East Africa Private Equity Lobby EAVCA Appoints New Directors

The East Africa Venture Capital Association (EAVCA) has appointed a new executive team as it looks to increase its membership.

EAVCA chairperson Eline Blaauboer said the pair will be tasked with widening the association’s reach across East Africa.

“The appointment of two co heads is meant to assist the association’s outreach in advocacy, intelligence, networking and training on private equity with a regional outlook,” said Ms Blaauboer.

Prior to taking up the EAVCA’s post, Ms Warigia worked at PR firm Africa Practice as a senior consultant while Ms Ndeti joins from Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs.

EAVCA, which was established in 2013, is a member association representing the private equity and venture capital industry across East Africa representing interests of 50 members as well as firms providing services to the industry. Its founding members include Abraaj, Actis, Catalysts Principle Partners, Centum, Fanisi Capital AfricInvest and TBL Mirror Fund.

The venture funds have a diversified investment portfolio ranging from clean energy, banking, insurance, malls development, agribusiness, real estate as well as manufacturing among others.

PE funds have in recent years increased their activity in the Kenyan—and East African— market, attracted by relatively high returns from sectors such as financial services, health care, education and real estate.

Data compiled by Burbidge Capital shows that the region recorded Sh50 billion worth of disclosed private equity deals last year, the bulk of which were in Kenya.

Source: Business Daily Africa