AVCA Conference

Radisson Blu Hotel, Nairobi Upper Hill
Monday, 27 - Thursday, 30 April 2026

Formats

Private Capital Conference

Registration 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

8:45 am - 8:50 am

West Africa Regional Forum: Opening & Welcome Remarks

Michelle Chikezie Partner, G. Elias

8:45 am - 8:50 am

Southern Africa Regional Forum: Opening & Welcome Remarks

Angela Simpson Partner, Bowmans

8:45 am - 8:50 am

East Africa Regional Forum: Opening & Welcome Remarks

Daniel Mainda Chief Executive Officer, Nairobi International Financial Centre Authority

8:50 am - 9:05 am

AVCA Research Presentation

Nadia Kouassi Coulibaly Head of Research, AVCA – The African Private Capital Association

8:50 am - 9:05 am

AVCA Research Presentation

Daniel Sodimu Research Associate, AVCA – The African Private Capital Association

8:50 am - 9:05 am

AVCA Research Presentation

Cecilia Isohi Senior Research Analyst, AVCA – The African Private Capital Association

9:05 am - 9:50 am

The Private Capital Opportunity

Nouss Bih Investment Director, Investisseurs & Partenaires

Gbenga Hassan Managing Partner, Argentil Capital Management

Aude Juglard Head, Finance and Fundraising, Mstudio

Shirley Somuah Partner, CardinalStone Capital Advisers

Michelle Chikezie Partner, G. EliasModerator

9:05 am - 9:50 am

The Private Capital Opportunity

Edmund Higenbottam Chief Executive Officer, Verdant Capital

Grant Howarth Director and Principal, Metier

Samantha Pokroy Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Sanari Capital

Angela Simpson Partner, BowmansModerator

9:05 am - 9:50 am

The Private Capital Opportunity

Berhane Demissie Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Cepheus Growth Capital Partners

Paul Maasdorp Managing Director and Partner, Alterra Capital Partners

Rosanne Whalley Chief Executive Officer, AHL Venture Partners

Esther Ndeti Managing Partner, Unconventional Capital

Christine Maina Chief Executive Officer, East Africa Venture Capital AssociationModerator

9:50 am - 10:05 am

Break the Mold – Portfolio Showcase

Mary Wairimu Njoroge Global Accountant, Koolboks

9:50 am - 10:05 am

Break the Mold – Portfolio Showcase

Tanya Gonçalves Chief Strategy and Business Officer, Edulife

9:50 am - 10:05 am

Break the Mold – Portfolio Showcase

Martha Osier Partner, Adenia

10:05 am - 10:10 am

Closing Remarks

10:05 am - 10:10 am

Closing Remarks

10:05 am - 10:10 am

Closing Remarks

8:45 am - 8:50 am

West Africa Regional Forum: Opening & Welcome Remarks

Michelle Chikezie Partner, G. Elias

8:45 am - 8:50 am

Southern Africa Regional Forum: Opening & Welcome Remarks

Angela Simpson Partner, Bowmans

8:45 am - 8:50 am

East Africa Regional Forum: Opening & Welcome Remarks

Daniel Mainda Chief Executive Officer, Nairobi International Financial Centre Authority

8:50 am - 9:05 am

AVCA Research Presentation

Nadia Kouassi Coulibaly Head of Research, AVCA – The African Private Capital Association

8:50 am - 9:05 am

AVCA Research Presentation

Daniel Sodimu Research Associate, AVCA – The African Private Capital Association

8:50 am - 9:05 am

AVCA Research Presentation

Cecilia Isohi Senior Research Analyst, AVCA – The African Private Capital Association

9:05 am - 9:50 am

The Private Capital Opportunity

Nouss Bih Investment Director, Investisseurs & Partenaires

Gbenga Hassan Managing Partner, Argentil Capital Management

Aude Juglard Head, Finance and Fundraising, Mstudio

Shirley Somuah Partner, CardinalStone Capital Advisers

Michelle Chikezie Partner, G. EliasModerator

9:05 am - 9:50 am

The Private Capital Opportunity

Edmund Higenbottam Chief Executive Officer, Verdant Capital

Grant Howarth Director and Principal, Metier

Samantha Pokroy Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Sanari Capital

