Enko Capital Launches $100m Private Credit Fund to Bridge Africa’s Financing Gap
Enko Capital, an Africa-focused alternative asset manager, has secured $100 million in the first close of its impact-driven private credit fund, marking a major step toward boosting economic growth and sustainable development across the continent. The fund, which targets a total of $150 million with a hard cap of $200 million, is designed to address Africa’s persistent structural credit gap while supporting job creation and inclusive economic expansion.
Backed by prominent global and regional investors such as British International Investment (BII), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), SICOM Global Fund Limited, and African pension funds and family offices, the Enko Impact Credit Fund reflects growing confidence in the commercial viability of private credit in Africa. With $1.3 billion in assets under management (AUM), Enko Capital continues to position itself as a key player in the continent’s alternative investment landscape.
The fund will provide US dollar-denominated private credit to mid-sized companies across Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on non-cyclical sectors like agriculture, telecommunications, renewable energy, manufacturing, and financial services. These sectors, often underserved by traditional banks, will gain access to flexible financing tailored to help them expand operations and generate sustainable employment opportunities.
Leslie Maasdorp, Chief Executive Officer at BII, emphasized that the institution’s anchor investment reflects its belief in the commercial and developmental potential of private credit in Africa. “By anchoring the fund’s first close, we aim to send a strong signal to other investors and help build a viable private credit market that supports businesses critical to Africa’s economic growth,” Maasdorp said.
Enko Capital’s Managing Partner, Alain Nkontchou, noted that the successful first close underscores investor confidence in Africa’s sustainable development potential through private credit. He added that the fund’s strategic partnerships—with institutions like BII and IFC—will channel long-term capital to high-quality small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the continent, “unlocking growth, creating jobs, and generating competitive returns for investors.” Similarly, IFC’s Vice President of Industries, Mohamed Gouled, reaffirmed IFC’s commitment to expanding access to finance for mid-sized firms as a key driver of inclusive and resilient growth in Africa.
source: Leadership