CENAINVEST

Central Africa Investment Corporation (CENAINVEST S.A) has been operating for over 10 years in the private equity industry in Central Africa. We were pioneers in the market and with our first pilot fund, we were able to test the environment and introduce private equity in the region. It has been a challenge, because the environment was not prepared for it. There was no legal framework in which private equity could operate, the concept of financing through equity investments was not incorporated in the business culture and the financial landscape was underdeveloped.

Therefore, the tasks of the management team included much more than only deal sourcing and monitoring of investment projects. It also concerned sensitization, education, preparation of tools, evaluation and adaptation of our strategy.  

After 10 years, we have grown to a professional private equity management company. In our operations we follow a thorough due diligence, focus on the establishment of strong partnerships and follow a hands-on approach. We also learned several specific lessons that help us to adapt our approach to our business environment. The key lessons are:

• provide targeted assistance in your investment projects in order to bring added value
  

• Know the business as much as the promoter

• Thoroughly analyze promoters who receive their revenues only from one project

• The team of Investment Officers should comprise various resources

• Follow a hands-on approach and a hands-in approach when nesessary

• Have a balanced protfolio