Regional Partner, Africa - Digital Financial Services Investment

About Accion Impact Management

Accion Impact Management LLC (AIM) serves as Accion's platform focused on impact investments within financial inclusion by leveraging third-party capital. As a registered investment adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), AIM manages Accion Ventures and Accion Digital Transformation with the goal of connecting capital markets to affordable, high-quality financial services for currently underserved populations.

Accion Digital Transformation (ADTx)

ADTx partners with financial service providers to enhance scalability through digitization and reduce dependence on high-touch delivery methods. By offering both growth capital and strategic guidance, ADTx helps companies implement innovative technology to address the needs of MSMEs, smallholder farmers, and low-income households efficiently.

Position Summary

The Africa Regional Partner for ADTx must possess extensive private equity experience in emerging markets, especially within regulated financial institutions delivering digital financial services. This role demands operational expertise in leveraging technology to drive scale and collaboration with various Accion teams to develop digitization plans aligned with portfolio companies' goals. Managing investment analysts and co-investment opportunities in the region will also be part of the responsibilities. Investments from Africa are expected to form approximately 25% of investible capital.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead the investment lifecycle for Africa's portfolio from sourcing through to exit, partnering with Managing Partners and global teams.
• Identify equity investments consistent with ADTx's mission and digitalization focus.
• Develop and oversee comprehensive financial models, projections, and valuations for investment opportunities and reporting to limited partners.
• Present detailed investment analyses and recommendations to the Investment Committee.
• Direct deal negotiations and execution including legal documentation, ensuring full ESG compliance.
• Manage portfolio companies and develop responsible commercial exit plans.
• Collaborate with the digital transformation team to design and implement digitization strategies for target companies.
• Provide advisory support on strategic alliances, capital raising, and organizational decisions, focusing on ESG and digitization initiatives.
• Represent ADTx on portfolio company boards when suitable.
• Construct co-investment consortia and strengthen partnerships with other investors.
• Assist Operations and Finance teams with portfolio valuation and reporting.
• Contribute to building a strong brand, culture, and adherence to industry best practices at AIM.
• Support investor relations and participate in due diligence processes.
• Represent AIM at local and international levels, engaging in professional development and knowledge sharing.

Required Qualifications and Attributes

• Over 15 years of progressive private equity experience focused on financial institutions and fintech investments in Africa, with proven deal origination, leadership, and exits.
• Strong sector knowledge of financial services and fintech markets across Africa, including operating models, regulation, and competition.
• Experience crafting and executing regional investment strategies aligned with organizational impact objectives.
• Proven record of partnering with financial institutions to create value through digital inclusion strategies; entrepreneurial experience is advantageous.
• Ability to influence senior leadership and boards as a trusted strategic advisor.
• Advanced analytical skills and investment judgment demonstrated through leading due diligence, transaction structuring, and portfolio management.
• Strong network building skills across stakeholders to create opportunities.
• Leadership experience in mentoring investment professionals and fostering collaborative, high-performance teams across geographies.
• Capability to operate autonomously while working effectively within a global matrix organization.
• Excellent communication skills with executive presence, able to engage diverse stakeholders and deliver senior-level presentations.
• A commitment to AIM's core values: Excellence, Respect, and Passion for Social Change.
• Master’s degree in business or finance.
• Proficient oral and written English; French proficiency is a plus.
• Exceptional relational skills with investors, partners, and industry leaders.

Travel Commitment

This role includes international and intra-African travel estimated at 25-35% of the time.

Equal Opportunity Statement

AIM is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and guarantees consideration of all qualified candidates without discrimination on any legally protected basis. Reasonable accommodations are provided for applicants with disabilities.