Helios Fund V Secures $75 Million Investment from EIB Global to Fuel Africa’s Digital and Tech Growth

Helios Fund V Secures $75 Million Investment from EIB Global to Fuel Africa’s Digital and Tech Growth Photo credit: EIB

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank (EIB Global) has committed $75 million to Helios Fund V, a private equity fund managed by Helios Investment Partners. Focusing on sectors like digital infrastructure, financial services, and tech-enabled services, the fund aligns with the EU-Africa Global Gateway Investment Package. EIB’s investment supports emerging African businesses, with a strong emphasis on gender equality and social responsibility, while driving economic growth and innovation across the continent.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, 27-Feb-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — In a significant move to support Africa’s digital and technological transformation, the European Investment Bank (EIB Global) has pledged a $75 million investment in Helios Fund V, a new private equity fund managed by Helios Investment Partners, the largest Africa-focused private investment firm in the world. The announcement, made by EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle at the Finance in Common Summit in Cape Town, South Africa, marks a continued commitment by the EIB to fostering private sector development in Africa.

Helios Fund V will concentrate on companies within the digital infrastructure, financial services, and technology sectors, along with tech-enabled business services such as education, healthcare, and logistics. These areas are in line with the priorities outlined in the EU-Africa Global Gateway Investment Package, which aims to enhance sustainable development across the continent through strategic investments in key industries.

In addition to its focus on sectors crucial for Africa’s growth, Helios Fund V will also target investments that meet the European Investment Bank’s gender equality criteria. The fund has committed to ensuring that at least 30% of its portfolio goes toward businesses that promote gender equality, whether through gender-smart initiatives, leadership development, or capacity-building programs. Helios has further demonstrated its commitment to gender equality by joining the 2X Global network in January 2024.

The partnership between the EIB and Helios is part of the broader Team Europe approach, which brings together European development finance institutions (DFIs) to work collaboratively in boosting the development of emerging businesses in Africa. With this investment, the EIB is helping Helios support companies in sectors such as digital infrastructure—ranging from data centers to telecom towers—and tech-enabled services like cloud computing, health tech, and financial services. By focusing on industries with high growth potential, the fund will contribute significantly to the continent’s economic development and job creation.

EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “We are excited to partner with Helios, a prominent pan-African equity firm with over two decades of experience and a solid local presence. Through this partnership, we will support Africa’s development by backing enterprises that are market-leading, socially responsible, and capable of creating value for both Africa and the European Union. This investment aligns closely with the priorities of the Global Gateway initiative and reflects Team Europe’s commitment to sustainable growth.”

David Masondo, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Finance and Chair of the Public Investment Commission, also attended the signing ceremony. He commented, “Private capital is a key driver of growth, and the EIB’s investment in Helios V is a prime example of how innovative financing can unlock Africa’s potential. This partnership strengthens our efforts to boost capital markets, digital infrastructure, and financial technologies for inclusive economic growth. I am hopeful that this investment will help accelerate development and create lasting prosperity across the continent.”

Private equity plays a crucial role in driving economic growth in Africa by providing essential capital and expertise to local businesses. Funds like Helios Fund V catalyze private investment, bringing not only funding but also valuable knowledge and technical know-how to the companies they support.

This investment by EIB Global is part of the bank’s broader strategy to enhance private sector investment in Africa. Last year alone, the EIB invested €232 million in funds operating across the continent, representing 49% of its total fund investments. This highlights the increasing emphasis placed on driving private capital flows into African economies, which are essential for sustainable growth and development.

About the European Investment Bank

The EIB is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by the Member States. It finances investments that contribute to EU policy objectives.

EIB Global is the EIB Group’s specialised arm devoted to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance, and a key partner in Global Gateway. It aims to support €100 billion of investment by the end of 2027, around one-third of the overall target of this EU initiative. With Team Europe, EIB Global fosters strong, focused partnerships, alongside fellow development finance institutions and civil society. EIB Global brings the Group closer to people, companies and institutions through its offices around the world.

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SOURCE: European Investment Bank