Wale Adeosun, the CEO and founder of Kuramo Capital, has called on investors to invest in Africa, championing for the power of long-term, impact-driven investment to reshape Africa’s economic landscape.
As a leading voice in African private equity and frontier markets, Adeosun emphasised the importance of backing businesses that generate inclusive growth and shared value.
Speaking during the 11th edition of the Africa Debate Conference, riding on the conference’s theme ‘Harnessing Natural Capital for Growth’, Adeosun highlighted the transformation of Plantations et Huileries du Congo (PHC), the largest industrial palm oil producer in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as a successful example of Kuramo Capital’s investment philosophy.
Read also: NEPC impacts strategic investment for exports in Anambra
Under Kuramo’s majority ownership, PHC, one of the DRC’s oldest and largest agribusinesses, has undergone a profound evolution, embedding sustainability, community empowerment, and operational excellence at its core.
“At Kuramo, we believe that investing in Africa means investing in its people. PHC exemplifies how patient capital, local partnerships, and a commitment to sustainability can unlock not just business success, but long-term socio-economic impact,” said Adeosun.
Kuramo Capital has been instrumental in PHC’s restructuring, supporting governance reforms, building capacity across operations, and prioritising education, health, and infrastructure in surrounding communities. Through its impact-first approach, Kuramo has helped PHC become more than a palm oil producer; it has become a catalyst for rural development and economic resilience in the DRC.
Kuramo Capital invested in Plantations et huileries du Congo – PHC, in 2017 and acquired 76 percent stake in 2020.
Kuramo’s focus was to modernise the business, boost performance, and maximize social impact. This strategy has seen PHC’s production double in just five years, with only a 12 percent increase in planted area and the number of women employees increasing three-fold.
“PHC’s impact goes far beyond industrial performance. It is a model of inclusive, community-driven development. Through PHC, we operate 4 hospitals, with 460 beds and record 160,000 consultations, offering free healthcare for all employees. We have built and renovated 40 public schools serving over 7,000 pupils and dug 72 water boreholes serving neighbouring villages. To us, it is all about this shared prosperity, added Adeosun.
Today, PHC cultivates 25,000 hectares, just 30 percent of its 107,000-hectare concession. 30 percent of its land is preserved as High Conservation Value (HCV) forest, and 40 percent is used by local communities for food crops and livelihoods.
PHC is fully committed to zero deforestation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable expansion. Its future growth is targeted at rehabilitating old, abandoned concessions.
Adeosun’s participation at The Africa Debate reaffirms Kuramo Capital’s position as a leading advocate for responsible investment across the continent. As Africa faces complex development challenges, his message was clear: the future lies with investors who are willing to build, nurture, and lead with purpose.
Read also: Floating naira sets the stage for a new wave of foreign investment
Kuramo Capital Management has direct and indirect investments in 200 companies in 30 Sub-Saharan African countries, including Nigeria and Kenya. They have invested in various sector,s including Fast-Moving Consumer Goods, Infrastructure-Power, Agribusiness, Technology, and Financial Services.
The Africa Debate Conference by Invest Africa brings together a network of over 700 investors, policymakers, and corporate leaders from government agencies, commercial banks, private equity funds, sovereign wealth funds, and top companies across energy, oil & gas, technology, infrastructure, mining, agriculture, logistics, and beyond.
In almost 15 years, Kuramo has redefined the landscape of private equity in Africa, with over $500 million under management. Kuramo has helped catalyse over $3.5 billion to African private equity firms and businesses. We are the leading conduit for private institutional capital into Africa.
