Nigeria based impact investor Sabou Capital has secured an anchor investment from the Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund to expand funding for small and medium enterprises across West and Central Africa. Although the amount was not disclosed, the capital will be deployed to early growth stage businesses in sectors including agriculture, healthcare, logistics, mobility, fintech, and climate technology across Nigeria, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal.
The investment strengthens Sabou Capital’s strategy of targeting a funding gap in Africa’s startup ecosystem, particularly among revenue generating SMEs that struggle to access growth capital due to strict investor requirements. According to the firm, many of these businesses operate in secondary cities where economic activity is strong but access to structured financing remains limited, leaving viable companies underserved despite proven business models.
Industry data indicates a gradual shift in investor interest beyond fintech into sectors tied to supply chains such as logistics, agritech, and healthcare. African startups raised about $575 million across 58 deals in early 2026, with logistics and transport emerging as key beneficiaries. Sabou Capital’s focus aligns with this trend, as it plans to provide investments ranging from $300,000 to $2 million to companies that have moved beyond the idea stage but require support to scale sustainably.
Beyond funding, the firm combines capital with technical support to improve investor readiness, including financial reporting and operational capacity. Founded in 2025, Sabou Capital also prioritises job creation and inclusive growth, projecting that its investments could generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, particularly for women and youth, while strengthening resilience across critical sectors of Africa’s economy.