13 november 2006. Africa Interactive attended the African Venture Capital and Private Equity Conference, held in Dakar, november 2006. We spoke to Barbara James, Managing Director of AVCA.
 

What is the role of AVCA?

"We promote and stimulate venture capital and private equity across the continent. Primarily our stakeholders include venture capitalist, practitioners, fund managers, fund investors and entrepreneurs. As an industry association we plan training sessions for fund managers and investors, we host an annual conference and disseminate information through our website, newsletter and publications. We also support the production of an investment activity report and we participate in a number of impact studies and research projects."
 

What do you mean to your members?

"There are a number of issues that are best solved together. Like communication with the government, training, industry level reform and the promotion of the industry. These are some of the driving forces behind the association."
 

How would you describe the Venture Capital industry in Africa to date?

"Compared to other regions it is still young and maturing. But the association has been going for several years now and we have implemented several initiatives. From the success of these initiatives we can see how quickly the industry is maturing."
 

Where do you see activity?

"Fund managers are investing across the board. SMEs are of particular interest and we are always working on ways to be more successful."
 

What role can the media play?

"Media can help change the perception and help improve the quality of information. We need to bridge the gap between perception and reality. We need to connect people to the facts. We need to promote the messages and publish many reports and trends that need to be presented to a wider audience."
 

What is your message to international investors?

"The message is that Africa has incredible opportunities for superior returns. Multinationals have done well here and perceptions need to be changed as money can be made in Africa."
 
www.avcanet.com