Kessner Capital Expands to Abu Dhabi, Closes First African Deal

In a move that signals growing institutional interest in African markets, Kessner Capital Management has established a strategic foothold in Abu Dhabi while completing its inaugural transaction on the continent. The London-based alternative investment firm's expansion into the Gulf represents more than just geographic diversification—it's a calculated bet on the future of cross-border capital flows into Africa.

Strategic Partnership in the Gulf

Kessner's Abu Dhabi presence comes through a partnership with a UAE-based family office, positioning the firm at the heart of the Gulf's institutional ecosystem. This isn't about relocating operations—London remains the firm's operational hub—but rather about accessing the growing pool of Middle Eastern capital seeking African opportunities.

The timing is deliberate. Abu Dhabi has been steadily building its reputation as an international financial platform, attracting global asset managers with its deepening infrastructure and regulatory framework. For investment firms focused on Africa, the emirate offers something unique: proximity to both Asian and African markets, coupled with a sophisticated investor base.

As Bruno-Maurice Monny, Kessner's co-founder and Managing Partner, puts it: "Abu Dhabi is becoming essential for investors looking to engage with Africa." It's a recognition that today's African investment strategies require global thinking and regional expertise.

First Transaction Signals Market Approach

The firm's inaugural deal—a credit facility extended to Ghana's Harlequin International—offers insights into Kessner's investment philosophy. Rather than chasing flashy tech unicorns or resource extraction plays, the firm is backing real economy players with solid operational fundamentals.

Harlequin International Ghana operates in engineering and technical services, sectors that form the backbone of economic development but often struggle to access appropriate financing. The procurement contract financing represents exactly the kind of gap-filling capital that African businesses need but traditional lenders often can't or won't provide.

Beyond Capital Provision

What's particularly noteworthy about Kessner's approach is its emphasis on partnership over pure financial engineering. The firm positions itself not just as a capital provider but as a growth partner, bringing governance standards and transparency requirements that can help portfolio companies scale more effectively.

This philosophy reflects broader trends in African investment, where successful firms increasingly recognize that sustainable returns require more than just writing checks. They demand local partnerships, operational support, and a deep understanding of regulatory environments.

The combination of Gulf capital, London operational expertise, and African market focus represents a model that other alternative investment firms will likely watch closely. As institutional investors globally seek diversification beyond traditional markets, Kessner's tri-continental approach may prove prescient.

For African businesses seeking growth capital, the firm's emergence adds another option to a financing landscape that remains constrained despite the continent's economic potential. Whether this model can scale beyond individual transactions to meaningful economic impact remains to be seen, but the early signals suggest a thoughtful approach to a complex market.