Cairo: - Changemakers across Africa’s private capital landscape will convene in Cairo for the 19th Annual AVCA Conference and VC Summit, the largest Africa focused private capital gathering globally.

Over 600 private capital investors, capital allocators and entrepreneurs will unpack and explore investment opportunities transforming Africa’s development. The AVCA Conference welcomes attendees from over 50 countries globally to discuss exciting growth markets and opportunities under the theme Retrospection & Prospection: Transforming Africa through Private Capital.

Organised and hosted by the pan-African industry association, AVCA’s flagship forum analyses current developments and factors stimulating investment in industries shaping the continent’s next phase of growth. Participants will explore new ways to unlock finance and growth among sectors impacted by global economic conditions, from food and agriculture to infrastructure, health, tech and more.

The agenda incorporates topical debate, market-shaping perspectives and strategies from organisations including Adenia Partners, African Development Bank, African Infrastructure Investment Managers, AfricInvest, British International Investment, Clifford Chance, DEG, FSD Africa, International Finance Corporation, Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund, Old Mutual Alternative Investments, Proparco, Sahel Capital, Verod Capital Management and Visa Foundation.

Informing critical conversations are world-class investors, providing perspectives of LPs and GPs; business leaders reshaping industries; and public figures, enabling environments for industry players to thrive in. 130+ speakers will engage in panel discussions, roundtables, fireside chats, and networking opportunities. Speakers shaping the discourse include:

  • Hazem Elwassimy Advisor to AfDB Vice President, Head of Private Sector Strategy & Investment Transactions Structuring, African Development Bank
  • Runa Alam Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Development Partners International (DPI)
  • Wael Amin Partner, Sawari Ventures
  • Dina El Shenoufy, Chief Investment Officer, Flat6Labs
  • Jeremie Ceyrac, Global Head Private Equity, Proparco
  • Hany Assaad, Co-Founder and Chief Portfolio and Risk Officer, Avanz Capital
  • Ramez El-Serafy, Chief Executive Officer, Flat6Labs
  • Hatim Ben Ahmed, Managing Partner at Mediterrania Capital Partners & President of the Moroccan PE Association
  • Sherif Elkholy, Partner and Head of the Middle East & Africa Infrastructure, Actis
  • Sameh Shenouda, Executive Director & Chief Investment Officer, Africa Finance Corporation
  • Nicholas Vickery Global Head, Private Equity Funds, International Finance Corporation
  • Aliya Shariff, Managing Director, Rohatyn Group
  • Matthew Hunt, Director, South Suez Capital
  • Olusola Lawson, Co-Managing Director, African Infrastructure Investment Managers
  • Safia Fassi-Fihri Partner, ALN | ADNA
  • Richard Okello, Co-Founder & Partner, Sango Capital

Distinguished speakers will lead discussions on responses to global challenges impacting capital allocation; approaches to pressing issues such as climate change; and focus on critical issues, such as the relationship between impact and profit, diversity, and inclusion.

Panel discussions during the PE Conference include, Exploring the Timeless Treasures and Investment Opportunities in North Africa, Transitioning to a Green Economy, and Investing for a Secure and Sustainable Food Future. While sessions during the VC Summit will survey the dominant fintech sector, ESG consideration across VC activity, and spotlight pan-African opportunities.

Before the official launch of the event, the following AVCA executives, board members and key Egyptian venture investors addressed the media at a press conference:

  • Hany Al-Sonbaty, Managing Partner, Sawari Ventures
  • Paul Botha, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Metier (AVCA board member)
  • Ramez El-Serafy, Chief Executive Officer, Flat6Labs
  • Ann Wyman, Executive Partner, AfricInvest (AVCA board member)
  • Abi Mustapha-Maduakor, Chief Executive Officer, AVCA

Commenting on the summit and its return to Egypt, Abi Mustapha-Maduakor, Chief Executive Officer, AVCA, said: "It's not a coincidence that we returned to Egypt for AVCA's annual summit. Egypt is a desirable investment destination and has consistently ranked high for deal volume and value in North Africa and across the entire continent. Over the past decade, the Egyptian government has implemented progressive policies to improve the regulatory environment and stimulate investment to support ambitious businesses and generate jobs. We are excited to be in Cairo for the conference. This year's conference will provide a fantastic opportunity for our industry to connect, network, and share knowledge so that we can unlock more capital across Africa."

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About AVCA

AVCA is a pan-African industry body that promotes private investment in Africa. AVCA's diverse membership is united by a common purpose: to be part of the African growth story. With a global and growing member base, AVCA members span private equity and venture capital firms, institutional investors, foundations and endowments, pension funds, international development finance institutions, professional service firms, academia, and other associations.