Investment Director, DRE Africa Platfrom

Description
Africa50 is an infrastructure investor and asset manager that contributes to Africa's growth by developing and investing in bankable projects, catalysing public sector capital, and mobilizing private sector funding.

In a landmark commitment at the 2024 World Bank / IMF Spring Meetings, the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank Group pledged to deliver electricity access to 300 million people across Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030. This initiative directly addresses a critical global challenge, as 43.7% of the world's population currently lacking electricity access resides in this region.

In December 2024, Africa50 was selected by the International Solar Alliance (ISA) as the Manager of the Africa Solar Facility (ASF), a transformative US$200 million equity fund dedicated to investing in the Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) sector across Africa.

Building on this, Africa50, in collaboration with the ISA, the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, and Sustainable Energy for All, has launched the DRE Africa Platform. This strategic platform is designed to significantly enhance energy access across the continent under the ambitious 'Mission 300' initiative. The platform encompasses both the US$200 million Africa Solar Facility and the DRE Nigeria Fund, a Nigeria-focused fund targeting US$500 million. Other country focused funds will be created in the future.

Purpose of the Role
The Investment Director will play a pivotal leadership role in driving the growth and impact of the DRE Africa Platform. The Investment Director will be leading investment origination, rigorous execution, proactive portfolio management, strategic investor relations, and key corporate initiatives within the Distributed Renewable Energy sector. She/he will be instrumental in deploying equity capital to accelerate energy access and sustainable development across the continent.

Principal Responsibilities
Investment Origination & Strategy

• Proactively identify, assess, and develop a robust pipeline of high-impact DRE investment opportunities by leveraging deep market intelligence, anticipating sector trends, and applying comprehensive country-specific knowledge.
• Develop and refine investment strategies tailored to the unique dynamics of the Distributed Renewable Energy landscape in Africa.

Transaction Execution & Leadership

• Lead and supervise the end-to-end execution of DRE equity investments, with an unwavering focus on achieving bankable, high-impact projects.
• Lead the negotiation of critical investment documents (Shareholders Agreements, Share Purchase Agreements, project debt, and other definitive agreements) with diverse stakeholders such as project developers, financial institutions, and government bodies.
• Ensure adherence to the highest standards of due diligence, financial modeling, and risk assessment throughout the investment process, providing quality control over all stages.
• Lead the development and presentation of comprehensive investment recommendations to governance bodies.

Portfolio & Investor Management

• Oversee and actively manage the performance of portfolio companies, driving value creation and ensuring strategic alignment with the fund's objectives.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with investors, leading the preparation and timely distribution of reports.

Team Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing project teams, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Build and sustain robust relationships with key DRE companies, financial institutions, multilateral partners, and senior government officials across Africa.

Sector Expertise & Institutional Development

• Cultivate and maintain thorough knowledge of the DRE sector, including emerging technologies, market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and key operators.
• Contribute significantly to the continuous improvement and development of institutional investment processes and best practices.

Candidate Profile
Required Background

• Experience: Around 15 years with a minimum of 8+ years of focused and rigorous experience in equity investment at a top-tier Investment Bank, Private Equity firm, Development Finance Institution (DFI), or leading Investment Manager.
• Sector Focus: While broader energy sector experience in Africa is key, direct exposure to and a proven track record within the Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) sector is a significant advantage.
• Leadership: Prior experience in mentoring, managing, and leading investment staff and project teams.
• Education: Demonstrated academic excellence, with an undergraduate degree from a Tier 1 University. An MBA, MSc, or equivalent qualification is a plus.
• Africa Focus: A strong connection to Africa (by origin or demonstrated long-term interest/commitment) is crucial. Existing relationships within the African energy or DRE ecosystem are a strong plus.

Essential Qualities

• Impact-Driven: A genuine commitment to sustainable development and improving energy access in Africa.
• Resilience & Drive: Indefatigable work ethic, preparedness for demanding hours (including significant travel), and a self-starter with a high sense of initiative and urgency.
• Strategic Thinker: Exceptional clarity of thought and action, with the ability to navigate complex challenges and drive results.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, capable of engaging effectively with diverse audiences.
• Interpersonal & Cultural Acumen: Strong interpersonal skills, culturally sensitive, and able to interact effectively with sponsors, partners, and colleagues from various cultural backgrounds. Living experience in emerging countries is a plus.

Why Join the DRE Africa Platform?
This Is An Opportunity To Be a Catalyst For Change On a Continent Undergoing a Strategic Energy Transformation. The DRE Africa Platform Will Give The Opportunity To

• Drive Impact: Directly contribute to providing electricity access to millions of people, fostering economic growth and improving lives across Africa.
• Shape the Future: Lead and execute strategic equity investments in the rapidly evolving Distributed Renewable Energy sector, a critical component of Africa's energy future.
• Work at Scale: Manage and deploy capital within a significant US$700+ million platform, backed by prominent international partners.
• Collaborate with Leaders: Engage with senior management of potential sponsors, developers, partners, and high-level government officials.
• Professional Growth: Thrive in a dynamic, high-performance environment that values rigorous execution, innovative thinking, and provides ample opportunities for professional development and leadership.

How To Apply
If you are an experienced investment professional with a passion for DRE and a commitment to Africa's development, we invite you to apply. Click here to Apply Now.

We kindly request that only candidates meeting the profile's essential criteria apply. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within four weeks.