The wait is almost over. The Central Africa Markets Private Equity Association (CAMPEA), in co-organisation with SuperReturn, is pleased to announce the shortlist of finalists for the Central African Fund Manager of the Year Award at the SuperReturn Africa GP Awards 2023.

For the investment period spanning 2021 to 2023, Meet the finalists selected by CAMPEA Jury Panel, for driving growth and impact in Central Africa’s venture capital landscape:

-Launch Africa Ventures: Pan-African early-stage tech powerhouse

-DRC Impact Angels: Pioneering angel network in the DRC

-XSML Capital : Impact-driven frontier market investor

This award celebrates the General Partners (GPs) who demonstrate excellence, innovation, and impact while advancing investment opportunities across Central Africa, a region of immense potential for private capital.

Finalists for Central African Fund Manager of the Year 2023: A Snapshot

XSML Capital

A pioneer in impact investing in frontier markets, XSML Capital has been financing SMEs in Central and East Africa since 2008. Through funds like the African Rivers Fund, XSML provides growth capital to underserved businesses in sectors including healthcare, education, logistics, and consumer goods. The firm’s hands-on approach combines financial backing with capacity-building, driving both strong returns and measurable social impact.

Launch Africa Ventures

As one of Africa’s most active early-stage investors, Launch Africa Ventures provides seed and pre-Series A funding to tech-driven startups across the continent. The fund has supported over 130 companies in more than 20 countries, including Central Africa. By backing scalable technology solutions in fintech, logistics, healthtech, and agritech, Launch Africa Ventures strengthens the regional innovation ecosystem and connects Central African startups to pan-African and global markets.

DRC Impact Angels

A first-of-its-kind angel network in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), DRC Impact Angels empowers local entrepreneurs by providing early-stage capital, mentorship, and strategic support. The network focuses on high-potential ventures in key sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, and digital services. By mobilizing local and diaspora investors, DRC Impact Angels is catalyzing a new generation of Congolese enterprises and reshaping the region’s investment culture.

Why This Award Matters

Central Africa remains a frontier of opportunity for investors:

• Vast natural resources and biodiversity position the region as a hub for climate and impact finance.

• A young, entrepreneurial population is driving demand for digital solutions and SME growth.

• Expanding regional integration is opening up new channels for cross-border investment and capital flows.

By recognizing the achievements of these finalists, the GP Awards 2023 highlight not only outstanding fund management but also the strategic importance of investing in Central Africa for long-term growth, resilience, and impact.

Congratulations to all finalists—XSML Capital, Launch Africa Ventures, and DRC Impact Angels—for their outstanding contributions.The winner of the Central African Fund Manager of the Year Award will be announced at the GP Awards ceremony during SuperReturn Africa 2023. We look forward to the gathering of the ecosystem in celebration of the milestone advancement of  private markets investing in Africa and Central Africa.

Central Africa is rising—be part of the journey: Recognizing excellence. Celebrating impact. Elevating Central Africa.
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