The Empower Africa Business Platform is Now Live !!!
Led by impact investor Investisseurs & Partenaires (I&P), the new funding round brings together AAIC, FINCA Ventures, and Beyond Capital, alongside advisory support from CrossBoundary under USAID’s Africa Trade and Investment activity.
The capital injection will fuel Lapaire’s ambitious expansion plans, aiming to bring the gift of clear sight to millions across Africa.
Founder Jérôme Lapaire, a Swiss entrepreneur inspired by the continent’s potential, started Lapaire in 2018 after recognizing the vast need for accessible eyewear.
“Reports highlighted the huge unmet demand for glasses in Africa,” Lapaire explains. “I knew this wasn’t just about selling a product; it was about improving lives.”
With no prior experience in the industry, Lapaire took a bold step. He bypassed traditional retail, partnering with employers to offer free eye tests and affordable glasses directly to employees.
By prioritizing social impact and a sustainable business model, Lapaire is not just selling eyewear; it’s building a brighter future for millions across Africa.
This latest investment paves the way for Lapaire to expand its reach, opening new eye care centers and making a clear vision an achievable reality for all.
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Zanifu, a Kenyan fintech company that provides inventory financing to micro, small, and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs), has raised $11.2 million in debt-equity funding in a pre-Series A round.

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