As we’re approaching the end of the year, we speak with leading private equity experts about the state of the industry and future prospects. Read on to find more about current trends, future opportunities, and what LPs really want from their GPs now, and why their requests are changing (pp.13-19).

On the private equity front, we also learn about the new private equity business at 27four Investment Managers. We catch up with Rory Ord to learn more and also hear about the launch of the PE fund of funds and its investment strategy (p.26).

In this month’s issue, we also hear from Chris Becker, Economist at Investec Bank. He shares his views on the evolution of frontier technologies. He says that investments in emerging technologies or sectors have outperformed investments in emerging market equity indices in the past six years. “This trend is likely to continue for as long as these new technologies disrupt traditional development patterns for developing economies as entrepreneurs take time to adjust to the new means of production” (pp. 20-21)

As to fundraising, Phatisa Food Fund 2 (PFF2) has recently received $10m from the African Development Bank Group and is targeting a capitalization of $300m to invest across Africa with a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa. Meanwhile, AfricInvest has announced the first closing of its North African Fund, whereas Mediterrania Capital Partners has announced the first closing of its third capital growth fund, Mediterrania Capital III (see news section).

“When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things –– not the great occasions –– give off the greatest glow of happiness.” On behalf of Africa Global Funds, we would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and hope everyone has a Happy New Year!