Actis looking to invest in Ethiopia.

31 Jul, 2007

The UK-based private equity company Actis is looking for investment opportunities in Ethiopia as part of efforts to expand its presence in East Africa. Founded three years ago on the back of British government-backed emerging markets investor CDC, the company already has regional investments in Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. In March this year it announced the creation of a special advisory panel comprising members of the regional business community to scout for appropriate investment opportunities in their respective countries. Ethiopia is represented by Teshome Kebede, chairman of Addis Ababa-based Genuine Leather Craft.

Actis manages $3.4 billion of funds globally and manages all CDC projects in Africa. Its Africa portfolio is currently worth around $580 million, with investments in the minerals, real estate, telecommunications and oil and gas sectors.