French impact investment firm Investisseurs & Partenaires (I&P) has announced a successful exit from Enko Education, a pan-African private school network. The exit, finalized in December 2024, concludes a nearly decade-long partnership that significantly contributed to the expansion of quality education across the continent.
I&P’s journey with Enko Education began in 2016 when it, alongside French development finance institution Proparco, invested $2.2 million in the company’s first institutional financing round. At that time, Enko operated schools in Cameroon and Mozambique and had plans to expand further across the continent.
“Supporting Enko Education has been an extraordinary human and entrepreneurial adventure. Alongside Proparco, we believed in the vision championed by Cyrille Nkontchou and Eric Pignot from day one, and the company has proven that a rigorous, inclusive, and accessible education model is possible in Africa”. said Jérémy Hajdenberg, co-CEO of I&P.
During I&P’s investment period, Enko Education’s revenue increased 22-fold, profitability was reached in the 2020–2021 fiscal year, and growth prospects were strengthened through an ambitious acquisition strategy, notably in Senegal, Mali, and now East and North Africa
Enko Education’s mission is to increase access to quality international education for African students, aiming to bridge the gap between local curricula and global university admission standards. By adopting the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and focusing on affordability, Enko has positioned itself as a pioneer in the African education landscape.
“I would like to express my gratitude to I&P, who were the very first investors to believe in Enko Education. Their early trust and support were a real catalyst for our project, and this founding relationship holds a very special significance for me”. Said Eric Pignot, co-founder and managing director of Enko Education.
“Today’s exit marks a new stage in our journey: one in which we are taking off on the solid foundations we have built together. I know that I&P will never be far away, always attentive to the impact we will continue to generate”.
Since I&P’s initial investment, Enko Education has experienced significant growth. The company now operates 16 schools across 10 African countries, including Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and South Africa, serving over 7,000 students. Its graduates have gained admission to more than 500 prestigious universities worldwide, such as Yale College, Sciences Po, and the University of Toronto.
“We are proud to have helped lay the foundation for its success, supported by an expanding base of African private investors and now carried forward by high-quality partners such as Adiwale and Africa Capitalworks,” Jérémy added
As Enko Education continues its expansion, the company remains committed to its mission of providing accessible, high-quality international education to African students. With the backing of new investors and a prove track record of success, Enko is well-positioned to further its impact across the continent.
In January 2025, Enko secured a $24 million equity investment from Africa Capitalworks and returning investor Adiwale Fund I. This funding aims to support Enko’s ambitious plan to triple its student body to 20,000 learners by 2029 through strategic acquisitions and expansion into new markets.
Do you have any story or press releases you want to share? Send tips to editor@envestreetfinancial.com
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn to ensure you don’t miss out on any