Duet–CI Capital, a joint-venture between alternative asset manager Duet Group and Egyptian investment bank CI Capital, has appointed Amr Helal to lead the Duet–CI Capital Egypt Opportunities Fund.

Helal, who assumes the role of Senior Managing Director at Duet-CI Capital, joins from the Abraaj Group, where he was Managing Director for over six years, responsible for sourcing, structuring, and negotiating transactions in Egypt and North Africa.

Prior to that he was a Director at the EFG-Hermes investment banking team, where he helped originate, lead, and execute several high-profile transactions in the MENA region.

Commenting on his appointment, Helal said: “I’m looking forward to joining Duet – CI Capital, a business which brings together a best in class alternative asset manager and a leading investment bank in Egypt.

The combination of Duet’s and CI Capital’s resources, networks and track record with that of the team puts the Egypt Opportunities Fund at the forefront of investing in Egypt.”

The Egypt Opportunities Fund is a $300m private equity fund dedicated to investing in Egyptian businesses, injecting growth and buyout capital into the economy and partnering with leading entrepreneurs to create long term sustainable value.

The Fund allows international capital to participate alongside domestic investors to aid businesses in achieving their full development potential through mentorship as well as financial, operational, and strategic support.

Henry Gabay, Co-Founder and CEO of Duet Group, said: “Amr brings a proven track record of investing and operating in Egypt and the region, as well as 15 years of experience in private equity and financial services. We look forward to working with him on the Egypt Opportunities Fund”.

Mahmoud Attalla, CEO and Vice Chairman of CI Capital, added: “There has never been a better time to invest in Egypt. We are seeing greater political stability, government-led reforms and improving economic prospects. Our commitment to Egypt is underscored by the launch of the Egypt Opportunities Fund and now by Amr’s appointment.”

In addition to Amr, the senior management of the Fund includes Seifallah Zoghbi, a Managing Director who joined earlier in the year, as well as a number of seasoned in-house industrial partners collectively bringing a wealth of investment, operational and management experience and expertise.