Angela Simpson Partner, BowmansModerator

9:05 am - 9:50 am

The Private Capital Opportunity

Berhane Demissie Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Cepheus Growth Capital Partners

Paul Maasdorp Managing Director and Partner, Alterra Capital Partners

Rosanne Whalley Chief Executive Officer, AHL Venture Partners

Esther Ndeti Managing Partner, Unconventional Capital

Christine Maina Chief Executive Officer, East Africa Venture Capital AssociationModerator

9:50 am - 10:05 am

Break the Mold – Portfolio Showcase

Mary Wairimu Njoroge Global Accountant, Koolboks

9:50 am - 10:05 am

Break the Mold – Portfolio Showcase

Tanya Gonçalves Chief Strategy and Business Officer, Edulife

9:50 am - 10:05 am

Break the Mold – Portfolio Showcase

Martha Osier Partner, Adenia

10:05 am - 10:10 am

Closing Remarks

10:05 am - 10:10 am

Closing Remarks

10:05 am - 10:10 am

Closing Remarks

8:45 am - 8:50 am

West Africa Regional Forum: Opening & Welcome Remarks

Michelle Chikezie Partner, G. Elias

8:45 am - 8:50 am

Southern Africa Regional Forum: Opening & Welcome Remarks

Angela Simpson Partner, Bowmans

8:45 am - 8:50 am

East Africa Regional Forum: Opening & Welcome Remarks

Daniel Mainda Chief Executive Officer, Nairobi International Financial Centre Authority

8:50 am - 9:05 am

AVCA Research Presentation

Nadia Kouassi Coulibaly Head of Research, AVCA – The African Private Capital Association

8:50 am - 9:05 am

AVCA Research Presentation

Daniel Sodimu Research Associate, AVCA – The African Private Capital Association

8:50 am - 9:05 am

AVCA Research Presentation

Cecilia Isohi Senior Research Analyst, AVCA – The African Private Capital Association

9:05 am - 9:50 am

The Private Capital Opportunity

Nouss Bih Investment Director, Investisseurs & Partenaires

Gbenga Hassan Managing Partner, Argentil Capital Management

Aude Juglard Head, Finance and Fundraising, Mstudio

Shirley Somuah Partner, CardinalStone Capital Advisers

Michelle Chikezie Partner, G. EliasModerator

9:05 am - 9:50 am

The Private Capital Opportunity

Edmund Higenbottam Chief Executive Officer, Verdant Capital

Grant Howarth Director and Principal, Metier

Samantha Pokroy Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Sanari Capital

Angela Simpson Partner, BowmansModerator

9:05 am - 9:50 am

The Private Capital Opportunity

Berhane Demissie Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Cepheus Growth Capital Partners

Paul Maasdorp Managing Director and Partner, Alterra Capital Partners

Rosanne Whalley Chief Executive Officer, AHL Venture Partners

Esther Ndeti Managing Partner, Unconventional Capital

Christine Maina Chief Executive Officer, East Africa Venture Capital AssociationModerator

9:50 am - 10:05 am

Break the Mold – Portfolio Showcase

Mary Wairimu Njoroge Global Accountant, Koolboks

9:50 am - 10:05 am

Break the Mold – Portfolio Showcase

Tanya Gonçalves Chief Strategy and Business Officer, Edulife

9:50 am - 10:05 am

Break the Mold – Portfolio Showcase

Martha Osier Partner, Adenia

10:05 am - 10:10 am

Closing Remarks

10:05 am - 10:10 am

Closing Remarks

10:05 am - 10:10 am

Closing Remarks

10:10 am - 10:25 am

Networking Break

10:30 am - 10:35 am

Morning Chair Introduction

Jean-Marie Kananura Chief Investment Officer, Kigali International Financial Centre

10:35 am - 10:50 am

Keynote Fireside Chat: Uncharted Route to Success: In Conversation with Dr James Mwangi

Dr. James Mwangi Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Equity Group Holdings Plc.

