The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is weighing a USD 75 M investment in Helios Investors V (“Helios V” or the “Fund”), with an additional USD 50 M set aside for potential co-investments.

This proposed investment is set to build on a recent USD 75 M commitment from the European Investment Bank (EIB Global), announced at the Finance in Common Summit in Cape Town signalling a growing confidence in Africa’s tech-driven economic growth.

Helios Fund V, a pan-African private equity fund managed by Helios Investment Partners, is positioning itself to capitalize on Africa’s rapidly evolving digital economy.

The fund is targeting a total raise of USD 750 M to invest in market-leading companies that are leading Africa’s digital and financial landscape. The fund will focus on businesses at the intersection of technology, urbanization, and Africa’s favourable demographics—key drivers of the continent’s economic growth.

With plans to invest in 10 to 12 companies with ticket sizes ranging from USD 70 M to USD 80 M per company, Helios V aims to provide significant capital to established and high-growth businesses that have the potential to lead their industries.

At the core of its investment approach are four high-impact sectors that are crucial to Africa’s technological and economic advancement. Digital infrastructure remains a top priority, with investments planned in data centres, fibre optic networks, and telecom towers—key building blocks of a more connected and digital-first economy.

Financial services and fintech are another major focus, with Helios V looking to support businesses that are expanding access to banking, digital payments, and financial management tools.

Beyond finance and infrastructure, the fund is also eyeing tech-enabled business services, including cloud computing, healthcare tech, regulatory technology, and logistics solutions—industries that are increasingly dependent on digital innovation to improve efficiency and scalability. Additionally, Helios V plans to invest in essential consumer sectors such as healthcare, education, and food, where technology is helping to lower costs and increase accessibility for a growing population.

For the IFC, this aligns with its mission to drive private sector growth in emerging markets and encourage technological progress. Similarly, the EIB’s separate investment is part of its broader push to mobilize private capital for African businesses, working alongside other European development finance institutions (DFIs).

Beyond financial performance, Helios V has committed to incorporating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into its investment strategy. The fund has pledged that at least 30% of its portfolio will go toward companies that meet the EIB’s gender equality standards, and it has joined the 2X Global network to promote gender-focused investing.

These commitments reflect a broader shift in global investment strategies, where financial institutions are increasingly prioritizing not just returns but also measurable social and economic impact.

With the combined backing from two major development finance institutions, the fund is positioned to play a critical role in fueling Africa’s next wave of digital innovation. As investors continue to recognize the potential of Africa’s tech ecosystem, Helios V’s success could pave the way for even greater financial commitments to the region in the years to come.