Development Partners International announces new CEO
Sofiane Lahmar succeeds co-founder Runa Alam, who will become non-executive chair.
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Development Partners International (DPI), an Africa-focused investment firm, today announced that Sofiane Lahmar, who has been a senior partner at the firm since joining in 2010, has been appointed CEO, effective 1 April 2026. Lahmar succeeds co-founder Runa Alam who will become non-executive chair. Alam co-founded DPI in 2007 with Miles Morland and served as CEO for nearly two decades.
“I am deeply honoured to succeed Runa as CEO and am excited by the tremendous opportunities ahead of us. Runa is a true pioneer in African investing. Her vision and leadership have been instrumental in building the firm into a leader in African private equity, and we owe her a deep debt of gratitude,” said Lahmar.
“Looking forward, the firm has an accomplished, talented, and experienced next generation of partners and leaders in place, with a successful and proven investing track record. With Runa serving as chair, the firm will benefit from continuity and strategic guidance while continuing its long-standing reputation as a strong partner for investors and management teams. As we continue to expand the firm and broaden our capabilities, we look forward to delivering strong long-term value for our investors and generating positive and lasting impact across Africa and beyond,” he added.
Alam said: “Nineteen years ago, we set out to build an Africa-focused platform that delivers strong, risk-adjusted returns while creating lasting impact. In partnership with our investors, portfolio companies and other stakeholders, DPI has become one of the leading and largest alternative asset managers in Africa managing over $3.5 billion. I am proud of this feat and the value we have delivered to our stakeholders, including all the countries and communities where we invest.”
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