Abraaj North Africa Fund II

Persistent unemployment and a lack of job creation have been recognized as a major cause of the Arab Spring. Post-Arab Spring, unemployment, especially for the young, remains an important challenge for countries in North Africa. Many SMEs and medium-sized businesses, which account for the majority of employment generation, are facing a lack of growth capital as political and economic uncertainties have caused investments and credit in the region to abate in recent years.

By providing access to finance for private businesses in Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria and Egypt, the Abraaj North Africa Fund II (ANAF II) will make an important contribution to the generation of sustainable and high quality jobs in the region. Based on the Manager’s experience in North Africa, ANAF II’s portfolio companies are expected to provide employment for more than 10,000 local people. The Fund’s investee companies will commit to best-practice international labor standards, with a view to pay wages above the national minimum and provide on-going training to employees.

With a focus on companies in high impact sectors such as healthcare, education and recycling, among others, ANAF II is expected to achieve additional positive development effects.

ANAF II is a USD 250m generalist private equity fund investing in Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt and Algeria. The Fund will predominantly take significant minority and control stakes by investing USD 15-25m in 8-10 mid-market enterprises aiming to become regional champions.

ANAF II is the second fund managed by the experienced North Africa team of Abraaj Investment Management Ltd, an established global Emerging Markets investor. The team is comprised of local seasoned on-the-ground investment professionals based in the fund’s target countries, supported by Abraaj’s regional hub in Dubai.