AfricInvest has launched a phased exit from its investment in SIPO Holding, the Mauritius-based holding company that controls Côte d’Ivoire’s Groupe Centaures, following a $16 million fundraising by the logistics and transport group.

Part of the financing will support Groupe Centaures’ next phase of growth and capital expenditure programme, while also enabling a partial exit by AfricInvest III, reducing its shareholding in SIPO. The transaction marks the first stage of a structured exit process agreed with the founding shareholders, with AfricInvest expecting to complete its full exit by the end of 2026.

Founded in 1953, Groupe Centaures operates through Les Centaures Routiers (LCR) and is one of Côte d’Ivoire’s established logistics and transport companies. Since AfricInvest invested in 2018, the business has expanded from a transport operator into an integrated logistics platform, adding higher-value logistics services and strengthening its governance and operational capabilities.

AfricInvest said it worked closely with management during the investment period on governance, financial management, commercial diversification, fleet modernisation, digitalisation and environmental, social and governance initiatives.

According to the firm, the average age of the fleet was reduced from 20 years to three years, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and lower operating costs. The company also reported improvements in workplace safety, with its Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate declining from 31.4 to 25.6 and no fatal accidents recorded since 2023.

“This transaction reflects the natural maturity of our investment cycle and the strength of the partnership built with the Delsuc family and the management team over the past years,” said Hichem Ghanmi, Senior Partner at AfricInvest.

“We are proud of what was built together: a more efficient, safer and resilient logistics platform that has moved from a transportation company to an integrated logistics business. The Group is now well positioned to continue growing as a leading logistics platform in Côte d'Ivoire, and we look forward to completing this exit process in a constructive and collaborative spirit.”

Olivier Delsuc, Chief Executive Officer of Groupe Centaures, said the partnership had supported the company’s transformation and growth.

“AfricInvest’s presence alongside Groupe Centaures has been an important step in our journey, helping us move to another level in terms of organization, governance and ambition. We were pleased to have built this partnership over the past years,” he said.

“While their exit comes at a time when the Group still has significant potential and ambitious projects ahead, it also opens a new chapter for Groupe Centaures, with exciting and promising challenges as we continue to develop our logistics platform and serve our clients with greater efficiency.”

Genesis Capital acted as transaction adviser to the Delsuc family and Groupe Centaures. LPA served as legal adviser to the Delsuc family, while Trinity International acted as legal counsel to AfricInvest.

The exit process will be completed in two phases, with the initial partial exit now underway and the final divestment expected by the end of 2026.