Deal Source launches to bridge $331b funding gap for African SMEs

By Delisha Fernandes

Deal Source Africa, a comprehensive program to connect African businesses with investors and transaction advisors, was officially launched at the West Africa Deal Summit held in Accra.

The program will help bridge the $331 billion funding gap for African SMEs, especially those with high growth potential, by offering solutions tailored to meet their business needs.

Deal Source Africa comprises a digital platform that connects investors with businesses, in-person and virtual Deal Rooms where companies can meet investors, and Impact Fund Showcases where investors can meet African venture funds and other local capital providers.

Experienced transaction advisors are connected with businesses to provide professional support along their fundraising journey. The platform’s Deal Officers facilitate connections with investors.

Amma Lartey, CEO of Impact Investing Ghana, said, “The research is clear that growing SMEs can significantly accelerate the achievement of the SDGs and that creating more efficient connections between businesses, local funds, and limited partners could help deploy more appropriate patient capital. Innovative platforms like Deal Source Africa, built and tested with its users, can therefore greatly accelerate closing the SME financing gap.”

Etemore Glover, CEO of the Nigeria National Advisory Board for Impact Investing, said, “Deal Source Africa has the potential to become a significant enabler of financing for businesses and local capital providers across Africa. We are excited to be able to collaborate with IIGh on this initiative and to see it grow across Africa through our partners in other countries. Africa-wide platforms with strong local partners are essential to fill the financing gap facing our businesses.”