The B20 South Africa Digital Transformation Task Force has announced its intent to establish the B20 South Africa Digital Inclusion Fund, a landmark initiative aimed at mobilising blended capital to drive inclusive digital growth across the African continent.
The Fund, inspired by the Task Force’s policy recommendations and the collaborative efforts of its members under South Africa’s B20 presidency, seeks to catalyse investment into early-stage and growth companies advancing digital inclusion.
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The Fund will invest in technologies and entrepreneurs
With an initial target of over $100 million, the Fund will invest in technologies and entrepreneurs working to bridge Africa’s digital divide, focusing on sectors such as connectivity, digital skills, education, healthcare, agriculture, and financial inclusion.
“2.6 billion people remain excluded from the digital economy, and with it from education, healthcare, finance, and meaningful participation in today’s economy,” said Shalini Khemka CBE, Co-Lead of the B20 South Africa Digital Inclusion Fund.
“Digital transformation is therefore not just a global imperative; it is a moral one.
“It requires universal connectivity, digital skills, inclusive AI governance, and a digital infrastructure that reaches every corner of society.
“The launch of the B20 South Africa Digital Inclusion Fund is a powerful next step to support these goals.
“If we invest and lead with purpose and courage, we can ensure digital progress empowers the many, not just the few,” Khemka added.
Unique blended capital platform
The B20 Digital Inclusion Fund will bring together development finance institutions, philanthropic partners, corporates, and private investors to create a unique blended capital platform.
This approach combines concessional and commercial capital, designed to de-risk investments while accelerating scalable impact.
Advanced discussions are already underway with several leading institutions and investors who have expressed strong interest in participating as Limited Partners.
This early engagement underscores growing confidence in Africa’s digital economy and the strategic opportunity the Fund will represent.
“Digital transformation is no longer optional; it is the foundation of growth and well-being. With that comes a responsibility to ensure that innovation reaches everyone, not just those with existing access,” said Avi Lasarow, Co-Lead, B20 South Africa Digital Inclusion Fund.
“What makes the B20 South Africa Digital Inclusion Fund unique is that it offers far more than capital.
“It connects innovators directly into an ecosystem of global partners, regulators, and distribution networks across the B20 and G20.
“This creates an immediate innovation advantage for the companies we support and accelerates their ability to scale through real-world deployment and market access.
“By aligning capital with connectivity, capability, and distribution, we can turn digital inclusion into a driver of opportunity, dignity, and shared prosperity,” Lasarow added.
Operate in alignment with the B20’s broader vision
The B20 South Africa Digital Inclusion Fund will operate in alignment with the B20’s broader vision of an inclusive, innovative, and globally connected digital transformation.
Over the coming months, the Task Force will finalise the Fund’s structure, governance, and anchor commitments in partnership with stakeholders across the B20 and G20 ecosystems and Africa’s innovation and investment communities.
Stakeholders interested in joining the initiative as investors, partners, or advisors are invited to connect with the Fund team following the announcement.
B20 South Africa Digital Inclusion Fund: Points-of-Contact
Shalini Khemka CBE
Co-Lead, B20 South Africa Digital Inclusion Fund | Co-Chair, B20 South Africa Digital Transformation Task Force | Founder, E2Exchange | Advisor to the Mayor of London
shalini@e2exchange.com / +44(0)7793670702
Avi Lasarow
Co-Lead, B20 South Africa Digital Inclusion Fund | Special Advisor, B20 South Africa Digital Transformation Task Force | Hon Consul SA-UK | Co-Founder, Finergi Global
avi@finergi.com / +44(0)7901966731
