Investors Eye Africa as EIB Backs $75M Helios Fund

The European Investment Bank (EIB Global) has committed $75 million to Helios Investors V, L.P. (Helios Fund V), further strengthening private equity investment in Africa. The announcement was made at the Finance in Common Summit in Cape Town, South Africa, marking a significant step in bolstering the continent’s digital and financial infrastructure.

Boosting African Business Growth

Helios Investment Partners, the firm managing the fund, is the largest private equity investment company focused on Africa. Helios Fund V aims to drive growth in key sectors such as digital infrastructure, financial technology, and business services. This aligns with the EU-Africa Global Gateway Investment Package, designed to support Africa’s economic development.

The fund will prioritise investments in digital infrastructure, including data centres, fibre-optic networks, and telecom towers. Additionally, it will back companies offering tech-enabled business services such as cloud computing, health tech, and logistics technology. Financial services and technology sectors will also benefit, with investments in banking tech, payment solutions, and financial management software. Other areas of focus include companies providing essential services in healthcare, education, and training.

A Strategic European Partnership

This investment forms part of EIB Global’s broader Team Europe initiative, which collaborates with European development finance institutions (DFIs) to support African enterprises. By pooling resources, these institutions aim to provide emerging businesses with the capital and expertise necessary for sustainable expansion.

Helios has also committed to dedicating at least 30% of the fund’s portfolio to businesses that meet EIB’s gender equality standards. In January 2024, the firm joined the 2X Global network, reinforcing its commitment to gender-smart investment strategies. These include leadership coaching, mentorship programmes, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at advancing women in corporate leadership roles.

Strengthening Africa’s Financial Landscape

EIB Global Vice President Ambroise Fayolle expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating, “We are happy to be partnering with Helios – an important pan-African equity firm that has been operating in Africa for over two decades, with good access to investment opportunities, and a strong network and local footprint. We look forward to supporting them as they invest in market-leading, value-creating, and socially responsible enterprises for the mutual benefit of Africa and the European Union. This is fully aligned with the Global Gateway priorities being implemented by Team Europe.”

South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Finance, David Masondo, also welcomed the move, highlighting its potential for economic transformation. “Private capital fuels growth, and EIB Global’s investment in Helios V showcases innovative financing to unlock Africa’s potential. South Africa welcomes this funding, which strengthens business collaboration and mobilises capital for high-impact sectors. It aligns with our commitment to enhancing capital markets, digital technologies, and financial infrastructure for inclusive growth. Such partnerships drive investment, industrial growth, jobs, and resilience. I hope the fund leverages this investment to accelerate development and ensure lasting prosperity.”

Private Capital as a Catalyst

EIB Global remains committed to driving economic growth in Africa by facilitating private capital investment. The bank emphasises that private equity firms like Helios play a crucial role in injecting external funding, technical expertise, and market knowledge into African enterprises.

In 2023 alone, EIB Global invested €232 million in funds across Africa, representing nearly half of the bank’s total fund investments. This highlights a growing focus on stimulating private capital flow to enhance business innovation and infrastructure on the continent.

With Helios Fund V now backed by a substantial EIB investment, African businesses in high-growth sectors are set to receive the financial backing needed to scale operations and expand their impact on the continent’s economy.