AVCA Conference

28 April – 2 May 2025
Lagos Continental Hotel

64

Days

1

Hrs

:

 

19

Mins

Formats

VC Summit

Registration 7:00 am - 6:00 pm

9:00 am - 9:15 am

Welcome & Opening Remarks

9:15 am - 9:40 am

Opening Keynote Address

9:40 am - 9:45 am

Morning Chair Introduction

9:45 am - 10:15 am

Panel 1: Life Below 0° - How is Venture Capital in Africa Faring?

2024 was another turbulent year for global venture capital. Familiar concerns, including fluctuating interest rates, high valuations, and the scarcity of exits, created uncertainty in global markets, which was amplified by geopolitical conflict and unpredictable elections in select key jurisdictions. Global startup funding totalled US$346 billion in 2024—standing above pre-pandemic levels but still lagging behind the peaks of 2018 and 2020. This opening panel examines how Africa is navigating this fluctuating macroeconomic landscape. Industry experts convene to identify how investment strategies have shifted in response to global headwinds, sectors demonstrating resilience in the face of the downturn, and how startups can continue attracting funding amidst tightened conditions.

10:15 am - 11:00 am

Panel 2: Unlocking Scale: The Growth-Stage Challenge

The seed stage is the beating heart of venture capital in Africa and continually assumes approximately a third of deal activity. While the light often shines on companies in their early stages of development, a significant gap remains in accessing capital for those in their growth stage. This panel begins by exploring the on-the-ground realities for scaling startups and how these challenges contribute to a “missing middle” in securing funding. Panellists will discuss innovative solutions to address capital shortages, the importance of building strong local investor ecosystems, and strategies for mitigating risks associated with geographic and/or product expansion to crowd in capital for startups beyond the seed or early stage. This session will provide valuable insights for both startups and investors on how to navigate the growth stage successfully and ensure the long-term sustainability of Africa's burgeoning tech ecosystem.

11:00 am - 11:30 am

Network, Network, Network!

11:30 am - 12:15 pm

Panel 3: The LP Mindset

This panel convenes a host of capital allocators – representing corporate, commercial and development-focused interests – to share their perspectives on the evolving landscape of venture capital in Africa. As the fundraising market becomes increasingly competitive, this panel provides a rare glimpse into how LPs assess risk, evaluate opportunity, and determine priorities. How can GPs craft compelling narratives to secure capital commitments? What selection criteria are top of mind for LPs, and how do these differ for emerging vs. established fund managers? What is the role and impact of corporates as LPs for African funds? Gain actionable insights into both the trends in institutional interest, as well as how to attract and retain this critical source of capital.

12:15 pm - 1:00 pm

Panel 4: Spotting (Soon)icorns: High Value Exits in Africa’s Silicon Savannah

Exits—whether through acquisitions, IPOs, or strategic partnerships—are the ultimate marker of a thriving VC ecosystem. Although 2024 minted two new African unicorns (Moniepoint and Tyme Bank), the continent lags behind global peers in both the number of startups reaching this coveted status and the pace of high-value exits. This panel will explore the strategies and best practices required to build scalable businesses primed for outsized returns. Experienced entrepreneurs and investors will share their insights on positioning startups for success, including considerations around timing, market positioning, and building strong teams. The panel will also profile Africa’s most promising soonicorns, analysing the unique characteristics of high-growth African startups to support the next wave of billion dollar startups in Africa.

1:00 pm - 1:45 pm

Networking Lunch

1:45 pm - 1:50 pm

Afternoon Chair Introduction

1:50 pm - 2:15 pm

Fireside Chat: Titans of Industry – Bold Moves

2:15 pm - 3:00 pm

Panel 5: Venture Debt – Africa’s Missing Piece?

This panel makes the case for increased venture debt in Africa: highlighting how it can complement equity funding, bridge capital gaps, and accelerate company growth. A range of debt products (such as term loans, revenue-based/receivables/equipment financing) and their suitability in the African context will be evaluated, as well as how and when African investors should deploy these tools and how to raise awareness amongst founders of these financing alternatives.

3:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Network, Network, Network!

3:30 pm - 4:15 pm

Panel 6: Catalysing Outside The Big 4

Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and Egypt are Africa’s leading markets for venture capital investment in Africa. However, the continent's true investment potential lies in its diversity – a vibrant tapestry woven from numerous emerging and frontier markets. These lesser-known ecosystems, spanning Francophone, Lusophone and North Africa, offer unique opportunities for investors seeking to capitalise on pre-emerging growth to generate significant long-term returns. Join this category of investors as they identify the growth drivers in these jurisdictions, analyse the investment opportunities they present, and discuss the key risks and challenges involved in harnessing this potential. By exploring the diverse investment landscape outside the Big 4, this panel provides a more holistic and nuanced picture of venture capital in Africa.

4:15 pm - 5:00 pm

Panel 7: “Tag! You’re It” - The Next Wave of African Innovation

Since 2019, FinTech has consistently claimed first place amongst tech-enabled startups raising venture capital in Africa. While FinTech’s supremacy shows no signs of giving way, this panel looks beyond the giant of Africa’s silicon savannah to explore alternate sectors prime for growth and investment. Which sectors and verticals are bringing commercial opportunity, and who are the notable investors and entrepreneurs trailblazing in these spaces? This panel brings together those at the forefront of this exciting new wave of African innovation, providing valuable insights into the trends shaping the future of Africa’s tech landscape.

5:00 pm - 5:05 pm

Closing Remarks

5:30 pm - 9:30 pm

VC Closing & PE Welcome Reception

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.