PE giant Actis to expand USD 1 bn Africa energy portfolio

INVESTMENT WATCH- PE giant Actis is looking to expand its USD 1 bn investment portfolio in energy projects in Africa, but hasn’t yet made any commitments, partner and head of Actis’ Investor Development Group Neil Brown said, according to Bloomberg. The leading emerging-market firm is planning to take part in two upcoming tenders by the South African government, one tender that will add 2 GW of electricity capacity from independent power producers and another to build new wind and solar power plants. The firm is expected to close a new investment in Egypt’s renewables sector by the end of the year, head of Middle East & North Africa business Sherif El Kholy told Enterprise in July. Actis has energy investments in 25 countries across the continent including Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa, Senegal, and Kenya.