AVCA Conference

28 April – 2 May 2025
Lagos Continental Hotel

64

Days

2

Hrs

:

 

40

Mins

Formats

PE Conference

Registration 7:30 am - 6:00 pm

9:00 am - 10:30 am

Gender Roundtable

10:30 am - 10:35 am

Opening Remarks

10:35 am - 10:55 am

Keynote Address

10:55 am - 11:00 am

Morning Chair Introduction

11:00 am - 11:40 am

Panel 7: Scaling Up: Fundraising Beyond Fund I

Securing a first fund is an achievement—raising the second is a whole new challenge. As fund managers transition beyond Fund I, they must prove their investment thesis, secure LP re-ups, and expand their investor base while demonstrating a strong track record. This panel brings together experienced fund managers who have successfully scaled their firms, along with LPs who have backed emerging managers through multiple fundraising cycles. Panellists will discuss the strategic pivots required for a second fund, the evolving expectations of LPs, and the keys to building a sustainable investment platform in Africa’s private capital landscape.

11:45 am - 12:25 pm

Panel 8: The Exit is this Way

The road to a successful exit isn’t always clearly marked, but private capital investors in Africa are finding new ways to reach their destination. This panel takes a deep dive into the current exit landscape, examining the viability of IPOs, trade sales, secondary sales, and strategic buyouts as pathways to liquidity. With investor appetite evolving and exit routes shifting, how are fund managers and portfolio companies adapting? Panellists will discuss the “timing tensions” that influence exit decisions, strategies for navigating complex regulatory and market conditions, and innovative approaches to maximising value creation. Whether planning for a full exit or partial divestment, this session provides actionable insights on structuring deals, optimising timing, and ensuring portfolio companies are primed for success.

12:25 pm - 1:00 pm

Panel 9: The Next Lap: Succession Strategies

Sustained success in private capital isn’t just about the next deal—it’s about the next generation. As firms scale and evolve, thoughtful succession planning becomes essential for long-term sustainability, investor confidence, and leadership continuity. This panel explores how firms can proactively shape their future, ensuring smooth leadership transitions while preserving firm culture, strategic vision, and growth momentum. Panellists will share best practices for identifying and mentoring next-generation leaders, retaining top talent, and structuring transition plans that align with firm values and long-term objectives. Whether preparing for leadership shifts in the near or distant future, this session offers key insights into building private capital funds that endure.

1:00 pm - 1:40 pm

Networking Lunch

1:40 pm - 1:45 pm

Afternoon Chair Introduction

1:45 pm - 2:05 pm

Fireside Chat: Titans of Industry – Bold Moves

2:05 pm - 2:45 pm

Panel 10: Mind the Gap: Bold Solutions to Close Africa’s Infrastructure Deficit

With public funding falling well short of the estimated US$130–$170 billion required annually for infrastructure development in Africa, alternative financing solutions are critical. This panel explores bold, investor-led approaches—from blended finance models to public-private partnerships—that have the potential to reshape the landscape. Panellists will discuss how to mitigate risks in infrastructure deals, mobilise both local and international capital, and generate long-term value in sectors such as Energy, Transportation, and Digital Infrastructure. As Africa’s infrastructure needs intensify, this session offers actionable insights for investors looking to drive large-scale, high-impact projects and play a pivotal role in closing Africa’s infrastructure gap.

2:45 pm - 3:15 pm

Network, Network, Network!

3:15 pm - 3:45 pm

Stream 1: Adapting to Reality: Climate Change and the Investment Imperative

Climate change is no longer a distant challenge—it’s an investment imperative. As environmental risks reshape economies and industries, investors can no longer afford to treat climate considerations as an afterthought. This panel explores how private capital can move beyond risk mitigation to opportunity creation, leveraging climate-smart investments to drive both financial returns and sustainable impact. Panellists will examine the sectors poised for growth in Africa’s green economy, from renewable energy and climate-resilient infrastructure to carbon markets and sustainable agriculture. The discussion will also cover the evolving regulatory landscape, the role of innovation, and how investors can embed climate resilience into portfolio strategies. With climate finance gaining momentum, this session provides a blueprint for investors looking to stay ahead in an era where sustainability and profitability go hand in hand.

3:15 pm - 3:45 pm

Stream 2: Rhythm & Blues - Financing Africa's Creative Revolution

From Afrobeats topping global charts to Nollywood’s expansion into streaming, African creativity is gaining global recognition. But beyond the headlines, how can private capital fuel the growth of this booming industry? This panel explores investment opportunities across film, music, fashion, gaming, and digital content, examining how platforms like Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube are shaping the landscape. As the creative economy scales, how do we ensure smaller players aren’t left behind? Panellists will discuss investment opportunities, monetisation challenges, and strategies for building an ecosystem where both major players and emerging talents thrive. With the right investment and industry support, Africa’s creative industries can become global powerhouses, driving both economic impact and cultural influence.

3:45 pm - 4:15 pm

Stream 3: Give Credit Where It’s Due

Equity isn’t the only answer—it's time to give credit where it’s due. As businesses across the continent seek flexible and sustainable financing solutions, private credit is playing an increasingly important role in Africa’s investment landscape. This panel explores how mezzanine financing, structured debt, and credit funds can provide growth capital, improve liquidity, and offer alternatives to traditional equity funding. Panellists will discuss when private credit is the right fit, how it complements equity, and how blended capital structures can optimise financial sustainability. This session makes the case for a stronger, more diversified credit market—one that unlocks opportunities for both businesses and investors

3:45 pm - 4:15 pm

Stream 4: Scoring Big: The Rise of Sports Investing in Africa

Africa’s sports industry is entering a new era of growth, creating compelling opportunities for private capital. With a rising pool of elite talent, increasing global partnerships, and expanding fan engagement, the business of sports is gaining momentum across the continent. This panel explores the intersection of sports, entertainment, and business, highlighting investment opportunities in infrastructure, sponsorships, media rights, and athlete development. Panellists will discuss how private capital can support the development of professional leagues, build sustainable franchises, and create commercial pathways that drive long-term value for investors and the industry.

4:15 pm - 4:45 pm

Panel 11: LP Hour – Let’s Talk

What’s shaping LP decision-making in Africa today? This session pulls back the curtain on how LPs assess risk, evaluate fund managers, and deploy capital across African markets. As LP sentiment evolves amidst shifting macroeconomic conditions, the final panel convenes Africa’s institutional investors to discuss the key factors influencing their allocations. What strategies are LPs betting on? Which geographies and sectors are most attractive? How can GPs strengthen their investor relationships to secure long-term commitments? Expect an unfiltered conversation between LPs and GPs as panellists tackle the realities of fundraising and capital deployment in Africa’s private capital markets.

4:45 pm - 4:50 pm

Closing Remarks

*The AVCA Conference is complimentary for qualified Limited Partners (LPs), classified as non-retail investors in private equity funds, limited to 3 complimentary passes per organisation. This includes full-time employees of development finance institutions (DFIs), endowments, single-family offices, insurance companies, public and private pension funds, and sovereign wealth funds.