The African Development Bank (AfDB) is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the Fellowship for Emerging Fund Managers.
Complete this form before the 21st of May 2025 and get the chance to join this first cohort.
This 8-month, pan-African fellowship program is specifically designed to support emerging fund managers within the African Private Equity and Venture Capital industry.
Program Objectives:
The fellowship aims to deepen skills and expertise by providing expert insights, practical tools, and valuable networking opportunities.
Participants will have the chance to build relationships with limited partners, refine their investment theses, and increase operational efficiency—all critical for scaling their funds and impact.
Who Should Apply?
Emerging private equity and venture capital fund managers who meet the following criteria:
- Are actively investing in Africa
- Have secured initial commitments, are at launch, or close of their first-time fund
- Manage relatively small, high-potential portfolios with clear additionality
- Focus on underserved sectors or geographies
- Have less than USD 50 million in assets under management
Fund managers with youth representation (below 35 years) in senior leadership positions are strongly encouraged to apply.
Program Details
- Duration: June – December 2025
- Format: Remote, with an exclusive bootcamp in Autumn 2025
- Cost: Free
- Application Process: Online application form (link to be provided) and interview
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: [Insert Deadline Date]
- Bootcamp & Main Activities: Autumn 2025
- Program Completion: December 2025
Why Participate?
Despite their vital role in supporting local entrepreneurs and early-stage growth, emerging fund managers face significant challenges:
- Securing capital commitments from Limited Partners
- Navigating fund structuring complexities
- Managing operations and deal execution effectively
- Addressing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors such as climate finance, gender-lens investing, and impact measurement
- Building networks with Limited Partners
- Overcoming structural barriers like macroeconomic constraints and bias against youth-led or women-led funds
The AfDB’s Fellowship directly addresses these challenges by offering expert insights, practical tools, and networking opportunities.
The program is powered by Investisseurs & Partenaires (I&P), which has raised over USD 480 million and supported 24 emerging fund managers across Africa in the last decade.
What Will Participants Gain?
Participants will undergo a comprehensive 8-month deep dive into vital areas:
- Ecosystem Realities: Market trends, LP dynamics, and fundraising landscape
- Fund Strategy: Strengthening investment thesis and defining impact goals
- Fundraising: Refining pitch materials and engaging with the right Limited Partners
- Investment Process: Deal sourcing, due diligence, valuations, negotiations, and exit strategies
- Fund Management: Operations, legal and tax frameworks, team building
Included in the program are:
- An exclusive bootcamp during a major ecosystem event, offering invaluable insights and networking opportunities
- Deep-dive webinars with industry experts for ongoing learning
- One-on-one tailored sessions with seasoned PE & VC professionals to address specific challenges
- Opportunities to build and expand your network through exclusive connections
Post-Program Outcomes
Participants will gain perspectives from top General Partners and Limited Partners, as well as practical tools and connections to scale their funds and impact across Africa.
The program leverages I&P’s extensive experience and network within the African investment ecosystem.
About I&P
Investisseurs & Partenaires (I&P) is a pioneering impact investor committed for over 20 years to financing and supporting African entrepreneurs and SMEs.
With a portfolio supporting more than 330 companies and raising over USD 480 million, I&P acts both as a General Partner (GP) and a Limited Partner (LP), backing emerging fund managers and fostering ecosystem growth.
Contact & Further Information
For more details and to apply, please contact:
Email: info.gpfellowship@ietp.com
Website: www.ietp.com
About the AfDB Innovation & Entrepreneurship Lab
The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Lab is part of the Jobs for Youth in Africa Strategy and the Boost Africa Program, a partnership with the European Investment Bank (EIB), focused on financing startups and strengthening entrepreneurship ecosystems across Africa.
Follow us: @innovationafdb, @AfDB_Innovation
Email: innovation_lab@afdb.org
Ready to scale up? Complete this form before the 21st of May 2025 and get the chance to join this first cohort.
For any questions regarding the program and itsapplication process, please write to Info.gpfellowship@ietp.com.
Apply now and take a significant step towards scaling your fund and increasing your impact across Africa!
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