AVCA Conference

28 April – 2 May 2025
Lagos Continental Hotel

Formats

VC Summit

Registration 7:00 am - 6:00 pm

9:00 am - 9:05 am

Welcome & Opening Remarks

Abi Mustapha-Maduakor Chief Executive Officer, AVCA – The African Private Capital Association

9:05 am - 9:30 am

Opening Keynote Fireside Chat

Tope Awotona Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Calendly

Abi Mustapha-Maduakor Chief Executive Officer, AVCA – The African Private Capital AssociationInterviewer

9:30 am - 9:35 am

Morning Chair Introduction

Anna Evi-Parker Head of West Africa, AVCA – The African Private Capital Association

9:35 am - 10:15 am

Panel 1: Life Below 0° - How is Venture Capital in Africa Faring?

2024 was another turbulent year for global venture capital. Familiar concerns, including fluctuating interest rates, high valuations, and the scarcity of exits, created uncertainty in global markets, which was amplified by geopolitical conflict and unpredictable elections in select key jurisdictions. Global startup funding totalled US$346 billion in 2024—standing above pre-pandemic levels but still lagging behind the peaks of 2018 and 2020. This opening panel examines how Africa is navigating this fluctuating macroeconomic landscape. Industry experts convene to identify how investment strategies have shifted in response to global headwinds, sectors demonstrating resilience in the face of the downturn, and how startups can continue attracting funding amidst tightened conditions.

Hany Al Sonbaty Managing Partner, Sawari Ventures

William Bao Bean Managing General Partner, Orbit Startups

Mareme Dieng Partner, 500 Global

Khaled Ben Jilani Senior Partner, AfricInvest

Raj Kulasingam Senior Counsel, DentonsModerator

10:15 am - 11:00 am

Panel 2: Unlocking Scale: The Growth-Stage Challenge

The seed stage is the beating heart of venture capital in Africa and continually assumes approximately a third of deal activity. While the light often shines on companies in their early stages of development, a significant gap remains in accessing capital for those in their growth stage. This panel begins by exploring the on-the-ground realities for scaling startups and how these challenges contribute to a “missing middle” in securing funding. Panellists will discuss innovative solutions to address capital shortages, the importance of building strong local investor ecosystems, and strategies for mitigating risks associated with geographic and/or product expansion to crowd in capital for startups beyond the seed or early stage. This session will provide valuable insights for both startups and investors on how to navigate the growth stage successfully and ensure the long-term sustainability of Africa's burgeoning tech ecosystem.

Walter Baddoo Co-Founder and General Partner, 4DX Ventures

Dr Omobola Johnson Senior Partner, TLcom Capital

Brian Waswani Odhiambo Partner, Novastar Ventures

Satoshi Shinada Co-Founder and Partner, Verod-Kepple Africa Ventures

Leo Batalov Partner, Global Co-Head of Emerging Growth Companies and Venture Capital, DLA PiperModerator

11:00 am - 11:20 am

Network, Network, Network!

11:20 am - 11:40 am

Titans of Industry: Bold Moves by Tosin Eniolorunda

Tosin Eniolorunda Co-Founder and Group Chief Executive Officer, Moniepoint

Nieros Oyegun Soerensen Partner and Chief Operating Officer, VerodInterviewer

11:40 am - 12:20 pm

Panel 3: The LP Mindset

This panel convenes a host of capital allocators – representing corporate, commercial and development-focused interests – to share their perspectives on the evolving landscape of venture capital in Africa. As the fundraising market becomes increasingly competitive, this panel provides a rare glimpse into how LPs assess risk, evaluate opportunity, and determine priorities. How can GPs craft compelling narratives to secure capital commitments? What selection criteria are top of mind for LPs, and how do these differ for emerging vs. established fund managers? What is the role and impact of corporates as LPs for African funds? Gain actionable insights into both the trends in institutional interest, as well as how to attract and retain this critical source of capital.

Zee de Gersigny Head of Investments, Venture and Early-Stage Financing Vehicles, FSDAi

Natascha Korvinus Principal, Venture Capital, PROPARCO

Sonal Premjee Investment Manager, Venture Capital, British International Investment

Najada Kumbuli Head of Investments and Partnerships, Visa Foundation

Hany Assaad Chairman, Avanz Capital EgyptModerator

12:20 pm - 1:05 pm

Panel 4: Spotting (Soon)icorns: High Value Exits in Africa’s Silicon Savannah

Exits—whether through acquisitions, IPOs, or strategic partnerships—are the ultimate marker of a thriving VC ecosystem. Although 2024 minted two new African unicorns (Moniepoint and Tyme Bank), the continent lags behind global peers in both the number of startups reaching this coveted status and the pace of high-value exits. This panel will explore the strategies and best practices required to build scalable businesses primed for outsized returns. Experienced entrepreneurs and investors will share their insights on positioning startups for success, including considerations around timing, market positioning, and building strong teams. The panel will also profile Africa’s most promising soonicorns, analysing the unique characteristics of high-growth African startups to support the next wave of billion dollar startups in Africa.

