Africa50 appoints global leader Sérgio Pimenta to spearhead its later-stage Africa-focused Infrastructure Acceleration Fund
- Sérgio Pimenta will lead the Africa50 Infrastructure Acceleration Fund (Africa50 IAF) in mobilizing and deploying domestic and global institutional capital into infrastructure investments across the continent, delivering attractive risked-adjusted returns for investors and making impact where the Fund invests.
- The appointment brings decades of global leadership, expertise, and networks that will enhance the Africa50 IAF's development and growth as it continues to inject private capital into Africa’s infrastructure sectors.
Casablanca, Morocco – 30 September 2025 – Africa50, the pan-African infrastructure investor and multi-vehicle asset manager, today announced the appointment of Sérgio Pimenta as Chief Executive Officer of the Africa50 IAF. The appointment marks a strategic move to scale private-sector investment, given the crucial role infrastructure plays in the continent’s development.
Pimenta brings over 25 years of experience at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), where he most recently served as the Vice President for Africa, leading nearly 800 staff across the continent and overseeing a US$17 billion investment portfolio, and advisory activities. He is a distinguished leader recognized for building valuable relationships with key stakeholders and delivering complex global projects in infrastructure, manufacturing, agribusiness, and services that advance infrastructure initiatives in emerging markets.
Sérgio Pimenta will help in accelerating Africa50 IAF's mission to mobilize large-scale commercial and institutional capital and facilitating investments that contribute towards closing the continent’s infrastructure gap. Pimenta will manage and expand Africa50 IAF's portfolio - originating new investment opportunities that enable partners to manage risk and increase exposure to high-impact infrastructure projects.
Commenting on his appointment, Sérgio Pimenta said, "I am honoured to join the Africa50 Group to lead the Infrastructure Acceleration Fund. It is a pioneering platform that strengthens global momentum for deploying private sector capital and unlocking Africa's tremendous potential. Together with the team and our partners, I look forward to scaling a pipeline of transformative, bankable projects that power regional trade, drive sustainable growth, and create jobs across the continent to improve the lives of people."
Alain Ebobissé, CEO of Africa50 Group, said: “We are delighted to welcome Sérgio to lead this important aspect of our business. His profound expertise in capital mobilization, combined with his in-depth knowledge of the African and global emerging markets, will be instrumental in supporting Africa50 IAF in achieving its strategic goals and accelerating the delivery of high-impact infrastructure projects across the continent. I am confident that Sérgio will help us deliver a solid investment portfolio, affirming Africa50 IAF's role as a key investment vehicle for investors ready to partner in Africa's growth.”
The Africa50 IAF, a 12-year closed-ended private equity fund, has to date secured US$275 million of capital commitments raised from 22 African and global institutional investors, with further commitments anticipated in the near-term. The commitments to the Fund underscore the Fund's domestic and international appeal, positioning infrastructure investments in Africa as a gateway to inclusive growth and economic empowerment.
ENDS
About Africa50
Africa50 is a pan-African infrastructure investor and multi-vehicle asset manager that contributes to Africa's growth by developing and investing in bankable projects, catalyzing public sector capital, and mobilizing private sector funding, with differentiated financial returns and impact. Africa50 currently has 37 shareholders, comprised of 33 African countries and 4 institutional investors including the African Development Bank, the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO), Bank Al-Maghrib, and the Public Investment Corporation of South Africa (PIC). For more information, visit: www.africa50.com
About Africa50 Infrastructure Acceleration Fund
The Africa50 Infrastructure Acceleration Fund is a private equity fund anchored by the Africa50 Group, and backed by several development finance institutions, pension funds, insurance companies, commercial banks, and sovereign wealth funds, amongst others. Africa50 IAF’s investment objectives include achieving attractive risk-adjusted returns through investing equity and quasi-equity in infrastructure companies and projects across Africa, focused on four core sectors (power & energy, transportation & logistics, water & sanitation, digital & social infrastructure).
Media Contact:
Nana Boakye-Yiadom, Communications Manager, Africa50
Tel: +212666166308
Email: n.boakyeyiadom@africa50.com
Category: Press Release