Kessner Capital Expands to Abu Dhabi, Closes First African Deal
Abu Dhabi/London – In a move that signals growing institutional appetite for African investments, Kessner Capital Management has strengthened its regional presence in Abu Dhabi through a strategic partnership with a UAE-based family office. This expansion positions the alternative investment firm at the heart of the Gulf's institutional ecosystem while maintaining its primary operations in London.
The London-based firm, which specializes in African markets, has also completed its inaugural transaction: a credit facility extended to Harlequin International Ghana (HIT) to support a procurement contract execution. This deal marks Kessner's first structured and closed transaction since launching its fund.
Abu Dhabi Emerges as Gateway for Africa-Focused Capital
Kessner's Abu Dhabi expansion reflects a broader trend of international asset managers recognizing the emirate as a crucial financial hub. The city's deepening infrastructure and arrival of global investment players have cemented its role as a bridge between international capital and emerging markets.
"Abu Dhabi has become essential for investors looking to engage with Africa," explains Bruno-Maurice Monny, co-founder and Managing Partner of Kessner Capital Management. This positioning allows the firm to tap into the Gulf's substantial sovereign wealth and institutional capital pools increasingly interested in African opportunities.
First Deal Anchored in Real Economy Impact
The credit facility to Harlequin International Ghana demonstrates Kessner's commitment to supporting businesses with solid operational fundamentals. HIT operates in Ghana's engineering and technical services sector, serving structurally important industries where capital needs remain significant.
This inaugural deal illustrates Kessner's approach: providing tailored financing solutions to African companies with strong operational foundations. The firm emphasizes its focus on private credit oriented toward sustainable value creation, combining structured solutions with rigorous risk discipline and local partnerships.
Beyond simply providing capital, Kessner positions itself as a growth partner, emphasizing governance standards and transparency requirements that align with international best practices while respecting local market dynamics.
Strategic Vision for African Investment
Kessner Capital Management's dual-hub strategy, spanning London and Abu Dhabi, positions the firm to navigate the complexity of African markets while accessing diverse capital sources. The approach reflects growing recognition that successful African investment requires both deep local knowledge and robust international partnerships.
The firm's philosophy centers on ground-level engagement combined with international partnerships to mitigate risks and pursue risk-adjusted returns in markets where traditional financing often falls short of business needs.
As institutional investors increasingly recognize Africa's growth potential, Kessner's positioning between established financial centers and target markets could prove prescient. The firm's emphasis on operational excellence and sustainable value creation aligns with evolving investor expectations around impact and governance in emerging market investments.
About Kessner Capital Management
Kessner Capital Management is an alternative investment management firm focused on Africa. The company leverages on-ground expertise and international partnerships to navigate market complexities, mitigate risks, and pursue risk-adjusted returns across African markets.