Frequently asked questions

EAVCA membership is exclusively open to private capital investors and essential service
providers operating within the East African region. We welcome venture capital firms, private equity funds, development finance institutions, asset managers, angel investors, and key advisors such as legal and financial experts, along with other investment entities focused on driving growth and development in the region’s economic and social development.

Joining the East Africa Venture Capital Association (EAVCA) is a straightforward process! Click the following link (https://www.eavca.org/membership-application/) to fill out our online application form and get started on your journey as a valued member.

Please note that EAVCA does not issue annual membership certificates. Upon successful
completion of the membership application process, new members will receive a warm welcome letter as official acknowledgment of their membership. This letter serves as a formal confirmation of your affiliation with EAVCA and grants access to the exclusive benefits and network opportunities available to our members.

• Access to data on the East Africa private equity and venture capital deal landscape, (fundraising, investment and exit activity) across Kenya,Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda and DRC
• Access to briefs and in-depth special reports with analysis and commentary on country (E.A) – and sector-specific opportunities and industry wide developments. Opportunities to participate in a wide selection of educational training at preferred member rates, including Master classes, summits, ,roundtables, workshops and conferences. e.g. the annual EAVCA Professional Development Program (PDP) – {a master class targeted at first-time fund managers, new hires and experienced practitioners on navigating the end to end fund management cycle }, as well as updates on the latest regulations affecting the business today.
• Opportunity for senior company representatives to serve on active region- and sector-specific committees that formally advise the association and execute work in support of industry needs.
• Priority on speaking, sponsorship and advertising opportunities targeted to East Africa’s private capital stakeholders through the EAVCA website, monthly newsletter, EAVCA- led conferences, and digital channels (LinkedIn, Twitter and Podcasts).
• Special rates to EAVCA-led and select industry partner conferences, as well as
  invitations to exclusive events, receptions, webinars, roundtables and briefings with industry leaders, LPs and peers around the region.
• Ability to raise brand awareness and share thought leadership on EAVCA’s industry research reports, news and events platforms.

•  US$ 1,500 per year for Associate Members (Industry Service Providers)
• US$ 2,500 per year for Fund Members with US$ 50 million and over in AUM
• US$ 1,500 per year for Fund Members of below US$ 50 million in AUM.

The EAVCA membership approval process involves a KYC assessment based on the
information provided in the application form. Membership is approved and confirmed upon payment of the required fees. The EAVCA board reserves the right to decline new membership applications in accordance with the membership code of conduct guidelines.

EAVCA membership is structured on an annual basis. This means membership will be valid for a full year from the date of payment. To ensure continuous participation in the EAVCA community, annual membership renewal is required.

Renewal invoices are dispatched 30 days prior to membership expiration. Members are
expected to settle the invoice within 15 days after the invoice has been issued to maintain
uninterrupted membership status.

We offer several avenues for participation:

• Senior representatives can contribute their expertise by serving on regional and sector-specific committees. These committees advise the association on industry needs and execute initiatives to support them.
• Additionally, EAVCA provides speaking, sponsorship, and advertising opportunities targeted specifically towards East Africa’s private capital stakeholders. By leveraging EAVCA’s website, monthly newsletter and conferences, members can gain valuableexposure and thought leadership within the region’s investment ecosystem.

Membership fee is due annually, commencing from the month of joining. Payment information is conveniently provided upon the successful completion of the membership form.

EAVCA’s refund policy applies only to event registrations, not membership fees. For members who find themselves unable to attend a registered event, a full refund can be obtained bymeeting the following criteria:
1) Being a current member in good standing, and
2) Notifying EAVCA of your absence at least 14 days prior to the event by emailing
info@eavca.org.

EAVCA hosts a vibrant calendar of events throughout the year.

• Our flagship event is the Annual Regional Conference, held on the second Thursday of June. This conference provides a platform for industry leaders, policymakers, and investors to discuss the latest trends and challenges in the private capital ecosystem.
• Additionally, we organize country-specific conferences in October to address the unique needs and opportunities of local markets.
• To conclude the year, we host the Industry Awards and Gala Dinner, a celebration of achievements and networking opportunity for the entire private capital investment community.

For detailed information on all our events, members receive a comprehensive calendar at the
beginning of each year, providing ample notice and facilitating effective participation.

EAVCA actively advocates for the private capital industry in East Africa, working to foster a supportive regulatory environment and promote the industry’s contribution to economic growth. Through the collective voice of its members, EAVCA engages with public stakeholders, including governments, regulators, other industry associations, and capital markets operators such as pension funds, asset managers, and fund administrators.

Our advocacy efforts involve:

1. Engaging with policymakers: The Association works closely with government officialsto advocate for policies that promote private capital investment, such as tax incentives, regulatory reforms, and infrastructure development.
2. Collaborating with regulators: EAVCA collaborates with regulatory bodies to ensure that the regulatory framework is conducive to the growth of the private capital industry, while also protecting investors and maintaining market integrity.
3. Partnering with other industry associations: EAVCA works with other industry associations, both regionally and globally, to share best practices, advocate for common interests, and promote the growth of the private capital industry.
4. Representing the industry: EAVCA serves as the collective voice of the private capital industry in East Africa, representing the interests of its members and advocating for their needs.
5. Promoting awareness: The Association works to raise awareness of the role of private capital in economic development and job creation, highlighting the positive impact of the industry in the region.

Our advocacy efforts are strengthened by the active participation of our members. Members can
contribute in various ways, including:

• Providing feedback: Members can share their experiences, insights, and concerns with EAVCA, helping to inform the Association’s advocacy strategies.
• Participating in advocacy initiatives: Members can participate in advocacy
  campaigns, such as writing policy briefs to policymakers, attending industry events, and engaging with regulators.
• Supporting research: Members can support EAVCA’s research efforts, providing data and insights that can be used to inform advocacy arguments.
• Networking: Members can leverage their networks to connect EAVCA with key
  stakeholders and build relationships that can support advocacy efforts.
•  Representing the industry: Members can serve as ambassadors for the private capital industry, sharing their experiences and promoting the positive impact of the sector.

EAVCA is committed to providing its members with comprehensive market intelligence and research to support their investment decisions. The Association aims to be the go-to source of information for investors considering East Africa as a destination for capital, offering insights into the trends, opportunities, and challenges that shape the region’s investment landscape.
EAVCA’s research initiatives include:

• Market analysis: EAVCA conducts in-depth analysis of the East African capital markets, tracking trends, identifying emerging opportunities, and assessing the investment climate.
• Sector reports: The Association produces sector-specific reports, providing detailed information on key industries and their growth prospects.
• Policy analysis: EAVCA analyzes government policies and regulations that impact the private capital industry, offering insights into potential changes and their implications for investors.
• Investor surveys: The Association conducts regular investor surveys to gather
  information on their preferences, challenges, and expectations.

By providing members with high-quality market intelligence and research, EAVCA empowers them to make informed investment decisions and contribute to the growth of the East African capital markets

Committed to fostering expertise within the private capital industry, EAVCA offers a robust suite of capacity building and training programs. Central to this commitment is the EAVCA Professional Development Programme (PDP). Designed as an induction process, the PDP is ideally suited for those new to the industry, providing a comprehensive foundation in private capital practices. However, the program extends its reach to seasoned professionals as well. For established service providers, the PDP serves as an excellent opportunity to refine their understanding of the transaction value chain and gain deeper insights into the inner workings of he private capital sector. Beyond the PDP, EAVCA offers a dynamic program of events for its members. These informative sessions are consistently announced on the EAVCA website and readily accessible through a dedicated events calendar: link to EAVCA events calendar