The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has announced it is investing up to $20 million (equals 57 million dinars) into a newly independent, institutionalized private equity fund manager, SPE Capital Partners, operating in the Middle East and North Africa to help small and mid-cap companies in the region improve their access to institutional capital and boost growth.

“By backing an experienced fund manager focused on the MENA market, IFC’s support will help signal the continued viability of private equity in the region,” said Beatrice Maser, IFC’s Regional Director for MENA. “Greater access to such financing can help spur private sector development and job creation, which are both still much needed in the region.”

Here Is More You Need To Know

• The investment is part of IFC’s strategy to partner with selected fund managers in key regions to meet the needs of fast-growing companies, to help mobilize additional institutional capital in high growth sectors and ultimately strengthen capital markets.
• Lack of risk capital hinders economic growth and thwarts entrepreneurship across MENA. 
• While private equity has emerged as a critical source of equity financing for smaller cap companies globally, the penetration rate is just 0.02 percent in North Africa, compared to 0.11 percent in emerging markets, according to EMPEA EMPEA, data as of September 2018. data.

How Startups Across North Africa Can Access The New IFC Fund

Startups in North Africa  wishing to access the funding may do so by contacting SPE Capital Partners under the Fund, SPE AIF I.  

SPE Capital Partners will focus mainly on Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia, where access to equity is especially constrained because of macro-economic and political challenges. 

According to Nabil Triki, Managing Partner and CEO of SPE Capital: 

“With IFC’s support, we hope to not only provide growth capital, but also industry and value-creation expertise, which are all currently limited in MENA with focus on North Africa. There is growing demand for such support because businesses are increasingly recognizing the benefits of institutional ownership and professional management.”

Read also: Nigeria-based Startup PalmPay Launches A $260k COVID-19 Support Fund

A Look At IFC

IFC — a sister organisation of the World Bank and member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets.

It works with more than 2,000 businesses worldwide, using its capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities where they are needed most.

In fiscal year 2019, it delivered more than $19 billion in long-term financing for developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity.

In FY20, IFC has invested a total of $40.5 million in private equity and venture capital funds to support businesses in MENA.

Charles Rapulu Udoh

Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer who has advised startups across Africa on issues such as startup funding (Venture Capital, Debt financing, private equity, angel investing etc), taxation, strategies, etc. He also has special focus on the protection of business or brands’ intellectual property rights ( such as trademark, patent or design) across Africa and other foreign jurisdictions.
He is well versed on issues of ESG (sustainability), media and entertainment law, corporate finance and governance.
He is also an award-winning writer.