
Ten African Startups Advance to Latitude59 African Final, Winner to Compete for €1 Million Prize
Ten promising startups have been selected to compete in the African final of the prestigious Latitude59 competition.
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The European Investment Bank (EIB) has invested €20 million in the Amethis Europe Expansion Fund, a new private equity initiative that will help European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) grow their presence in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
The newly-launched private equity vehicle will support European companies in expanding their operations into Africa, as well as deeper into Europe and the Middle East.
The Amethis Europe Expansion Fund will target growth-capital investments in firms with strong European roots that are looking to establish or scale operations in Africa.
This may involve exports, forming partnerships, pursuing acquisitions or direct investments on the African continent.
With a final fund size of approximately €143 million and backing from institutional investors including Bpifrance and COFIDES under the Team Europe framework, it is positioned to provide both capital and strategic support for internationalisation.
EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle underscored the institution’s intent behind the investment, stating:
“This new investment reflects our commitment to fostering sustainable economic ties between Europe and Africa.”
He added that by helping European SMEs grow in Africa, “we are helping to unlock new opportunities for innovation, quality jobs and shared prosperity.”
This marks the fifth time the EIB has invested in a fund managed by Amethis, signalling a durable strategic partnership.
Since its founding in 2011, Amethis has grown into a prominent private-equity firm operating across Africa and Europe, with over 30 investments to date and assets under management in excess of €1.4 billion.

Ten promising startups have been selected to compete in the African final of the prestigious Latitude59 competition.

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