Verdant Capital at AVCA 2025: Driving the Conversation on Private Credit in Africa
At the recent 2025 AVCA private equity conference and venture capital summit, a high-level panel convened to discuss the growing role of private credit as an asset class. The panel featured leading voices in the sector, including Edmund Higenbottam of Verdant Capital, Isaac Marshall of TLG Capital, Anthony Mwangi Njoroge of ResponsAbility/SIFEM, and Lisa Rumelin of Betula Partners. The conversation, moderated by Obianuju Ifebunandu, from a leading Nigerian law firm at Templars, explored how private credit can serve as a powerful engine for Africa’s mid-market growth.
The annual AVCA conference is the largest Africa-focused private capital gathering globally, attracting investors managing over USD1.5 trillion in assets. The 2025 edition focused on transformative strategies to unlock exponential growth across the continent. Global investors, policymakers, and business leaders convened for solutions-driven dialogue on how bold, innovative approaches can unlock Africa’s long-term potential.
Private credit is emerging as a vital source of funding for African SMEs, but unlocking its potential requires structural innovation, deeper local capital markets, and a clear-eyed view of both real and perceived risks. Edmund Higenbottam of Verdant Capital pointed out that while private credit globally has grown to over USD 1 trillion, Africa is still early in its trajectory. “Much of the delay is structural,” he said. “But the asset class has outperformed private equity in terms of returns and consistency. Its growth here is just a matter of time.”
Lisa Rumelin of Betula Partners stressed the importance of collaborative structuring. “We’re moving beyond one-size-fits-all. The key is to build frameworks where DFIs, banks, and private credit funds can coexist without crowding each other out.”
TLG Capital’s Isaac Marshall emphasized that liquidity and early engagement with local banks are critical to structuring viable exits. When banks are involved from the outset, often through guarantees, they tend to stay invested in the company’s success and often serve as natural refinance partners at maturity.
Anthony Mwangi Njoroge of responsibility / SIFEM urged managers to balance impact with strong underwriting. “If you want institutional capital, deliver results not just promises.”
As Africa’s private credit market matures, success will depend on collaboration, smarter structuring, and fund managers who can turn capital into both returns and resilience.