Fund managers, venture capitalists, and investment leaders – they are backing Africa’s boldest founders and most promising frontier markets. Whether driving climate-resilient infrastructure, scaling fintech disruptors, or supporting emerging fund managers, their work is fueling an ecosystem defined by ambition and global relevance.
Here are 11 investors you should know — each playing a distinct role in fueling Africa’s next wave of innovation and growth:
1- Charles O. (Managing Partner, Dracy Capital) – Bridging the gap between Saudi Arabia and Africa, Charles O. is part of a growing movement of investors linking Gulf capital to African opportunity. 🇸🇦
2- David Sterland (Executive Director, Falco Private Wealth – As Executive Director at this independently owned multi-family office, David supports high-net-worth investors in structuring and deploying capital across Africa’s emerging markets.
3- Dr. Darina Coffey (Programme Director & Head of Clients, Aucta Group) – Darina leads initiatives that back emerging fund managers in Africa and beyond, helping channel institutional capital toward frontier economies and next-generation investors.
4- Gbite Oduneye (Managing Partner, ODBA) – An early-stage venture capitalist with a hands-on approach, Gbite invests across Africa’s most dynamic startup sectors — and is quietly building something new that promises to energize the ecosystem.
5- Jean-Andre Dja Gbarssin (Former CIO, Fonds Souverain de Djibouti) – With a keen eye on venture building, Jean-Andre brings sovereign investment expertise to the startup and innovation ecosystem, positioning Djibouti and the wider region for long-term growth.
6- Jessica Saade (Head of Investor Relations, Kibo Ventures) – A global investor relations leader with a deep connection to African markets, Jessica is driving conversations around capital flows and venture growth.
7- Omar Darwazah (General Partner, AAF Management Ltd.) – Omar invests in venture-backed pre-seed, seed, and Series A tech companies while also supporting emerging fund managers worldwide — creating a powerful bridge between Africa and global capital markets.
8- Simeon Iheagwam (Managing Partner, NOEMIS Ventures) – Based in New York with roots in Nigeria, Simeon is backing pre-seed fintechs and empowering early-stage founders who are redefining Africa’s digital economy.
9- Steph Jackson Frayne (Founding Director, Solano Partners) – As the Founding Director of this independent boutique investment bank, Steph is steering Solano Partners toward deeper engagements across Africa, helping structure growth-focused deals and partnerships.
10- Takuma Terakubo (General Partner, UNCOVERED FUND) – Takuma’s work connects Japan’s capital ecosystem to Africa’s startup scene. His firm invests from Seed to Series A, backing founders solving key challenges across the continent. 🇯🇵
11- Zoe Sun (Co-Founder, Ciconia Investment Partners) – A co-founder of a greenfield-focused private equity fund, Zoe is investing in the development of climate-resilient infrastructure and sustainable operating platforms that will define Africa’s next growth frontier.