Ann Wyman Executive Partner, AfricInvestInterviewer

10:50 am - 11:30 am

Panel 7: Let’s Talk About Performance

Performance outcomes across African private capital have diverged amid recent macroeconomic volatility. This panel brings together GPs and LPs for a candid discussion on what has driven resilience — and what has not. Using real case studies, panellists will examine portfolio construction, risk management, value-creation strategies, and lessons from underperforming investments. Drawing on experience across cycles and markets, the discussion focuses on how performance discipline, GP-LP alignment, and liquidity planning can improve consistency and long-term outcomes across the ecosystem.

Albert Alsina Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Mediterrania Capital Partners

Laurent Demey Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Amethis

Chumani Kula Co-Head, Old Mutual Private Equity, Old Mutual Alternative Investments

Sofiane Lahmar Chief Executive Officer, Development Partners International

Nicholas Vickery Global Head, Private Equity Funds, International Finance Corporation (IFC)

Clarisa De Franco Managing Director , Allied Climate PartnersModerator

11:30 am - 12:10 pm

Panel 8: Making Public Markets Work for Private Capital

Public markets remain a strategic but underutilised pathway for private capital liquidity in Africa. This panel brings together stock exchange leaders and GPs with listing experience to examine when — and how — public markets can work for private investors. Panellists will discuss regulatory reform, market depth, investor participation, and product innovation, as well as lessons from successful listings. The session considers how public markets can evolve to become a more credible complement to private exits and capital mobilisation strategies.

Wale Adeosun Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Kuramo Capital Management

Frank Mwiti Chief Executive Officer, Nairobi Securities Exchange

Pierre Celestin Rwabukumba Chief Executive Officer, Rwanda Stock Exchange

Eva Warigia Founder and Managing Partner, Panterra Strategy GroupModerator

12:10 pm - 12:50 pm

Panel 9: The VC–PE Continuum: Strengthening Africa’s Growth Capital Pipeline

As Africa’s venture ecosystem matures, transitions from VC to PE are becoming critical for scaling companies and sustaining deal flow. This cross-stage panel convenes VC and PE managers alongside portfolio companies to examine how these transitions are managed in practice. Panellists will discuss operational readiness, governance shifts, and capital structuring required to move from venture to growth equity or buyouts. The session focuses on how stronger VC–PE linkages can deepen pipelines and support long-term ecosystem sustainability. 

Fope Adelowo Head, Fintech and Financial Services, Helios Investment Partners

Khaled Ben Jilani Senior Partner, AfricInvest

Maurizio Caio Founder and Managing Partner, TLcom Capital

Ibrahim Sagna Executive Chairman, Silverbacks Holdings

Adefolarin Ogunsanya Partner, Investment, Development Partners International

Hany Assaad Non-Executive Chairman, Avanz Capital EgyptModerator

12:50 pm - 1:35 pm

Networking Lunch

1:35 pm - 1:40 pm

Afternoon Chair Introduction

Adekunle Soyibo Partner, Jackson Etti & Edu

1:40 pm - 2:20 pm

Panel 10: Investing with Intention: Impact That Drives Returns

Impact investing in Africa is increasingly moving from aspiration to execution. This panel explores how intentional impact strategies are being integrated into mainstream private capital decision-making. GPs and LPs will discuss how impact measurement informs risk management, value creation, and long-term performance, alongside examples where impact-led approaches have strengthened resilience and returns. The discussion focuses on how aligning purpose with performance can deliver commercial outcomes while addressing Africa’s structural development needs.

