
Kenyan Fintech Zanifu Secures Fresh Backing from Yango Ventures to Expand SME Lending
Kenyan fintech Zanifu has secured fresh backing from Yango Ventures, the US$20 million corporate venture capital arm of global tech group Yango.
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The European Investment Bank (EIB Global) has pledged a $75 million investment in Helios Fund V, a private equity fund managed by Helios Investment Partners.
The fund aims to accelerate the growth of companies involved in digital infrastructure, technology-enabled services, and financial technology across Africa.
Helios Fund V will channel investments into businesses providing critical digital infrastructure, including data centers, fibre-optic networks, and telecom towers.
Additionally, it will support tech-driven business solutions such as cloud services, health tech, and logistics technology.
The fund also seeks to enhance financial technology services, including banking technology, payment systems, and financial management software.
Beyond these sectors, the investment will extend to enterprises contributing to healthcare, education, and vocational training.
EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, highlighting Helios Investment Partners’ extensive experience and influence in Africa:
“We are happy to be partnering with Helios – an important pan-African equity firm that has been operating in Africa for over two decades, with good access to investment opportunities, and a strong network and local footprint. We look forward to supporting them as they invest in market-leading, value-creating, and socially responsible enterprises for the mutual benefit of Africa and the European Union. This is fully aligned with the Global Gateway priorities being implemented by Team Europe,” Fayolle stated.
EIB Global’s commitment to private sector growth in Africa has been evident in its recent investment activities.
In 2023, the institution allocated €232 million to funds across the continent, accounting for 49% of its total fund investments.
This growing financial commitment underscores EIB Global’s focus on driving private capital flows and fostering economic development in Africa.
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