Investisseurs & Partenaires

Investisseurs & Partenaires (I&P) is a pioneering impact investment group based in Paris, France, exclusively dedicated to financing and supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across Sub-Saharan Africa. Established in 2002, I&P operates with a dual objective: to generate financial returns while delivering significant social and environmental impact. The firm's strategy is rooted in the belief that robust local businesses are critical drivers of sustainable economic development and job creation in the region, addressing market gaps often overlooked by traditional financial institutions.

I&P provides long-term equity and quasi-equity financing, complemented by hands-on technical assistance and strategic guidance to its portfolio companies. Their investment approach is highly tailored, focusing on sectors vital for African development, including agribusiness, healthcare, education, and light manufacturing. Typically, I&P's first cheque sizes range from approximately $324,000 (€300,000) to $3.24 million (€3 million), targeting companies with strong growth potential and a clear commitment to positive societal impact. This flexible range allows them to support a diverse spectrum of SMEs, from early-stage growth to more mature businesses seeking expansion capital.

Over its two decades of operation, I&P has launched and managed several funds, demonstrating a consistent commitment to the African continent. Their most recent vehicle, I&P Afrique Entrepreneurs 3 (IPAE 3), successfully closed at €95 million (approximately $102.6 million) in 2022, underscoring investor confidence in their model and the African SME landscape. This follows the success of IPAE 2, which closed at €80 million in 2017. Since its inception, I&P has invested in over 150 companies, contributing to job creation, improved access to essential services, and enhanced local value chains across numerous African countries. The firm's deep local presence and expertise enable them to identify and nurture businesses that are not only financially viable but also instrumental in fostering inclusive growth and addressing pressing development challenges.