Matthieu Ducorroy Head, Equity and Funds Division, European Investment Bank

'Tokunboh Ishmael Co-Founder and Managing Director, Alitheia Capital

Makole Mupita Director and Fund Principal, Mahlako Financial Services

Ravi Sharma Partner, Lightrock

Dr Angela Mwenda Head, Sustainable Finance Practice, SLR ConsultingModerator

2:20 pm - 3:00 pm

Panel 11: Beyond Public Budgets: Mobilising Private Capital for Africa’s Infrastructure

Africa’s infrastructure gap continues to demand large-scale, long-term private capital mobilisation. This panel brings together fund managers, DFIs, and institutional investors to assess where capital is being deployed and how risk is structured in complex environments. Panellists will discuss blended finance, PPPs, mezzanine capital, and securitisation, alongside lessons from deals that have reached scale. The session examines how public and private capital can be better aligned to deliver bankable infrastructure investments that support long-term economic growth.

Olusola Lawson Managing Director and Co-Head, African Infrastructure Investment Managers

Rachel Moré-Oshodi Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, ARM-Harith Infrastructure Investment

Opuiyo Oforiokuma Senior Partner , Africa50 Infrastructure Acceleration Fund

Guy Willner Managing Director, Digital Infrastructure, Helios Investment Partners

Alison Klein Managing Director, AkmazoModerator

3:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Network, Network, Network!

3:30 pm - 3:35 pm

Stream a Chair Introduction

Adekunle Soyibo Partner, Jackson Etti & Edu

3:30 pm - 3:35 pm

Stream b Chair Introduction

Rhoda Mhango Head of Strategic Initiatives & Stakeholder Engagement, AVCA – The African Private Capital Association

3:35 pm - 4:05 pm

Stream 1a: Lights, Capital, Action: Africa’s Creative Boom

Africa’s creative economy is experiencing a boom, putting the continent’s talent, culture, and innovation on the global stage. This panel brings together investors and creative practitioners to explore the creative verticals where private capital is flowing, and the untapped opportunities that could drive the next wave of growth. Panellists will share insights on innovative investment approaches, scaling creative enterprises, and partnerships that turn Africa’s artistic talent into both cultural and financial value. The discussion will highlight how investors and creators are collaborating to shape a sustainable, globally competitive creative ecosystem.

Adekunle Adebiyi Executive Director, Investments, MBO Capital

Oliver Game Private Equity and Venture Capital Lead - East Africa, Proparco

Dr. Karimi Ngeera Finance Director, HEVA Fund

Jessica Hope Founder and Chief Executive Officer, WimbartModerator

3:35 pm - 4:05 pm

Stream 1b: Scaling Real Estate in Africa

Real estate is one of Africa’s most attractive yet complex asset classes for private capital. Strong demand driven by urbanisation and infrastructure gaps sits alongside challenges that directly affect returns, including high development risk, limited local debt markets, and constrained exit options. This panel brings together real estate investors to examine where capital is being deployed along the real estate value chain, which asset classes are delivering risk-adjusted returns, and how deals are being structured to manage risk and improve capital efficiency. Panellists will discuss the strategies required to scale real estate platforms, strengthen liquidity, and position the asset class as a driver of growth within private capital.

Funke Okubadejo Managing Partner, Grene Capital

Kenneth Mbae Managing Director, Centum Real Estate

Dr. Ajibola Asolo Partner, Aluko & OyebodeModerator

3:30 pm - 3:35 pm

Stream a Chair Introduction

Adekunle Soyibo Partner, Jackson Etti & Edu

3:30 pm - 3:35 pm

Stream b Chair Introduction

Rhoda Mhango Head of Strategic Initiatives & Stakeholder Engagement, AVCA – The African Private Capital Association

3:35 pm - 4:05 pm

Stream 1a: Lights, Capital, Action: Africa’s Creative Boom

Africa’s creative economy is experiencing a boom, putting the continent’s talent, culture, and innovation on the global stage. This panel brings together investors and creative practitioners to explore the creative verticals where private capital is flowing, and the untapped opportunities that could drive the next wave of growth. Panellists will share insights on innovative investment approaches, scaling creative enterprises, and partnerships that turn Africa’s artistic talent into both cultural and financial value. The discussion will highlight how investors and creators are collaborating to shape a sustainable, globally competitive creative ecosystem.

