The European Investment Bank (EIB) has announced a €20 million investment in the Amethis Europe Expansion Fund, a new private equity vehicle aimed at supporting European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) expanding their business in Africa, as well as in Europe and the Middle East. The fund seeks to strengthen economic ties between Europe and Africa by promoting private sector development and fostering sustainable, inclusive growth. This investment is part of the EIB’s broader efforts to enhance cross-continental cooperation and contribute to resilient economic partnerships.
The Amethis Europe Expansion Fund will provide both growth capital and strategic support to help European SMEs establish a strong presence in Africa through exports, partnerships, acquisitions, and direct investments. With a final fund size of €143 million, the initiative has garnered significant European backing, including participation from private institutional investors, family offices, Bpifrance, and COFIDES, under the Team Europe framework. This operation also aligns with the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy, which aims to promote sustainable and high-impact investments between Europe and Africa.
EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle emphasized that the investment reflects the Bank’s commitment to strengthening sustainable economic ties between Europe and Africa while unlocking opportunities for innovation, job creation, and shared prosperity. Laurent Demey, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Amethis, highlighted the EIB’s long-standing partnership with Amethis, noting that the Bank’s continued support provides crucial resources for European SMEs to expand internationally and build mutually beneficial partnerships across continents.
This marks the fifth EIB investment in a fund managed by Amethis, reinforcing a partnership that spans more than a decade. Since its establishment in 2011, Amethis has emerged as a leading private equity player in Africa, supporting local businesses in their growth and expansion. Through this new initiative, Amethis aims to extend its impact by enabling European companies to expand into African markets, thereby deepening economic cooperation and creating sustainable opportunities across both regions.
