Swedfund Puts $15m into Phatisa for Sustainable Food Systems in Africa

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The sum of $15 million has been invested in Phatisa Food Fund 3 by Swedfund to improve food security, support decent job creation, and contribute to more resilient and sustainable food systems across Africa.

Swedfund’s investment is part of an $86 million first close, together with development finance institutions BII, Norfund, IFC, and FinDev Canada.

The investment aims to improve food security, support decent job creation, and contribute to more resilient and sustainable food systems.

Phatisa will invest in companies seeking to grow or transition ownership, and building on its long track record in the sector, the investment is expected to support companies that can expand production capacity, enhance efficiency and create more stable employment in local and regional markets.

Africa’s food systems are under increasing pressure from population growth, climate impacts, and fragmented value chains. Enhancing production, processing, and distribution is essential to ensure food becomes more accessible and affordable, while strengthening livelihoods.

“Strengthening food systems is essential for inclusive and resilient growth across African markets. Through this investment, we help channel long-term capital to companies that can expand production, support decent jobs, and improve access to affordable and nutritious food.

“The investment also contributes to deeper value chain integration, supporting more stable and sustainable livelihoods over time,” the Investment Manager for Food Systems at Swedfund, Sebastian Süllmann, stated.

Phatisa Food Fund 3 focuses on established companies across the food value chain in multiple African markets.