Cordiant, in partnership with Actis of the UK,was selected by the Canadian Government to manage the Canada Investment Fund for Africa (CIFA), a joint private-public venture. Cordiant and Actis are together responsible for developing, structuring and managing the Fund, which invests in risk capital for private equity investments across the African continent.

The Fund was established as part of Canada's commitment to the G8 Africa Action Plan and was announced by the Prime Minister at the G8 meeting at Kananaskis, Alberta. The Government of Canada has contributed C$100 million to the Fund with a matching amount coming from third party investors.

The aim of the Fund is to generate a positive return for investors, who will benefit from the diversification that today's investing climate demands. In turn, Africa - which only receives 1% of foreign direct investment worldwide - will benefit from the increased trade and investment throughout the continent.