Africa's private equity market lost further momentum in 2025, with total deal value falling for the third consecutive year to $6.85 billion in the first nine months – close to Covid-19-era lows – as investors retreated amid global volatility, tight financial conditions and persistent domestic risks. Data from Dealmakers Africa, which tracks mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and corporate finance transactions across the continent, shows deal value excluding South Africa fell 22 per cent year-on-year to $8.83 billion, its weakest level.
Africa's private equity market lost further momentum in 2025, with total deal value falling for the third consecutive year to $6.85 billion in the first nine months – close to Covid-19-era lows – as investors retreated amid global volatility, tight financial conditions and persistent domestic risks. Data from Dealmakers Africa, which tracks mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and corporate finance transactions across the continent, shows deal value excluding South Africa fell 22 per cent year-on-year to $8.83 billion, its weakest level.