Nigeria has emerged as the epicenter of private equity activity across Africa as $2.59 billion worth of deals were done in the first quarter of 2024.
This surge represents a 321.8% increase compared to the same period last year, indicating Nigeria’s robust potential amidst global economic shifts.
The data, analyzed by DealMakers Africa, a leading authority on mergers, acquisitions, and corporate finance in the continent, revealed Nigeria’s pivotal role in driving regional investment trends.
According to the report, this surge in private equity investments was predominantly fueled by strategic transactions in the energy sector and the burgeoning educational technology (edtech) industry.
Nigeria’s ascendancy in private equity deals marks a reversal from previous trends, where in Q1 2023, other African nations like Zimbabwe had momentarily surpassed it in mergers and acquisitions value.
This year, however, Nigeria not only reclaimed its leading position but also outpaced other significant economies in the region, with Zambia, Morocco, Kenya, and Egypt following with notable but comparatively lower investment figures.
Among the standout deals contributing to Nigeria’s stellar performance, Shell’s $2.4 billion divestment of its onshore oil and gas subsidiary to Renaissance Africa Energy stands as the largest transaction in the quarter.
This landmark deal not only bolstered Nigeria’s overall investment portfolio but also signaled continued interest and confidence from global investors in the country’s energy sector potential.
Commenting on the findings, analysts highlight Nigeria’s strategic advantages, including a sizable market, abundant natural resources, and a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem that continues to attract substantial foreign and domestic capital.
The report also emphasizes West Africa’s prominence in regional investments, with Nigeria at its core, recording a cumulative $2.6 billion in deal value across various sectors.