The European Investment Bank (EIB) has announced a pre-first close commitment to the Adenia Entrepreneurial Fund (AEF), managed by Adenia Partners, pending the fulfillment of specific conditions. The investment marks a new chapter in a relationship that spans over two decades, as the EIB was Adenia’s first institutional backer in 2003. This renewed partnership underscores both institutions’ shared mission to foster sustainable, inclusive growth across Africa through private sector investment.
Adenia’s Track Record of Transformative Growth
Since its inception, Adenia Partners has built a strong reputation for scaling African businesses with a focus on operational excellence, sustainability, and long-term value creation. The firm has transformed over 35 companies across the continent, supporting the creation of thousands of jobs and driving more than €1 billion in recurring trade between Africa and the European Union. Its approach to governance and responsible business practices has positioned its portfolio companies as competitive players in regional and global markets.
Adenia Entrepreneurial Fund Returns to Core Mission
The newly launched Adenia Entrepreneurial Fund marks a strategic return to Adenia’s origins, with an emphasis on founder-led small and medium-sized enterprises. The fund aims to back homegrown entrepreneurs and empower them to scale sustainable and resilient businesses across Africa’s key markets. By focusing on SMEs, AEF will play a catalytic role in bridging the gap between early-stage innovation and mature growth, contributing to job creation and industrial competitiveness.
A Gateway for Africa-Europe Business Partnerships
Adenia envisions AEF as more than a capital vehicle—it seeks to act as a gateway connecting African businesses with international strategic partners. By strengthening their operational capacity and governance frameworks, the fund aims to prepare African companies for global expansion and cross-border collaboration. This approach aligns with Adenia’s broader goal of positioning Africa as a long-term growth engine for European industry and trade.
EIB’s Role in Advancing Africa-Europe Economic Ties
The EIB’s investment in AEF is part of its broader Africa Investment Platform, which supports sustainable development through private sector growth. This commitment reflects the European lender’s strategic focus on enhancing Africa-Europe cooperation and advancing the continent’s economic self-reliance. Through its continued support, the EIB aims to mobilize additional investors and reinforce confidence in Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Renewing a Legacy of Trust and Impact
The partnership between Adenia and the EIB is built on mutual trust and a shared commitment to impact-driven investing. Adenia expressed gratitude to the EIB team, including Matthieu Ducorroy and Sissi Frank, for their continued confidence in the firm’s mission. As the Adenia Entrepreneurial Fund prepares for its first close in the coming months, this collaboration reaffirms the EIB’s role as a cornerstone investor driving inclusive growth and sustainable business development across Africa.
The EIB’s renewed commitment not only reinforces Adenia’s leadership in African private equity but also signals growing international confidence in the continent’s entrepreneurial potential. With the Adenia Entrepreneurial Fund set to empower a new generation of African founders, the partnership stands as a model of how long-term collaboration can transform economies and strengthen intercontinental ties. As both institutions look ahead, they are united by a vision of scaling businesses that create lasting impact and prosperity across Africa.