Kenya takes the lion’s share of East Africa’s $2.4b private equity deals
Artcaffe at the Lavington Mall in Nairobi. The acquisition of a majority stake of the hospitality chain by Emerging Capital Partners was among the major deals in 2018. PHOTO | JOHN FOX
Kenya led Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda in the number of private equity deals in East Africa in the period 2013-2018, snapping up 59 per cent of the 194 deals, valued at $2.4 billion, that East Africa received.
According to a report by the African Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (AVCA), Kenya’s performance is attributed to a liberalised, diversified and advanced economy, “supported by a fast-growing middle class and strong demand for high-value goods and services,” making it an attractive investment hub for global investors.
