The fifth Africa Venture Finance Programme (AVFP) convened over 40 fund managers from 14 nations to address the disparity between Africa’s entrepreneurial talent and its share of global venture capital. Delivered by Oxford academics and industry practitioners, the curriculum focused on navigating venture debt, investment exits, and integrating artificial intelligence into investment models.
Beyond technical training, the programme serves as a networking hub for institutional investors to discuss mobilizing private capital for local portfolio companies. EIB Global Director General Andrew Mc Dowell noted that the initiative targets the people capable of turning latent entrepreneurial potential into sustainable economic value.
Supporting this effort, the Boost Ventures in Africa initiative leverages an initial €4.5 million from the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus to provide technical assistance. This funding, channeled through facilities managed by EIB Advisory and KfW, aligns with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy to bolster young African enterprises. During the event, Andreata Muforo and Abi Mustapha-Maduakor received recognition for their roles in advancing the continent's private capital ecosystem. The AVFP alumni network now exceeds 200 managers, creating a lasting infrastructure for cross-border collaboration and knowledge sharing.
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