Alitheia IDF, Africa’s first dedicated gender-focused investing Private Equity Fund, has invested $5 million in IVILI Group, a South African woman-owned textile company. This investment aligns with Alitheia IDF’s strategy of supporting women-owned, women-led, or women-serving Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs). IVILI Group, comprising IVILI Loboya and IVILITEX, focuses on the entire textile value chain, from raw material production to finished goods for the retail market.
Key Points:
- Alitheia IDF, a $102 million private equity fund, co-founded by Polo Leteka and Tokunboh Ishmael, has invested $5 million in South African textile company IVILI Group.
- IVILI Group encompasses IVILI Loboya, a wool and cashmere processing facility, and IVILITEX, a garment manufacturing factory.
- The investment aligns with Alitheia IDF’s strategy of supporting women-owned, women-led, or women-serving SMEs.
- IVILI Loboya focuses on processing wool and cashmere and is based in Butterworth, Eastern Cape.
- IVILITEX, located in Cape Town, operates a large-scale garment manufacturing plant, with initial production focused on jeanswear for the local retailer market.
- The factory incorporates advanced technology for jeans production and washing, emphasizing efficiency and low environmental impact.
Analysis: Alitheia IDF’s investment in IVILI Group reflects a commitment to gender-focused investing and supporting women-led enterprises in Africa. By investing in a woman-owned textile company, the fund contributes to the empowerment and economic advancement of women in the region. IVILI Group’s comprehensive approach to the textile value chain, from raw materials to finished products, highlights its dedication to local production and sustainability. This investment not only promotes economic growth but also serves as an example of how private equity can play a role in advancing gender equality and inclusive economic development in Africa.
