The Carlyle Group has announced that Dele Babade has been retained as an Advisor to Carlyle’s Sub-Saharan African Fund (CSSAF), effective immediately.

A seasoned investor with close to 30 years’ experience working in financial markets, gained mostly in Africa, Babade brings a wealth of experience across a range of sectors on both the buy-side and sell-side.  

Babade said: “I am excited to assist the CSSAF team in identifying new investment and value creation opportunities. I look forward to leveraging my experience and network to help Carlyle’s experienced investment professionals.”

Babade was previously CEO at Ecobank Capital and a member of Ecobank’s Group Executive Committee. 

He also held senior positions at Midland Montagu (now HSBC Investment Bank), Nomura International and Citigroup.

In his role, Babade will provide advice to Carlyle’s Sub-Saharan Africa team on investment opportunities and partnerships across the continent, as well as existing portfolio investments, to help Carlyle invest wisely and create value across a range of industries.  

Babade will also continue to devote time to various roles outside the firm.

Eric Kump, Carlyle Managing Director and Co-Head of CSSAF, said, “We are delighted that Dele has chosen to partner with us, as he brings a wealth of experience investing across Africa.” 

“Dele’s background perfectly complements that of our on-the-ground teams in Lagos and Johannesburg, and will help us continue to strengthen our business across the region as we look for new opportunities to create value for our investors,” he added.

Babade earned his Bachelor of Laws from University of London, followed by a Masters in International Finance and Banking Laws from University College London. 

He was admitted as a Barrister & Solicitor of The Supreme Court of Nigeria, and Barrister of England & Wales.