In this month’s issue we caught up with Sipho Makhubela, Chief Executive Officer at Harith General Partners to discuss African infrastructure investing. For Makhubela, the story of infrastructure in Africa is one of opportunities. He said that this asset class can be both financially rewarding, as well as highly developmental and meaningful. Read our interview on pp. 14-15.

Infrastructure investments and energy in particular is one of the investment areas for the UK's development finance institution, British International Investment. We spoke with the recently appointed Head of Africa, Chris Chijiutom, to discuss his views on African investment opportunities and how he is planning to draw upon his extensive investment and leadership experience. Read on p. 10.

Meanwhile, Russia’s war in Ukraine, the threat of a global recession, and a growing imperative to switch over to renewables - are all serious challenges for businesses across the African continent. Nevertheless, with the right approaches, they also represent significant opportunities. In order to make the most of those opportunities, more funding – and debt-based funding in particular – is needed across the continent, according to a panel discussion held in Johannesburg, South Africa. Find more on pp. 12-13.

In addition, Futuregrowth Listed Credit Team provides an overview and outlook for the South African credit market. The total Bond issuance for the year totalled R136.9bn in 2022, up 19% compared to 2021. Read more on p. 20.

On the fundraising front, we learned that Vantage Capital has announced the final close of its fourth mezzanine fund with $377m; Partech reached the first closing of Partech Africa II at €245m;, Convergence Partners has closed its Convergence Partners Digital Infrastructure Fund at $296m; and Adenia Partners has announced the first close of Adenia Capital V with $300m commitments from investors (see news on pp. 4-5).