As the world’s oldest development finance institution (DFI), British International Investment has a rich history of investing across Africa. For more than 75 years we have built strong and successful partnerships across the continent, supporting businesses that drive economic growth and improve lives.
Today, our portfolio in Africa reflects our long-standing commitment to the region. One area of focus is venture capital. Recognising the catalytic role that innovation, entrepreneurship and technology play in shaping Africa’s future, in recent years, we have sharpened our approach to supporting early-stage businesses. Venture capital (VC) is a powerful tool to unlock this potential and we are committed to helping build a thriving VC ecosystem that delivers both impact and returns.
BII’s distinctive position, as a trusted partner with deep local knowledge and a strong track record, can help drive productive, sustainable, and inclusive growth across the continent. But we cannot do this alone. Collaboration is essential.
We are therefore pleased to welcome increased partnership with Japanese DFIs, including the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). These partnerships are vital to unlock private sector investment in Africa. BII has already helped mobilise private capital from Japan into Africa, and we are focused on strengthening investment partnerships between Japan and Africa. In the venture capital space, we are exploring creative financing mechanisms such as blended finance and first-loss capital to help de-risk investments and crowd-in private capital.
This report provides an overview of current VC investment activity from Japanese investors in Africa, as well as rich insights and recommendations from stakeholders across the ecosystem. We hope Japanese investors and African founders alike find it valuable. As these investors increasingly turn their attention to Africa’s dynamic venture capital landscape, BII stands ready to collaborate.
We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and look forward to deepening UK-Japan DFI collaboration on the continent. Together, we can help shape a more innovative, inclusive, and prosperous future for Africa.
