3rd anniversary of the fund IPAE
Submitted by admin on Thu, 04/23/2015 - 18:29
Three years after launching the fund I&P Afrique Entrepreneurs (IPAE), time has come to provide a rapid overview on current investments and future prospects. Since 2012, IPAE has committed a total amount of 20 million euros to support 20 companies located in 11 African countries. 20 new investments will be carried out by the end of the investment period, in 2018.
Commitments are in line with the investment strategy of the fund
IPAE is the second financial vehicle of I&P. Founded in 2012 and closed at 54 million euros, IPAE invests in companies showing a potential for strong and achievable value creation. Target companies are small and medium enterprises located in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian Ocean, with financing needs ranging between 300 000 and 1,5 million euros.
In 2014, IPAE has invested in five SMEs, among which Voltacars Rental Services in Ghana, Trianon in Gabon and Pharmivoire Nouvelle in Ivory Coast.
The fund is characterized by a significant diversity in terms of geographical location and sector. Companies of the portfolio are located in 11 countries of Sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian Ocean and operate in various sectors (microfinance, construction, transport, health…)
Successful and fast-growing businesses
IPAE partner companies keep having a strong growth. The estimated turnover increased by 31% in 2014 and their EBITDA increased by 24%, as compared to 2013.
Overall, more than 1,500 jobs have been created or maintained in 2014 by the companies of the portolio. 93% of them supply the local market.
Significant developments over the past year
IPAE will maintain its investment pace, with a view to conducting about twenty investments in the two years to come. The prospecting process is greatly facilitated by the development of local teams based in Sub-Saharan Africa. The office in Ghana has been officially inaugurated in February 2015, which enables I&P to strengthen its footprint in Anglophone Africa.
I&P has recently opened a local office in Burkina Faso, managed by Sidy Niang, to prospect the Sahel region (Burkina, Mali, Niger).
Notable events of the year 2014
- 3 new countries entered IPAE portfolio
- I&P officially celebrated the opening of its office in Ghana
- I&P has carried an impact study on ACEP Madagascar
- IPAE annual ESG reporting has been published last july
- VRS, based in Ghana, extends its activities to Senegal
- SOFAMAC completed the construction of its factory and started production