East Africa's private investors to meet next month

12 April 2010

East Africa's infrastructure may be aided in the future by more private investment.

Next month there will be talks between private investors from Tanzania, Rwanda and Kenya and Uganda to discuss the issue.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Commonwealth Secretariat - a voluntary body of 54 countries - are among the organisations hosting the event, which will be held in Nairobi.

David Ashiagbor, economic adviser at the Commonwealth Secretariat, said: "Sub-Saharan Africa is one of the biggest growth stories in emerging markets private equity."

Held from May 18th-19th, the meeting will contain representatives of companies such as pension fund firms, long-term investors and insurance businesses.

And Martin Poulsen, chief private equity officer of the AfDB, explained it is still a "challenge" to try to raise funds from institutional investors in Africa.

It is hoped the meeting will offer participants a better understanding of their role and how private equity funds work.