The UK’s development finance institution, British International Investment (BII), has taken a leading role as an anchor investor in Enko Capital’s latest private credit initiative, the Enko Impact Credit Fund (EICF).
The initiative aims to provide growth capital to support the expansion of mid-sized businesses across Africa.
The fund achieved an initial close of US$100 million, drawing participation from development finance institutions, African pension schemes, family offices, and commercial investors.
The introduction of the Enko Impact Credit Fund represents a major stride in tackling the persistent funding shortfall that constrains many mid-sized enterprises across Africa.
These enterprises often demonstrate strong growth potential yet remain neglected by conventional lenders, who either perceive them as high-risk or lack the adaptability to accommodate their financing requirements.
The EICF aims to rewrite that narrative by providing customized private credit solutions across key sectors including agriculture, renewable energy, telecommunications, manufacturing, and financial services, all essential engines of inclusive and sustainable economic growth across the continent.
Leslie Maasdorp, Chief Executive Officer of BII, stated that the institution’s investment is intended to showcase the commercial viability of private credit in Africa while attracting more capital from both global and regional investors.
“By anchoring the fund’s first close, we aim to send a clear message to investors, draw in more capital, and foster a sustainable private credit market that backs businesses essential to Africa’s economic growth,” Maasdorp stated.
Alain Nkontchou, Managing Partner at Enko Capital, highlighted the first close as a reflection of the rising investor trust in Africa’s private credit market.
“With backing from top international development and impact investors, along with local partners, the fund is well placed to deliver tailored capital solutions to high-performing mid-market SMEs,” he stated.
“This initiative will drive business expansion, foster job creation, and promote sustainable development, while delivering strong risk-adjusted returns for investors,” he added.
Enko’s latest fund further fuels the growing momentum behind private credit as a rising asset class across Africa.
For BII, which has earlier supported funds like BluePeak Private Capital Fund II, Africa Go Green Fund, and African Rivers Fund IV, this new investment aligns with its wider mission to strengthen capital markets and stimulate private-sector expansion.
By providing adaptable, growth-focused financing to promising mid-sized firms, the Enko Impact Credit Fund aims to enable African businesses to scale their operations, generate employment, and drive the continent’s sustainable long-term development.
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