Fope Adelowo Co-Head, Helios Digital Ventures, Helios Investment Partners

Shruti Chandrasekhar Regional Lead, Africa Private Equity, International Finance Corporation (IFC)

Nobuhiko Ichimiya Managing Director, AAIC Nigeria

Dotun Olowoporoku Managing Partner, Ventures Platform

Jennifer Chimanga Partner, Clifford ChanceModerator

1:05 pm - 1:50 pm

Networking Lunch

1:50 pm - 1:55 pm

Afternoon Chair Introduction

Rekia Foudel Managing Partner and Founder, Barka Fund

1:55 pm - 2:20 pm

Keynote Fireside – Titans of Industry: Bold Moves by Nigel Morris

Nigel Morris Co-Founder and Managing Partner, QED Investors

Marieme Diop Head of Africa Venture Capital, International Finance Corporation (IFC)Interviewer

2:20 pm - 3:00 pm

Panel 5: Venture Debt – Africa’s Missing Piece?

This panel makes the case for increased venture debt in Africa: highlighting how it can complement equity funding, bridge capital gaps, and accelerate company growth. A range of debt products (such as term loans, revenue-based/receivables/equipment financing) and their suitability in the African context will be evaluated, as well as how and when African investors should deploy these tools and how to raise awareness amongst founders of these financing alternatives.

Biola Alabi Venture Partner, Delta40

Roeland Donckers Managing Partner, iungo capital

Suresh Samuel Managing Director and Head of Fintech Investments, Lendable

Rosanne Whalley Chief Executive Officer, AHL Ventures Partners

Tage Kene-Okafor Africa Reporter, TechCrunchModerator

3:00 pm - 3:20 pm

Network, Network, Network!

3:20 pm - 4:05 pm

Panel 6: Catalysing Outside The Big 4

Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and Egypt are Africa’s leading markets for venture capital investment in Africa. However, the continent's true investment potential lies in its diversity – a vibrant tapestry woven from numerous emerging and frontier markets. These lesser-known ecosystems, spanning Francophone, Lusophone and North Africa, offer unique opportunities for investors seeking to capitalise on pre-emerging growth to generate significant long-term returns. Join this category of investors as they identify the growth drivers in these jurisdictions, analyse the investment opportunities they present, and discuss the key risks and challenges involved in harnessing this potential. By exploring the diverse investment landscape outside the Big 4, this panel provides a more holistic and nuanced picture of venture capital in Africa.

Henok Assefa Co-Founder and General Partner , African Renaissance Ventures

Dina el-Shenoufy Partner, Flat6Labs

Sissi Frank Senior Investment Officer, European Investment Bank

Hilina Zenebe Resom Founding Partner, Kazana Fund

Paola Ravacchioli Coach and Consultant, P.O.EModerator

4:05 pm - 4:50 pm

Panel 7: “Tag! You’re It” - The Next Wave of African Innovation

Since 2019, FinTech has consistently claimed first place amongst tech-enabled startups raising venture capital in Africa. While FinTech’s supremacy shows no signs of giving way, this panel looks beyond the giant of Africa’s silicon savannah to explore alternate sectors prime for growth and investment. Which sectors and verticals are bringing commercial opportunity, and who are the notable investors and entrepreneurs trailblazing in these spaces? This panel brings together those at the forefront of this exciting new wave of African innovation, providing valuable insights into the trends shaping the future of Africa’s tech landscape.

Iyinoluwa Aboyeji Founding Partner, Future Africa

Mariam Kamel General Partner, LoftyInc Capital

Ashley Lewis Managing Partner and Head of Venture Capital, DPI

Andrew Tarazid-Tarawali Investment Director, Small Foundation

Dominic Rebelo Head of Corporate Commercial, ALN KenyaModerator

4:50 pm - 5:10 pm

Titans of Industry: Bold Moves by Laurin Hainy

Laurin Hainy Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, FairMoney

Samuel Salako Partner, DLA Piper AfricaInterviewer

5:10 pm - 5:20 pm

Goodwill Remarks

Address by Her Royal Majesty, Olori Atuwatse III, Queen Consort of Warri Kingdom and Founder, Elevate Africa

Her Royal Majesty, Olori Atuwatse III Queen Consort of Warri Kingdom and Founder, Elevate Africa

5:20 pm - 5:25 pm

Closing Remarks

Paulette Mbeya Senior Research Associate, AVCA – The African Private Capital Association

5:30 pm - 9:30 pm

VC Closing & PE Welcome Reception

Ekaabo Restaurant, Ground Floor, Lagos Continental Hotel 52b Kofo Abayomi St, Eti-Osa, Lagos 001111, Lagos

The AVCA Conference is complimentary for qualified Limited Partners (LPs), classified as non-retail investors in private equity funds, limited to 3 complimentary passes per organisation. This includes full-time employees of development finance institutions (DFIs), endowments, single-family offices, insurance companies, public and private pension funds, and sovereign wealth funds.