{"id":3774,"date":"2025-06-24T08:19:35","date_gmt":"2025-06-24T08:19:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/test.gbstudio.co.za\/afri\/?p=3774"},"modified":"2026-01-27T08:25:05","modified_gmt":"2026-01-27T08:25:05","slug":"angel-investing-for-impact-why-africas-founders-need-local-capital-now","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/test.gbstudio.co.za\/afri\/2025\/06\/24\/angel-investing-for-impact-why-africas-founders-need-local-capital-now\/","title":{"rendered":"Angel Investing for Impact: Why Africa\u2019s Founders Need Local Capital Now"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cAngel investing isn\u2019t only about money \u2014 it\u2019s about opening doors and expanding networks.\u201d\u2014 Andia Chakava, Managing Partner, Afrishela Fund<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/div>
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On 19 June 2025, angel investors\u2014ranging from first-time backers to seasoned investors\u2014gathered at 22OnSloane in Johannesburg, South Africa \u2013 Africa\u2019s largest startup campus \u2013 for the 12th Angel Fair Africa, popularly known as the AFA@12 Roadshow. Co-hosted by the Gra\u00e7a Machel Trust\u2019s impact investment vehicle Afrishela Fund and Chanzo Capital, an Africa focused tech VC firm, the roadshow set out to tackle one of the continent\u2019s most persistent challenges: the gender funding gap.<\/p>\n

Although women own more than one-third of small businesses in Sub-Saharan Africa,\u00a0they remain dramatically under-served by growth capital in emerging markets<\/a>\u2014women-led firms secure barely one-in-ten dollars invested.\u00a0This financing shortfall leaves a staggering USD 42 billion gap for women entrepreneurs across Africa.<\/a><\/p>\n

Spotlight on Catalytic Capital<\/strong><\/p>\n

In the keynote fireside chat, Mohau Polo Leteka of IDF Capital and Tinyiko Valoyi of Chanzo Capital discussed how targeted angel investments can unlock inclusive innovation. \u201cWomen drive our economies and most household financial decisions\u2014yet they receive less than two percent of available funding. That must change,\u201d Mohau emphasised.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Mohau Polo Leteka and Tinyiko Valoyi<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Formalising Africa\u2019s Angel Ecosystem<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cAfrica already has the roots of a strong angel ecosystem; our task now is to formalise and grow it with clear purpose,\u201d explained Andia Chakava, Managing Partner of Afrishela Fund, whose leadership at Afrishela Fund has championed inclusive, locally driven investment. She stressed that when investors are presented with a curated, investment-ready pipeline\u2014particularly ventures aligned with their expertise\u2014capital can flow more effectively and sustainably. Moreover, by pairing funding with mentorship and local-currency investment options, angel investors can help founders navigate challenges unique to the African market. These were some of the views expressed by Dr. Audrey Verhaeghe of Anza Capital, Bongani Sithole of 54 Collective and Keshni Morar of Jozi Angels who were on the investors panel with Andia moderated by Graham Maseli of 22OnSloane.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

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Graham Maselo, Bongani Sithole, Dr. Audrey Verhaeghe, Keshni Morar and Andia Chakava.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Building Long-Term Support Structures<\/strong><\/p>\n

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The day\u2019s Angel Investors Masterclass, led by Keshni Morar of Jozi Angels, drove home why local capital is critical for Africa\u2019s founders right now. Drawing on her decade of experience nurturing early-stage ventures, Keshni explained that true angel investing goes far beyond writing cheques: it means offering strategic guidance, up-skilling teams, and unlocking entr\u00e9e to vital industry networks. \u201cLocal capital isn\u2019t just money\u2014it\u2019s a promise of partnership, agility, and cultural understanding,\u201d she told participants. \u201cIf you\u2019re building in Africa, raise capital in the currency you earn\u2014it\u2019s your first line of defense against volatility. Simple hedges like multi-currency accounts and forward contracts don\u2019t just protect your balance sheet; they safeguard every hard-won rand or naira from being eroded by devaluation. When you raise and spend in your own market, you gain the flexibility to pivot, the context to innovate, and the support to scale sustainably\u2014you never have to walk the journey alone.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Kevin Fleischer, CEO of Zemali International, added the importance of vision and belief: \u201cWhen we invest in startups, we\u2019re investing in the future economies of our continent.\u201d He urged founders to stay abreast of emerging technologies\u2014especially artificial intelligence\u2014and to consider both economic and competitive risks as they scale.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Eric Osiakwan of Chanzo Capital echoed the call for patient capital and a local-first mindset: \u201cWe need to build our own capital infrastructure. If local investors lead, we can shape innovation on our own terms.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

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Kevin Fleischer, Keshni Morar and Eric Osiakwan<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Andia Chakava: A Voice for Inclusive Capital<\/strong><\/p>\n

As the co-host of the investor panel, Andia Chakava illustrated how Afrishela Fund translates these principles into action. Under her guidance, the Fund provides enterprise development, tailored mentorship, and access to strategic networks. She shared stories of two founders whose ventures benefited not only from financial backing but also from her hands-on support\u2014helping them navigate exit strategies, expand impact, and thrive in male-dominated sectors.<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cAngel investing isn\u2019t just about money; it\u2019s about opening doors through relationships,\u201d Andia noted. She highlighted the flexibility of angel capital\u2014how it adapts to a founder\u2019s needs without compromising accountability. \u201cIn a non-judgmental space, founders get honest feedback and encouragement. That balance of power and support can be transformative.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Showcasing Africa\u2019s Next Wave<\/strong><\/p>\n

Seven early-stage founders pitched solutions across healthcare, mobility, HR tech, and sustainable food systems.<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n