Opportunities
Grants, VC funds, accelerators, and competitions for African entrepreneurs.
Grants, VC funds, accelerators, and competitions for African entrepreneurs.
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$1M–$50M
A Swiss for-profit development finance institution within the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) that invests in emerging economies to build infrastructure and enterprises supporting economic growth. AKFED operates 70+ project companies employing 60,000+ people across 15 countries in Africa and Asia. All profits are reinvested in future development initiatives — it does not distribute returns to shareholders.
Long-Term Capital
$1M–$50M in equity or debt investment with a development-first orientation.
AKDN Network Access
Integration into the broader Aga Khan Development Network spanning health, education, culture, and infrastructure.
Operational Partnership
Active involvement in governance, management, and strategic direction of portfolio companies.
Agricultural Extension
For agri-investments: extension services to farmers, microloans for production costs, and training in administrative/managerial skills.
Financial Services
Banking (Diamond Trust Bank) and insurance (Jubilee Insurance) expanding financial inclusion across East Africa.
Tourism & Hospitality
Serena Hotels chain and tourism development across East Africa promoting sustainable tourism.
Energy & Infrastructure
Hydropower and solar investments including Azito Energy and Tsavo Power plants.
Agriculture & Food Processing
Enterprises like Frigoken (Kenya's largest vegetable processor) supporting smallholder farmer market access.
Industry & Manufacturing
Industrial Promotion Services (IPS) operating manufacturing and industrial ventures across Africa and Asia.
Enterprises that improve livelihoods in East Africa and Central/South Asia with strong governance. Investment decisions prioritize development impact over bottom-line profitability. Focus on financial services, tourism, energy, agriculture, and industry.
Active governance participation, AKDN network integration, operational management support, agricultural extension services for agri-portfolio companies.
AKFED is a strategic, long-term holder — not a typical VC. Expect active governance involvement. Recent divestiture of Nation Media Group shareholding (March 2026) signals portfolio rebalancing.
AKFED invests for decades, not years. Best approach is through existing AKDN affiliates in your country. If operating in Kenya, Tanzania, or Uganda in financial services, agriculture, energy, or hospitality, AKFED is a strong potential partner.
1984
Active Since
Yes
Deploying
Diamond Trust Bank (Kenya, Uganda); Jubilee Insurance Group; Serena Hotels (East Africa chain); Frigoken (Kenya's largest vegetable processor); Nation Media Group (divested March 2026); Azito Energy (power plant); Tsavo Power (Kenya); Industrial Promotion Services (IPS) affiliates