DealMakers AFRICA

Moody’s announced that it intends to secure a majority equity stake in Middle East Rating & Investors Service (MERIS – an affiliate of Moody’s), a domestic credit rating agency in Egypt. The transaction builds on a longstanding relationship between the two companies and is subject to regulatory approvals. Following the transaction, MERIS will continue to operate as an independent affiliate of Moody’s while developing its own rating methodologies, issuing its own credit ratings, and maintaining a separate management team. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Finnfund announced a US$4 million debt investment in Poa Internet Kenya, a Kenyan internet service provider, to expand its network and improve internet accessibility. The investment aims to support Poa Internet in bridging the digital divide by providing affordable broadband internet to underserved communities in Kenya.

Hypeo Ai, a Moroccan startup streamlining influencer marketing through artificial intelligence, has announced an undisclosed investment from Renew Capital. Founded in 2024, Hypeo Ai helps brands and creators across Africa and the Middle East run faster, more efficient influencer campaigns by eliminating the need for manual tracking and fragmented tools. The platform connects brands with both human and AI-powered creators in under 15 minutes, offering an end-to-end campaign workflow that includes smart matching, pricing insights, and real-time performance tracking.

Norfund announced that it had taken a strategic minority equity investment in Kinetic Holdings Limited (popularly known as Kensta Group in East Africa), an East African distribution and manufacturing business. Kensta has been in existence for over 60 years and is dedicated to the supply of raw materials to the printing & packaging industry and the manufacturing of everyday essential paper-based products. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Inside Capital Partners announced and undisclosed investment in RDG Africa, a fast-growing leader in solar home systems and clean energy solutions across Southern and Central Africa. Founded in 2018, RDG delivers affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity to underserved households and small businesses through its innovative pay-as-you-go model in Zambia and the DRC.

Ghanaian agritech company, Complete Farmer, has received a US$5 million debt investment from Symbiotics. Complete Farmer operates a platform linking farmers, buyers and agricultural input suppliers.

The Facility for Energy Inclusion (Cygnum Capital) has signed a facility agreement to provide US$5,7 million in senior debt to finance Qair’s renewable energy assets in the Seychelles. This financing will be utilised by Qair for the development, building, operations, and maintenance of a 5.80 MWp Floating PV plant located in the Providence Lagoon on Mahé Island in Seychelles. The Seysun Lagoon FPV is backed by a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement with the Public Utilities Corporation.

DealMakers AFRICA is the continent’s quarterly M&A publication
www.dealmakersafrica.com