Development Partners International (DPI), a leading investment firm focused on Africa, has announced a significant leadership transition. Effective April 1, 2026, senior partner Sofiane Lahmar will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer. This move marks a new era for the firm as co-founder Runa Alam, who has led DPI for nearly two decades, transitions to the position of Non-Executive Chair.
A New Generation of Leadership
The appointment represents a carefully planned succession, ushering in the firm’s second generation of leadership. Lahmar and Alam have collaborated for over twenty years, including sixteen years at DPI, ensuring a seamless transfer of responsibilities. During his tenure, Lahmar has been instrumental in expanding the firm’s investment activities and cultivating a strong team of partners with an average tenure exceeding ten years.
Honoring a Pioneering Legacy
Runa Alam, who co-founded DPI in 2007 with Miles Morland, is widely regarded as a pioneer in African private equity. Under her guidance, the firm grew into one of the continent's largest alternative asset managers, with over $3.5 billion in assets. Alam expressed pride in the firm's dual achievement of delivering strong, risk-adjusted returns while creating a lasting positive impact across the communities it serves.
In a statement, Alam reflected on the firm's journey and its success in building a leading Africa-focused platform. She conveyed her confidence in the new leadership, highlighting Lahmar's deep commitment to the firm's values and culture. Alam looks forward to supporting the firm's next chapter in her new capacity as Non-Executive Chair, ensuring strategic continuity and guidance.
Positioned for Continued Growth
DPI enters this new chapter with significant momentum, having generated over $1 billion in proceeds for investors since 2024. This record cycle of realisations was driven by major African IPOs for Optasia and CMGP Group, alongside a substantial exit from Atlantic Business International. The firm's recent activities underscore its robust performance and strategic acumen in the African market.
The firm maintains a strong pipeline of investment opportunities in key sectors such as financial services, healthcare, and retail. Recent strategic investments include a $190 million commitment to Egypt's Alameda healthcare group and a $50 million investment in discount retailer Kazyon. These moves follow the successful deployment of its third flagship fund and the 2025 launch of DPI Venture Capital.
Incoming CEO Sofiane Lahmar expressed his honor in succeeding Alam and his excitement for the opportunities ahead. He emphasized that the firm possesses an accomplished and experienced team ready to build upon its proven track record. Lahmar affirmed his commitment to delivering long-term value for investors and generating positive impact across the continent and beyond.
This leadership transition at Development Partners International marks a pivotal moment, blending continuity with a forward-looking vision. With Sofiane Lahmar at the helm and Runa Alam providing strategic guidance, the firm is poised to reinforce its position as a leader in African private equity. The transition ensures that DPI will continue to capitalize on growth opportunities while upholding its commitment to impactful investing across the continent.