The Boost Africa Technical Assistance Facility and AfricaGrow Technical Assistance Facility are next week (September 25-29) hosting 40 leading fund managers from select African investment funds for an in-person programme held at the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School.
The Boost Africa Technical Assistance Facility, which is funded by the European Union and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, provides bespoke support to strengthen the core professional and operational skills of partner fund managers and their investees, while AfricaGrow is a fund of funds domiciled in Germany, which aims to support SMEs and startups on the African continent.
The Africa Venture Finance Programme, the first edition of which took place last year, is designed specifically for VC fund managers investing in early and growth-stage technology companies in Africa. The week-long course will focus on the sharing of best practice and peer-to-peer knowledge, and provide cutting-edge insights and learning opportunities in all relevant aspects of fund management.
Over half of the attendees are women, underscoring the event’s commitment to fostering and celebrating greater gender diversity in the African VC ecosystem. This year, an awards ceremony has also been added to the programme, recognising standout individuals with accolades such as the “Most Promising Fund Manager” and a “Lifetime Achievement Award”, among others.
The group will also be joined by a notable delegation from development finance institutions (DFIs) including the African Development Bank, Proparco, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, along with programme sponsors the European Investment Bank (EIB) and KfW Development Bank.
“The EIB has for many years championed innovative African businesses, through its own financing, by encouraging other investors, but also by providing training and the exchange of best practice for the African business sector. With Boost Africa and other initiatives, we support entrepreneurs and innovators across the continent. I am delighted to see the Africa Venture Finance Programme return for a second edition, bringing together bright minds dedicated to supporting successful African businesses,” said Thomas Östros, vice president of the EIB.
