Five notable Southern African private capital deals
We highlight five Southern African private capital transactions, as featured in our Dealmaker’s Log.
We highlight five Southern African private capital transactions over the past 12 months, as featured in our Dealmaker’s Log, a database of reported investment deals, exits, and fundraising milestones. Subscribe to this service here
1. AfricInvest backs South African agtech platform Nile.ag
AfricInvest, through its Cathay AfricInvest Innovation Fund, led a R200 million (about $11.2 million) funding round for South Africa-based agri-tech platform Nile.ag. The round also included a co-investment from FMO and renewed backing from existing investor Platform Investment Partners.
Nile.ag started as a marketplace for fresh produce but has since grown into a broader digital platform serving farmers. It now offers inputs, financing and data tools that support the entire agricultural cycle – from ordering seeds and fertiliser to sourcing packaging post-harvest. Through banking partnerships, farmers can access financing, and sell their crops to local and international buyers via the platform, with the option of instant payment upon delivery. Read the full article
2. Sanlam Private Equity buys stake in education business
Sanlam Private Equity, through its SPE Mid Market Fund I, finalised the acquisition of a significant stake in Boston City Campus, one of South Africa’s leading distance learning institutions in higher education.
Boston currently operates 47 support centres across South Africa, offering ICT infrastructure, student registration and support, even in areas where access to traditional brick-and-mortar institutions is limited or unavailable. Read the full article
3. Kholo Capital and Maia Capital in building materials deal
The Kholo Capital Mezzanine Debt Fund I and Maia Capital Partners provided R250 million (about $14 million) mezzanine debt funding to Catapult Group. The funding is intended to support growth capital expenditure and to refinance a portion of existing senior debt, thereby enhancing cash flow flexibility as the company enters its next growth phase.
Catapult is a South African manufacturer and distributor of specialised building products, with a strong presence in the commercial, industrial, and residential real estate sectors with a 3,000-store retail distribution footprint. Read the full article
4. Africa Lighthouse Capital expands portfolio with Botswana hospital group acquisition
Africa Lighthouse Capital acquired a 76% equity stake in Medlane Holdings, a day hospital in Botswana.
Medlane specialises in ophthalmic surgical procedures such as corneal transplants and retinal surgeries. The investment will enable Medlane, under the continued leadership of its founders, Warren Lane and Dr. Tyler Lane, to accelerate the expansion of its therapeutic focus areas. Read the full article
5. Meridiam invests in township internet provider
Meridiam acquired a majority stake in Ilitha, a telecommunications company providing affordable internet solutions to underserved areas in South Africa.
This investment, made through the Meridiam TURF B Fund, will enable Ilitha to accelerate its fibre rollout in South Africa’s township communities, with the ambition to connect more than half a million households. Read the full article
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