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Oxford University hosts Africa-focused fund managers to drive innovation, capital access, and inclusive growth.
The Africa Venture Finance Programme (AVFP) convened more than 40 of Africa’s leading venture capital fund managers at Oxford University’s Saïd Business School earlier this month, reinforcing efforts to strengthen Africa’s venture capital landscape and support the growth of technology and tech-enabled enterprises.
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Now in its fourth edition, the AVFP remains a vital platform for equipping early- and growth-stage VC funds with the skills, networks, and strategies to expand Africa’s investment ecosystem. Notably, nearly half of this year’s participants were women fund managers, underscoring the programme’s commitment to inclusivity.
Building Africa’s Venture Capital Capacity
Delivered by Boost Africa — a joint initiative of the European Investment Bank (EIB Global) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) with support from the European Commission and OACPS, alongside the AfricaGrow Technical Assistance Facility — the programme provides training, peer learning, and capacity building for Africa-focused VCs.
Since inception, the AVFP has trained over 150 of Africa’s most relevant venture capital fund managers, representing the majority of active VC funds across the continent. These alumni now form a connected and collaborative community that continues to exchange knowledge and investment practices.
Investors and DFIs Backing Africa’s Startup Ecosystem
The 2025 edition featured engagement between African General Partners (GPs) and Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), including the EBRD, Proparco, Arab Fund, FCDO, and British International Investment (BII).
Senior partners from TLcom, Partech, and AfricInvest shared insights on access to capital, fund performance, and strategies to scale startups, while DFIs discussed mechanisms to strengthen Africa’s venture capital infrastructure.
“Boost Africa is about more than just finance – it’s about building resilient economies, fostering innovation and creating inclusive growth,” said Ambroise Fayolle, EIB Vice-President. “AVFP allows us to share best practices that support sustainable impact across Africa’s innovation ecosystem.”
Africa’s Untapped Innovation Potential
Despite representing 18% of the world’s population, Africa receives just 1%–2% of global venture capital, with relatively few African-led startups securing significant funding.
“Africa’s innovation potential is immense, and venture capital is the bridge to unlocking it,” said Peter Ellersiek, Investment Director, AfricaGrow. “By equipping fund managers with equity, tools, and networks, we’re opening doors to transformative business opportunities that drive inclusive growth.”
The programme’s Oxford-led curriculum emphasized peer-to-peer knowledge exchange and investment models tailored to Africa’s local realities.
“This isn’t just about growing funds—it’s about reimagining what finance can do when grounded in context, community, and long-term value creation,” said Aunnie Patton Power, Programme Director, AVFP.
Driving Growth Through Boost Africa
Since its creation, Boost Africa has supported six private equity funds and 70+ companies, mobilizing more than €380 million in startup capital. Notably, 94% of supported founders raised $1 million or more, nearly doubling success rates compared to peers.
In 2024, Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem recorded 487 investment deals, including 427 VC transactions worth $2.6 billion and 60 venture debt deals valued at $1 billion, according to the African Private Capital Association.
“By offering early-stage funding and hands-on support to fund managers, Boost Africa is catalyzing Africa’s entrepreneurial transformation,” said Jozef Síkela, European Commissioner for International Partnerships. “This partnership, backed by the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, demonstrates our commitment to empowering African startups, driving innovation, and creating jobs.”
Reshaping how finance fuels Africa’s digital economy
The Africa Venture Finance Programme is not only equipping venture capitalists with tools and strategies but also reshaping how finance fuels Africa’s digital economy, innovation hubs, and startup ecosystems. By closing the early-stage financing gap and fostering collaboration, AVFP continues to unlock Africa’s entrepreneurial potential for sustainable and inclusive growth.
