Supporting high-impact start-ups

Access to financing remains a major obstacle for African start-ups. Often created in response to unmet needs and demand in local markets, they generate jobs, create value and have a wide range of impacts. They are thus a new and powerful development tool for Africa. The question of their financing is therefore crucial.

Proparco supports high-impact African start-ups throughout their growth cycle, from pre-seed to scale-up:

Pre-seed and seed investment through Digital Africa, Proparco subsidiary dedicated to supporting tech entrepreneurs in their seed phase
Direct investment from pre-Serie A to Serie D starting from €1 million
Bridge financing between two rounds through the Bridge Fund by Digital Africa operated by Proparco
Indirect investment via seed and venture capital funds

200+ tech start-ups "made in Africa" supported

In total, Proparco has invested in over 200 tech start-ups "made in Africa", including 30 directly, since 2018.

Our added value

AFD Group executes the French government's development aid policies. The investment decisions of Proparco, its subsidiary dedicated to private sector, follow a rigorous vetting process and can be a catalyst for other investors.
Capable of supporting start-ups over the long term, Proparco is not bound to a fixed termed investment horizon, which enables it to take into account its clients long-term needs.
Proparco provides its clients an extensive local and international network of companies, financial institutions and institutional investors.
Proparco has in-depth knowledge of Venture Capital (VC) markets and ecosystems, with a strong local presence on the African continent.
Proparco offers debt financing and technical assistance (management training, consultant support, high-impact financing).

Investment criteria

Core business operated in Africa
Team with unique vision and demonstrated leadership skills. Strong track record in the chosen industry
Unique opportunity: innovation, addressable market, business model, barriers to entry
Capacity to expand outside home market
At least 400 K€ yearly revenues
Strong impact aligned with Proparco 2023-2027 strategy
Targeted preferred sectors: fintech, healthtech, agtech, cleantech / access to energy, edtech