In this episode of The AVCA Podcast, we are joined by Brian Waswani Odhiambo, Partner at Novastar Ventures, and Ross Strike, Head of M&A and Investor Relations at Nigeria-based fintech Moniepoint, for a conversation about building category-defining companies in Africa.

The discussion explores what it takes to create lasting value for everyday consumers and examines what lies ahead for both organisations over the next decade. Brian reflects on Novastar's impact as the venture capital firm marks 10 years of backing bold entrepreneurs in Africa, while Ross brings a unique perspective from his journey transitioning from institutional investor to operator.

Brian and Ross unpack the realities of scaling innovative businesses in African markets, the evolution of the venture capital landscape, and the opportunities that lie ahead for visionary founders solving the continent's biggest challenges.

The Role of Private Capital in Unlocking Africa’s Agricultural Potential

In this episode, we talk to Jerry Parkes, Chief Executive Officer at Injaro Investments, about investing in agriculture and supporting smallholder farmers in Africa. Jerry also emphasises the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration to develop long-term solutions for Africa's sustainable growth.

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Driving SME Success in Africa: Tech-Forward Portfolio and Gender 3.0 with Alitheia Capital

In this episode, we talk to ‘Tokunboh Ishmael, Managing Director and Co-Founder at Alitheia Capital, about gender smart strategies driving alpha and her forthcoming Gender 3.0 fund. ‘Tokunboh also reflects on how gender lens investing has become more mainstream in the private capital landscape over the past decade.

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The role of DFIs in mobilising private capital in Africa

During AVCA Week in Johannesburg, we sat down with Chris Chijiutomi, Managing Director and Head of Africa at British International Investment (BII), to discuss BII’s longstanding partnership with South Africa as a provider of patient, long-term capital, and the DFI’s role in mobilising capital to solve development challenges in Africa.

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Driving sustainable and impactful growth in Africa's private capital landscape

This conversation was recorded at the 20th Annual AVCA Conference in Johannesburg, in April 2024.

We sat down with Philipp Hein, CFA, Head of Private Equity Africa and Global Climate Investments at DEG, to discuss the merits of the private capital landscape in Africa; DEG winning the ‘Enabler’ award in the LP category at AVCA’s Anniversary Awards, and his outlook for the sector over the next 12 months.

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In this interview AVCA and ⁠Edmund Higenbottam⁠, Managing Director, ⁠Verdant Capital⁠ explore the critical role of mezzanine and private credit as an emerging asset class, their strategic function in bridging funding gaps, and the ongoing discussion surrounding the uptake of their adoption. 

In this episode we are joined by Samantha Pokroy, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Sanari Capital as we delve into the dynamic world of private equity in Africa, focusing on its transformative impact on family-owned businesses across the continent. Join us as we explore Sanari’s unique expertise in strategies for scaling family enterprises, and the pivotal role they play in Africa’s journey to sustainable economic growth.

Sanari Capital: https://www.sanari.co.za/

In this discussion we will explore the case for forestry as an asset class, venturing across the African continent to examine its wider impact.

Join us for a crucial conversation about the transformative potential of forestry management across Africa, alongside Charles Groom, Investment Director: Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Forestry, British International Investment, and Paul Ohaga, Director of Investments and Eva Warigia, Associate Director, Investor Relations, New Forests. 

British International Investment: https://www.bii.co.uk/en/

New Forests: https://newforests.com/

In this podcast, Ijeoma Emezie-Ezigbo, Partner & Head of Transaction Services at KPMG West Africa sits with Abiola Ojo-Osagie, Senior Partner, AfricInvest, who covers