Investisseurs & Partenaires Transition Impactful Role in Mastercard Fund
Deal News | Jan 29, 2025 | Investisseurs & Partenaires
The Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund, established to provide risk capital for SMEs in Sub-Saharan Africa, is transitioning its advisory role from Investisseurs & Partenaires (I&P) to Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA). This transition marks the evolution of the Fund, which promotes African-owned investment vehicles, particularly those led by women. Launched in response to Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy, the Fund aims to create jobs and support SMEs with $150 million already allocated to 18 investment vehicles across 12 countries. The Fund boasts the creation of 2,500 jobs and a significant focus on gender-lens investment. MEDA, along with its partners, will continue to drive this initiative, fostering inclusive economic growth and advancing gender equity.
Sectors
- Impact Investing
- Gender-Lens Investing
- Private Equity
Geography
- Sub-Saharan Africa – The Fund targets investments in SMEs across various countries within this region.
Industry
- Impact Investing – This is relevant as the article discusses a fund focused on driving social impact through investment in SMEs in Africa.
- Gender-Lens Investing – The Fund targets gender-diverse, female-led investment vehicles as a core strategy.
- Private Equity – The initiative involves structuring and support of investment vehicles that fall under the broader private equity category.
Financials
- 150 million USD – The investment capacity allocated to 18 Investment Vehicles.
- 200 million USD – Total capital size of the Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Investisseurs & Partenaires (I&P) | Outgoing Fund Advisor | Company | An impact investment group dedicated to financing and supporting African entrepreneurs. |
| Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) | Incoming Fund Advisor | Company | A global organization with expertise in market-driven programs focusing on sustainable and inclusive economic growth. |
| Mastercard Foundation | Funder | Charity | Foundation supporting impactful initiatives across Africa, focusing on young people and gender equity. |
| Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund | Investment Fund | Company | A $200 million fund of funds aimed at catalyzing risk capital for African SMEs under a gender-lens investing approach. |