We exist because there is a need to contribute to the economic and social development of the SME sector in Africa, and we do this by providing equity capital and other risk capital to sustainable businesses in Nigeria and across Africa. It is widely accepted that the private sector is the key driver of sustainable economic development in emerging economies. Small and medium-sized enterprises typically make up 80-90% of the economy in developing countries and create as well as sustain employment at scale. Small and growing businesses (SGBs) at the base of the SME pyramid thus constitute a vital link in the development chain.