AgDevCo Secures $85 Million Investment Boost
Deal News | Apr 28, 2025 | Charles Russell Speechlys
AgDevCo, a specialist impact investor focused on African agribusinesses, has secured an $85 million investment from British International Investment (BII), Norfund, and Swedfund. Legal guidance for this investment was provided by Charles Russell Speechlys, a long-term advisor for AgDevCo. The funds aim to expand AgDevCo's portfolio of small and medium-sized enterprises across sub-Saharan Africa. The investment will drive initiatives to produce nutritious food for domestic consumption and high-value crops for export. AgDevCo's investments encompass the entire agricultural value chain, from production to logistics, supporting sustainable practices and improved resilience in the sector. Commenting on the investment, Melissa Manzo, General Counsel of AgDevCo, praised the support received from Charles Russell Speechlys, reinforcing AgDevCo's position as a leading specialist investor. Adrian Mayer from Charles Russell Speechlys highlighted the positive impact expected from the investments and the continued partnership with AgDevCo.
Sectors
- Agriculture
- Impact Investment
- Legal Advisory
Geography
- United Kingdom – British International Investment (BII) is based in the UK and is one of the investors in this deal.
- Norway – Norfund, one of the investors in the deal, is based in Norway.
- Sweden – Swedfund, one of the investors in the deal, is based in Sweden.
- Sub-Saharan Africa – AgDevCo's investments and impact are focused on agribusinesses across sub-Saharan Africa.
Industry
- Agriculture – AgDevCo operates within the agricultural sector, investing in businesses across the agricultural value chain in Africa.
- Impact Investment – AgDevCo and the investors, BII, Norfund, and Swedfund, are involved in impact investment, focusing on generating social and environmental impacts alongside financial returns.
- Legal Advisory – Charles Russell Speechlys provides legal advice, focusing on facilitating investment deals.
Financials
- $85 million – The total investment amount received by AgDevCo from BII, Norfund, and Swedfund.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| AgDevCo | Target | Company | A specialist impact investor in African agribusinesses. |
| British International Investment (BII) | Investor | Company | A UK-based development finance institution providing part of the $85 million investment. |
| Norfund | Investor | Company | A Norwegian development finance institution providing part of the $85 million investment. |
| Swedfund | Investor | Company | A Swedish development finance institution providing part of the $85 million investment. |
| Charles Russell Speechlys | Legal Advisor | Company | A law firm providing legal advice to AgDevCo on the investment deal. |
| Melissa Manzo | General Counsel | Person | General Counsel at AgDevCo, involved in the investment deal. |
| Adrian Mayer | Corporate Partner | Person | Corporate Partner at Charles Russell Speechlys, involved in advising on the investment. |