The African Development Bank (AfDB), in partnership with Investisseurs & Partenaires (I\&P), proudly presents the Pan-African Fellowship for Emerging Fund Managers 2025—a groundbreaking initiative designed to groom the next generation of African private equity (PE) and venture capital (VC) fund managers. This fully-funded fellowship seeks to provide technical training, strategic mentorship, and critical exposure to 20 promising fund managers who are either launching or managing early-stage investment funds across Africa.
This high-impact fellowship addresses the significant gaps in local fund management skills across the continent. It empowers early-stage fund managers to not only navigate complex investment environments but to also become catalysts for inclusive growth by investing in underserved sectors and markets. With a focus on sustainability, innovation, and capacity-building, this initiative supports Africa’s broader economic development goals while enhancing investor confidence in local fund talent.
The AfDB Pan-African Fellowship for Emerging Fund Managers 2025 has quickly become one of the most talked-about investment mentorship programs in Africa. Designed specifically for emerging fund managers in Africa, the initiative seeks to address critical gaps in skills, networks, and capital access that prevent local fund managers from scaling their impact.
With the continent seeing a rising interest in impact investment training in Africa, this fellowship positions participants at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. Fellows will not only learn the tools and frameworks for structuring deals, but they will also be guided in how to maximize financial and social returns in sectors often overlooked by traditional investors.
As part of its comprehensive approach to capacity building for African investors, the program emphasizes the importance of fundraising strategies for African funds. Fellows will get direct access to limited partners and capital providers, helping them refine pitches, build investor confidence, and secure vital capital.
The program also ensures unmatched networking opportunities for African fund managers, through events, bootcamps, and introductions to both African and global industry stakeholders. These connections can unlock future partnerships, funding rounds, and co-investment opportunities.
This unique AfDB fellowship for fund managers highlights the role of diversity and youth inclusion by prioritizing young professionals under 35. In doing so, it fuels the next generation of investment leaders who are passionate about support for underserved sectors in Africa, particularly those in agriculture, health, clean energy, and financial inclusion.
So if you’re looking for an African private equity fellowship that combines practical knowledge, mentoring, and global visibility, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to leap forward.
Africa’s future depends on a new generation of leaders who understand not only finance but also impact, inclusion, and innovation. The AfDB Pan-African Fellowship for Emerging Fund Managers is a bold step in nurturing such leadership in the financial space.
If you’re seeking one of the best investment fellowships in Africa, this program could define your career path and elevate your role in shaping the continent’s financial ecosystem.
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Requirement/Eligibility
The Pan-African Fellowship for Emerging Fund Managers targets African fund managers who meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Active in Africa: You must be an emerging private equity or venture capital fund manager investing or planning to invest in African markets.
- Fund Status: You are at the launch, first close, or early operational phase of a first-time fund.
- Assets Under Management (AUM): You must manage a portfolio with less than **USD 50 million in AUM.
- Focus Areas: Fund managers investing in underserved markets or sectors are highly encouraged to apply.
- Leadership Age: Priority will be given to funds with senior team members under 35 years of age.
- Value Alignment: You must show strong interest in impact investment and local development.
- Additionality: The fellowship seeks applicants who provide more than just capital—such as strategic and technical support to portfolio companies.
This program is ideal for those interested in venture capital training programs in Africa or those who need support in navigating the complex African investment landscape.
Duration
The fellowship lasts 8 months
Deadline
May 21, 2025
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