMEs.

APC specializes in offering medium to long-term loans, particularly to businesses that struggle to secure financing from traditional institutions due to a lack of collateral.

Oikocredit’s investment will allow APC to expand its lending activities, reaching a wider range of companies in various African countries.

“We’re proud to partner with Oikocredit,” said Kouraiech Belhajali, CEO of APC.

“This funding will enable us to continue supporting underserved businesses in Africa, extending our reach and target market. With this capital injection, we aim to significantly enhance our impact on economic growth, job creation, and financial inclusion.”

Lewis Nyaga, an investment officer at Oikocredit, echoed the sentiment saying:

“We’re thrilled to announce this partnership with AfricInvest and this crucial debt facility designed to strengthen African SMEs.”