Verod Capital Management Limited has announced its full exit from TAG Investments EW Africa Limited, the owner and operator of Lancaster University Ghana. The exit, made through Verod Capital Growth Fund II, saw existing shareholders at Transnational Academic Group (TAG) acquiring Verod’s stake. The move concludes an eight-year partnership that helped shape one of West Africa’s most prominent private tertiary education ventures.
Supporting Access to Quality Higher Education
Verod initially partnered with TAG West Africa in 2017, aiming to expand access to globally recognised university education in the region. Lancaster University Ghana, established in Accra in 2013 through a partnership with Lancaster University UK, is the first and only research-active British university campus in mainland Africa. Offering foundation and undergraduate programs, it grants degrees awarded by Lancaster University, providing students with international academic credentials.
Transformational Investment in Student Experience and Growth
During the investment period, Verod supported the relocation of Lancaster University Ghana to a new campus with capacity for around 3,000 students, significantly enhancing the academic environment. The firm also helped expand brand visibility in Nigeria, one of the institution’s key student recruitment markets. Additionally, Verod embedded environmental, social, and governance (ESG) best practices into the university’s operations, aligning with international standards.
Reflecting on Impact and Shared Vision
Trish Amoah-Ntim, Investment Principal at Verod, described the partnership as one grounded in purpose. “We invested in TAG West Africa to increase access to world-class tertiary education in the region, and we are proud to have played our part in delivering on this aim,” she said. The exit reflects Verod’s continued commitment to supporting impactful businesses that create long-term value in Africa.
TAG's Continued Mission in Education
TAG Group CFO Ashwin Gautama expressed appreciation for Verod’s contribution to the growth of Lancaster University Ghana. He noted that the partnership helped shape thousands of young African minds while laying a strong foundation for their futures. TAG remains committed to expanding access to quality education and nurturing the next generation of African leaders.
TAG’s Pan-African Education Footprint
Transnational Academic Group, founded in 2007, has built a network of campuses across emerging markets, including Dubai and South Africa. In addition to Lancaster University Ghana, TAG operates Curtin University Dubai and ABN Training Institute, offering globally recognised programs tailored to local markets. The group’s mission remains focused on building human capital through accessible, world-class education.
Verod’s Role as a Catalyst for Impact
Founded in 2008, Verod has invested over $360 million across more than 40 companies through three funds. The firm is backed by a diverse group of public and private investors and places impact at the core of its strategy. In 2024, Verod became the first private equity fund globally to achieve the Best-in-Class 2X Certification, recognising leadership in gender lens investing.
Verod’s exit from TAG West Africa marks a successful chapter in the transformation of higher education in West Africa. The partnership has delivered tangible results, including expanded infrastructure, enhanced student access, and lasting institutional improvements. As TAG continues its mission, and Verod pursues new impact-driven investments, this milestone underscores the powerful outcomes that can emerge from purpose-led collaboration in Africa’s education sector.