IFC and Proparco back Helios sport and entertainment investment vehicle
An equity investment of up to $50 million in Helios Sports and Entertainment.
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The International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Proparco have announced an equity investment of up to $50 million in Helios Sports and Entertainment (HSEG), an investment vehicle dedicated to sport, media and entertainment across Africa.
The financing will target key segments including sports intellectual property rights, event management, infrastructure development, retail, and hospitality. HSEG’s mission is to develop a more dynamic sport and entertainment ecosystem in the region, working with its four partners: NBA Africa, The Malachite Group (Afro Nation), PFL Africa, and Zaria Group.
IFC led the funding round with up to $30 million in equity investment from its own account, while Proparco has committed up to $20 million as part of the same financing.
“The sports, entertainment, and creative sectors are scalable industries that should be approached with effective financial tools and a genuine business mindset. This is the message we want to send, as equity investors,” said Makhtar Diop, IFC managing director. “We are proud to anchor this investment and to signal to other investors that the sector is ready for long-term, strategic capital.”
Françoise Lombard, CEO, Proparco, stated, “Investing in Africa’s sports and entertainment sector is not only about supporting creativity and talent, but it’s also about unlocking economic opportunities and jobs for a generation of young Africans. Through this partnership with IFC and Helios, we aim to catalyse sustainable growth in a sector full of potential.”
“It is a privilege to receive support from reputable institutions, such as the IFC and Proparco, showing true conviction in both the African creative economy and our ability to deliver as a platform,” said managing partner at Helios Sports and Entertainment Group, Tope Lawani. “At Helios Sports and Entertainment Group, we are constantly presented with attractive opportunities driven by Africa’s richness of talent and increasingly sought-after content. We are excited to capitalise on HSEG's unique market position to create economic value and genuine impact.”
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