The Nairobi-based investment firm said the fund has been backed by the AHL Charitable Foundation together with three family offices.

The vehicle is aimed at attracting more private investors seeking exposure to African credit markets while also supporting businesses delivering social and environmental impact.

Founded in 2007, AHL has spent nearly two decades investing across Africa through a mix of equity, debt, mezzanine financing, and fund investments.

Over the years, the firm has increasingly shifted its attention toward private credit, arguing that debt financing offers a more sustainable and scalable model for both investors and businesses operating on the continent.

Since 2020, AHL says it has deployed more than $120 million in debt financing through the AHL Foundation and syndicated investment structures.

The investments have mainly targeted sectors such as financial inclusion, climate-focused businesses, and sustainable agriculture.

The launch of the new fund comes at a time when more investors are exploring alternative financing structures in Africa amid growing concerns about the performance of traditional venture capital models across emerging markets.

Industry players have increasingly pointed to private credit as a more predictable and lower-risk way of supporting businesses while still generating returns.

Rosanne Whalley, Chief Executive Officer of AHL Venture Partners, said the fund reflects growing demand for flexible financing solutions for African companies.

“This first close is an important milestone for AHL and reflects growing conviction that African businesses need more flexible, long-term debt capital,” Whalley said.

She added that AHL’s experience working with entrepreneurs across the continent has strengthened its belief that private credit can help scale businesses tackling major challenges in African markets.

“After nearly two decades investing alongside entrepreneurs across the continent, we believe there is a significant opportunity to build a scaled private credit platform that supports strong businesses solving real challenges across African markets,” she said.

Whalley also noted that the firm wants to help bring more private investors into Africa’s investment ecosystem.

“We also see ourselves as an on ramp for private capital looking to allocate for impact and returns in the African market,” she added.

AHL Venture Partners focuses its investments on sectors including climate action, financial inclusion, and food and agriculture systems.

The firm has backed businesses across more than 27 African countries and has participated in financing rounds involving companies in fintech, renewable energy, agriculture, and mobility.