Cape Town, February 27, 2025 – The European Investment Bank (EIB Global) has committed $75 million to Helios Investors V, L.P. (Helios Fund V), a private equity fund targeting Africa’s burgeoning digital economy. Unveiled at the Finance in Common Summit in Cape Town, the investment will fuel businesses in digital infrastructure, financial services, and tech-enabled sectors such as education and healthcare. It forms part of the EU-Africa Global Gateway Investment Package, a strategic initiative to advance sustainable development across the continent. Managed by Helios Investment Partners—the world’s largest Africa-focused private investment firm—the fund also pledges that at least 30% of its portfolio will meet the EIB’s gender equality standards.
Helios Fund V will channel capital into companies driving Africa’s digital transformation. This includes firms developing data centers, fiber-optic networks, and telecom towers, alongside those innovating in financial technology, such as payment systems and bank tech, and tech-enabled services like cloud computing, health tech, and logistics. The fund will also support enterprises improving access to healthcare and education—sectors critical to addressing Africa’s social and economic challenges. By prioritizing these areas, Helios aims to nurture market leaders capable of delivering both commercial success and societal impact.
The investment reflects a broader push by the EIB and Team Europe to mobilize private capital for Africa’s growth. In 2023, EIB Global directed €232 million—49% of its total fund investments—to the continent, underscoring its role as a key financier of African development. Helios Fund V benefits from this momentum, with additional backing expected from other European development finance institutions (DFIs). Private equity firms like Helios bring not just funding but also expertise and networks, amplifying their influence on local enterprises.
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Gender equality is a cornerstone of the fund’s strategy. Having joined the 2X Global network in January 2024, Helios has committed to investing at least 30% of its portfolio in companies that meet the EIB’s criteria for advancing women’s leadership and economic inclusion. This could involve gender-smart initiatives, mentoring, capacity building, or supporting businesses that enhance women’s access to finance and senior roles.
EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle hailed the partnership’s potential: “We are happy to be partnering with Helios – an important pan-African equity firm that has been operating in Africa for over two decades, with good access to investment opportunities, and a strong network and local footprint. We look forward to supporting them as they invest in market-leading, value-creating and socially responsible enterprises for the mutual benefit of Africa and the European Union. This is fully aligned with the Global Gateway priorities being implemented by Team Europe.”
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South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Finance, David Masondo, who witnessed the signing, emphasized its significance: “Private capital fuels growth, and EIB Global’s investment in Helios V showcases innovative financing to unlock Africa’s potential. South Africa welcomes this funding, which strengthens business collaboration and mobilises capital for high-impact sectors. It aligns with our commitment to enhancing capital markets, digital technologies and financial infrastructure for inclusive growth. Such partnerships drive investment, industrial growth, jobs and resilience. I hope the fund leverages this investment to accelerate development and ensure lasting prosperity.”
As Africa’s digital economy accelerates, Helios Fund V stands to play a pivotal role, bridging capital gaps and fostering innovation in a region ripe for transformation.
