The third Africa Venture Finance Programme at Oxford's Saïd Business School will feature 44 prominent African and Africa-focused venture capital fund managers, half of whom are women. 

Participants will discuss strategies for creating a sustainable and impactful investment landscape across the continent.

The programme is sponsored by the European Union (EU) through Boost Africa, as well as the AfricaGrow Technical Assistance Facility, which is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) via KfW

From September 9 to 13, 2024, venture capital (VC) funds, including Partech, AfricInvest, TLcom, Norssken, Speedinvest, and others will converge for the event.

According to a statement from the European Investment Bank (EIB), the programme is a week-long, in-person workshop designed exclusively for VC fund managers investing in early and growth-stage technology companies in Africa.

It stated that delegates from around the continent will attend, with half of them being women, emphasising the industry's need for more representation of women at senior levels.

In addition to Oxford academics, prominent investors and technology professionals from around the world will speak with attendees on a range of issues. 

This includes well-known African investors and programme alumni like Khaled Ben Jilani of AfricInvest, Keet van Zyl of Knife Capital, and Ido Sum of TLcom.

EIB said: “The programme supports the growth of Africa’s technology venture capital sector. Fund managers will be equipped to identify and fund innovative solutions, addressing Africa’s unique challenges. They will share expertise and facilitate discussions to drive rapid growth in Africa’s technology venture capital sector.”

Ambroise Fayolle, vice-president of the EIB, stated that the bank is committed to funding innovative solutions to global challenges.

“We are proud of Boost Africa’s role in supporting a vibrant and resilient VC ecosystem in Africa and helping African entrepreneurs transform their ideas into successful businesses,” said Fayolle.

According to Oxford programme director Aunnie Patton Power, the African Venture Finance Programme reflects the effective, high-caliber initiatives offered by Saïd Business School.

While Martin Ewald, lead portfolio manager Impact Investments at Allianz Global Investors, said: “Our investments and technical assistance programs are designed to empower local first-time funds, extending our impact beyond our immediate portfolio.

“The Africa Venture Finance Program offers a unique opportunity for fund managers to exchange knowledge, create strong networks and forge valuable partnerships.”