Top Private Equity Firms in South Africa

South Africa is a financial gateway to the African continent and a growing hub for private equity activity. With its blend of mature industries and emerging markets, the country offers unique investment opportunities for firms seeking growth and impact.

In this article, we explore some of the top Southern African private equity firms, highlighting their strategies, sectors of interest, and notable contributions to the region’s business landscape.

1. Acorn Private Equity

Acorn Private Equity is a South Africa-based firm dedicated to investing in high-potential businesses across Sub-Saharan Africa. Founded in 2009, the company brings a focused, hands-on approach to its portfolio companies, helping them grow sustainably while maintaining ethical business practices.

Acorn typically targets companies in industries like agriculture, fintech, foodtech, and industrial services, with investment tickets ranging from $10 million to $50 million. The firm emphasizes long-term value creation, often holding investments for 3 to 5 years before exiting through IPOs or strategic sales.

2. Capital International Inc.

Capital International Inc. is part of the broader Capital International Group and brings global investment capabilities to South Africa through its Cape Town office. With over $4 billion in assets under management, the firm provides open-architecture investment platforms and discretionary fund management.

Capital International supports investment across sectors such as consumer services, oil and gas, fintech, and retail. Its flexible platform enables investors and advisors to create tailored portfolios while achieving tax efficiency. The firm is well-regarded for making global financial tools accessible in the African market.

3. Emerging Capital Partners (ECP)

Emerging Capital Partners is a Pan-African private equity firm with a strong presence in South Africa. Since its founding in 2000, ECP has raised over $2 billion in capital and executed more than 60 investments in 40 African countries.

ECP focuses on growth capital investments in sectors such as telecommunications, healthcare, financial services, and infrastructure. The firm takes a thematic approach and often supports companies at the Series B stage. With a strategic emphasis on impact, ECP’s track record includes nearly 40 successful exits across the continent.

4. Ethos Private Equity

Ethos Private Equity is one of the most established private equity firms in South Africa, with roots dating back to 1984. The firm has built a reputation for consistent, sustainable investing across multiple economic and political cycles.

Ethos invests in mid-sized companies in sectors like fintech, advertising, telecommunications, and media. Its strategy blends private equity and credit investments, typically holding assets for 3 to 5 years. Ethos is known for supporting companies through digital transformation, operational optimization, and strategic scaling.

5. HAVAÍC

HAVAÍC is a private equity and venture capital firm specializing in early-stage, high-growth African businesses. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in South Africa, HAVAÍC targets companies with scalable, globally relevant solutions.

The firm focuses on sectors like fintech, medtech, healthcare, cybersecurity, and software, with investment tickets between $1 million and $5 million. Beyond capital, HAVAÍC provides strategic advisory and fundraising support to help African tech startups thrive on the world stage. Its seed-stage investments have led to successful international expansion and market penetration.

6. Horizon Equity Partners

Horizon Equity Partners, established in 1996 and headquartered in Sandton, specializes in growth capital and mid-market private equity across Southern Africa. The firm focuses on sectors such as cleantech, logistics, BPO, IT, and healthcare, typically investing between $10 million and $50 million.

Horizon is known for its flexible approach, offering both equity and mezzanine financing—and typically takes minority stakes. They actively collaborate with management and co-investors to scale businesses and execute successful exits via IPOs or trade sales.

7. Metier (Lereko Metier Trustees Pty Ltd)

Metier is a South African private equity and advisory firm launched in 2004. It is known for raising South Africa’s largest locally committed private equity fund and for its expertise in high-impact sectors such as retail, telecom, life sciences, and transportation.

Metier typically invests between $10 million and $50 million, focusing on Series B-stage companies with solid growth trajectories. With a track record of strong returns and responsible investing, Metier combines deep operational support with disciplined capital deployment.

8. RMB Westport Property Investments

RMB Westport Property Investments, founded in 2008, is a real estate-focused private equity firm investing in high-grade commercial and retail developments across Sub-Saharan Africa. With a base in South Africa, their projects often span countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire.

Their team brings a mix of real estate development, project management, and financial expertise, targeting investment tickets in the $10 million to $50 million range. RMB Westport focuses on long-term, strategic urban development opportunities in high-growth markets.

9. Sanari Capital

Sanari Capital is a Johannesburg-based private equity firm founded in 2013, with a strong focus on founder-led and family-owned businesses. The firm specializes in investing in scalable businesses with regional and international growth potential, particularly in sectors like education, fintech, and IT services.

Sanari typically invests $5 million to $10 million in Series A and B rounds. As a black- and women-owned firm, Sanari places a strong emphasis on diversity, impact, and transformation alongside financial returns.

10. Ally Bridge Group

Founded in 2013, Ally Bridge Group is a global healthcare-focused private equity and venture capital firm, with an investment footprint that includes South Africa through its presence in KwaZulu-Natal. The firm specializes in growth-stage investments across healthcare, life sciences, and technology, with an investment ticket typically under $1 million.

Ally Bridge Group supports companies from Seed through Series B, helping them expand through capital, global networks, and operational expertise. Their exit strategies include IPOs and strategic sales.

Backed by a team with experience in investment banking, asset management, and corporate finance, the firm is known for identifying transformative opportunities in sectors like healthtech, robotics, media, and education technology.

Let’s Recap

South Africa is home to a dynamic set of private equity firms that are not only shaping local industries but also influencing investment strategies across the continent. Whether you're a founder of a high-growth startup or a manager of a family-owned enterprise, the right private equity partner can help unlock your company’s full potential.

Private Equity List is here to help you find and connect with top investors based on your location, industry, and stage. With our powerful search tools and investor database, you can accelerate your funding journey.

Sign up for free today at Private Equity List and find the perfect partner for your business.

Read More

• Top Private Equity Firms: Ultimate Guide
• What Are Private Equity Investors? A Quick Guide
• Find Private Investors for Startups: Your Guide to Success
• Private Equity Deal Sourcing Strategies: Expert Advice

Frequently Asked Questions