The African Development Bank launches its Pan-African Fellowship for Emerging Fund Managers, implemented by I&P

Investisseurs & Partenaires (I&P) is proud to announce the launch of the African Development Bank Fellowship for Emerging Fund Managers, an initiative of the African Development Bank (AfDB) designed to support 20 African emerging fund managers. As the implementing partner selected by AfDB, I&P will bring its unique expertise as a General Partner (GP) and Limited Partner (LP) to deliver this first-of-its-kind capacity-building program, tailored to the realities and ambitions of African fund managers.

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Empowering the Next Generation of African Fund Managers

This 8-month fellowship is designed to support emerging African fund managers who are actively investing across the continent and seeking to scale their impact. The program directly addresses the core challenges faced by fund managers, offering a strategic blend of technical training, tailored expert support, and networking opportunities to unlock the next stage of their growth. 

A Response to Sector-Wide Challenges 

The Fellowship comes at a critical time for the African investment ecosystem. While the continent is rich in entrepreneurial talent and investment opportunities, many emerging fund managers face major hurdles, such as: 

• Difficulty accessing capital and building trust with institutional investors and Development Finance Institutions
• Complexities in fund structuring and meeting diverse limited partner expectations
• Operational challenges around team management, deal execution, and compliance
• Growing expectations around climate finance, gender-lens investing, and impact measurement
• Limited access to established limited partner networks
• Broader macroeconomic and perception-related barriers, particularly for youth- and women-led funds

A Unique Program, Powered by I&P’s Experience

With over $480 million raised and 24 emerging fund managers backed in the past decade, I&P brings a unique perspective as both a General Partner (GP) and Limited Partner (LP). This embedded experience positions I&P to deliver a high-impact program, leveraging its deep networks and knowledge of what it takes to scale successfully in the African context.

Participants will gain firsthand insights from top limited partners, general partners, and ecosystem players who understand the realities of African markets and the evolving expectations of investors.

What the Fellowship Offers

The program offers a dynamic combination of formats designed to deliver learning opportunities, enhance visibility, and provide tailored support.

• Master the Fundamentals: Interactive webinars and deep dives into critical topics such as fundraising strategy, investment execution, impact measurement, and legal structuring
• Immerse & Connect: A bootcamp held alongside a major ecosystem event, offering visibility and unique networking opportunities
• Tailored Expert Insights: One-on-one mentorship with experienced private equity and venture capital professionals offering customized guidance to tackle your biggest strategic and operational challenges
• Unlock Networking Potential: Continuous access to a network of limited partners, investors, and like-minded fund managers across the continent 

Who Should Apply?

The Fellowship is open to emerging PE and VC fund managers who:

• Are actively investing in Africa
• Have either secured initial commitments, are at launch or close of first-time fund
• Have relatively small, high-potential portfolios with clear additionality
• Are focusing on underserved sectors or geographies
• Have less than USD 50M in assets under management

Fund managers with representation of youth (below 35 years) in senior leadership positions are encouraged to apply!

Timeline and Application

The program will begin in June. Applications are open until May 21, 2025. Link to application form https://form.jotform.com/250825347216355.

For any questions regarding the program and its application process, please write to Info.gpfellowship@ietp.com.

About the Lab

The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Lab (the Lab), under the Human Capital, Youth and Skills Development Department (AHHD), is a flagship initiative of the Jobs for Youth in Africa Strategy and a core component of the Boost Africa Program—a partnership between the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) aimed at financing high-potential startups and reinforcing entrepreneurship ecosystems across Africa.

Contact: innovation_lab@afdb.org

X: @AfDB_Innovation | LinkedIn: @innovationafdb