Adekunle Adebiyi Executive Director, Investments, MBO Capital

Oliver Game Private Equity and Venture Capital Lead - East Africa, Proparco

Dr. Karimi Ngeera Finance Director, HEVA Fund

Jessica Hope Founder and Chief Executive Officer, WimbartModerator

3:35 pm - 4:05 pm

Stream 1b: Scaling Real Estate in Africa

Real estate is one of Africa’s most attractive yet complex asset classes for private capital. Strong demand driven by urbanisation and infrastructure gaps sits alongside challenges that directly affect returns, including high development risk, limited local debt markets, and constrained exit options. This panel brings together real estate investors to examine where capital is being deployed along the real estate value chain, which asset classes are delivering risk-adjusted returns, and how deals are being structured to manage risk and improve capital efficiency. Panellists will discuss the strategies required to scale real estate platforms, strengthen liquidity, and position the asset class as a driver of growth within private capital.

Funke Okubadejo Managing Partner, Grene Capital

Kenneth Mbae Managing Director, Centum Real Estate

Dr. Ajibola Asolo Partner, Aluko & OyebodeModerator

4:05 pm - 4:40 pm

Stream 2a: From Farm to Fund: Investing in Africa’s Food Future

Africa’s growing population and evolving consumption patterns are creating unprecedented opportunities across the food and agriculture value chain. This panel brings together GPs and LPs to explore where private capital is making an impact, from agriculture and processing to logistics and Agri-tech. Panellists will discuss capital structures and investment models tailored to agriculture, and share strategies to manage climate, price, and supply-chain risk. The discussion will highlight how private investment can secure food systems in Africa while generating strong financial returns 

Stuart Bradley Founder and Managing Partner, Phatisa

Tamer El-Raghy Managing Director, Acumen Resilient Agriculture Fund

Yvonne Ofosu-Appiah Co-Founder and Managing Partner , Sahara Impact Ventures

Tosin Ojo Partner, Sahel Capital

Jennifer Baarn Head, Private Sector Partnerships, AGRAModerator

4:05 pm - 4:40 pm

Stream 2b: Tuk-Tuks and Tomorrow: Africa’s Mobility Opportunity

Africa’s mobility sector is rapidly evolving, with investment opportunities emerging at every stage - from early-stage tech solutions to large-scale transport infrastructure. This panel examines how capital is being deployed across Africa’s mobility sector, where unmet demand and structural inefficiencies are creating investable opportunities, and the financing and operating models being used to support mobility innovation and scale mobility platforms across fragmented urban and regional markets. 

Jit Bhattacharya Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, BasiGo

Bowofade Elegbede Associate Director and Head of Investments, Acumen

Charles Tryon Director and Chief Executive, Maris Limited

Joyce-Ann Wainaina Managing Partner, Chui Ventures

David Lekerai Partner, IKM Associates, DLA Piper AfricaModerator

4:40 pm - 5:20 pm

Panel 12: Local Capital, African Solutions: Mobilising Africa’s Domestic Capital

Domestic capital remains one of the most underutilised sources of private investment in Africa. As global liquidity tightens, local institutional investors are increasingly central to the ecosystem’s future. This panel convenes pension funds, insurers, and family offices to examine what continues to constrain domestic participation and what is beginning to shift. Panellists will discuss policy, structuring, and partnership innovations required to mobilise local capital at scale and anchor Africa’s private capital markets more sustainably.

Chris Hammond Deputy Managing Director , Petra Trust

Papa Madiaw Ndiaye Founder and Chief Executive Officer | Chairman and Founder , AFIG Funds | Ecobank Transnational Incorporated

Mantuka Maisela Chairperson, Motor Industry Retirement Funds

Marc Lasserre Managing Partner, S.O. Capital AdviceModerator

5:20 pm - 5:25 pm

Closing Remarks

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Details on Professional Development Programmes during the AVCA Week coming soon!