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Africa50, the leading pan-African infrastructure investor and multi-vehicle asset manager, has announced the appointment of Sérgio Pimenta as Chief Executive Officer of its Infrastructure Acceleration Fund (IAF).
Pimenta brings over 25 years of experience from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), where he most recently served as Vice President for Africa.
In his new role, Pimenta will spearhead efforts to raise institutional and commercial capital at scale, channeling it toward projects that help narrow the continent’s infrastructure deficit.
The Africa50 IAF is a closed-ended private equity fund with a 12-year lifespan. To date, it has successfully secured USD 275 million in capital commitments from 22 institutional investors across Africa and beyond.
Reflecting on his appointment, Pimenta remarked:
“I am honoured to join the Africa50 Group to lead the Infrastructure Acceleration Fund. It is a pioneering platform that strengthens global momentum for deploying private sector capital and unlocking Africa’s tremendous potential.”
“Together with the team and our partners, I look forward to scaling a pipeline of transformative, bankable projects that power regional trade, drive sustainable growth, and create jobs across the continent to improve the lives of people,” he added.
Alain Ebobissé, CEO of Africa50 Group, welcomed the appointment. He cited Pimenta’s deep domain knowledge and expertise in capital mobilisation as crucial assets:
“His profound expertise in capital mobilisation, combined with his in-depth knowledge of the African and global emerging markets, will be instrumental in supporting Africa50 IAF in achieving its strategic goals and accelerating the delivery of high-impact infrastructure projects across the continent,” he said.
“I am confident that Sérgio will help us deliver a solid investment portfolio, affirming Africa50 IAF’s role as a key investment vehicle for investors ready to partner in Africa’s growth.”
The Africa50 IAF forms part of a broader strategic initiative by the Africa50 Group to channel private sector funding into infrastructure across various sectors, including energy, digital infrastructure, and transport, among others.
The fund’s efforts build on earlier success, including a $222.5 million first close in December 2023, which was supported by a combination of African and international institutional investors.
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