Catalyst Fund I
The fund will invest in local medium-sized businesses that require capital and expertise to grow. With an objective to develop regional leaders, the fund works with portfolio companies towards achieving international operating best-practices, including environmental, social and governance standards. Catalyst seeks to drive revenue and profit growth through investment and strategic value-add initiatives.
Catalyst Principal Partners, the manager of the fund, has been established in 2009 as an Eastern Africa-focused private equity firm. Although a first time manager, Catalyst brings together an experienced team of East African investment professionals with diverse and complimentary international working experience and expertise.
East Africa is an attractive investment destination for development finance. Currently experiencing the strongest growth in sub-Saharan Africa, the region is converging into an economic bloc of over 130 million people, with an improving business climate and rising consumer demand. Opportunities are increasingly present, but East African economies also face a number of significant development challenges.
One of the investee companies of Catalyst Fund I is Chai Bora in Tanzania. Chai Bora sources, blends, and packages tea for the Tanzanian retail market. The video is produced and kindly provided by CDC, one of SIFEM's co-investor in Catalyst Fund I.