In recent years there has been the marked shift in global institutional investment towards private markets investments. However, this global shift is yet to be felt in Africa, even in South Africa’s more established PE market, according to Rory Ord of 27four Investment Managers. Read on to learn more about  the reasons for this and the role of fund of funds as efficient allocators in Africa (pp.14-15).

Last month, AGF attended AFSIC in London, UK - the largest Africa investment event taking place annually outside Africa. On the sidelines of the conference, we’ve met with Sanjeev Gupta, Africa Finance Corporation's (AFC) Executive Director for Financial Services. Read our interview on pp.16-17.

On the fundraising front, we’ve learned about the launch of the Sierra Leone - focused fund, managed by Truestone Impact Investment Management. In addition, the African Development Bank alongside donor partners has announced the launch of the Africa Digital Financial Inclusion Facility, an innovative financing facility designed to accelerate digital financial inclusion across Africa (News on pp.4-6).

Finally, Kwadwo Sarkodie of Mayer Brown International, writes about the African economic outlook and the emergence of two distinct tracks to development on p. 22.

We’ve also announced two premier events happening on October 24 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Save the date for the 1st AGF PE Fund Operations Forum (www.agff.co) and the 4th annual Service Providers Awards (www.agfawards.com). It’s free to enter the Awards, and there are 43 categories this year!