Kessner Capital Expands to Abu Dhabi, Secures First African Deal
Abu Dhabi/London — Alternative investment manager Kessner Capital Management has strengthened its regional presence in Abu Dhabi through a strategic partnership with a UAE-based family office, while simultaneously closing its first African transaction with Harlequin International Ghana.
The Abu Dhabi expansion establishes an operational and relationship hub within the Gulf's institutional ecosystem, while maintaining the group's primary operations in London. This move reflects Kessner's commitment to positioning itself at the intersection of Gulf capital and African opportunities.
Abu Dhabi: Strategic Gateway for Africa-Focused Capital
The Abu Dhabi establishment forms part of the emirate's broader consolidation as an international financial platform, driven by infrastructure development and the arrival of global asset management players.
According to Bruno-Maurice Monny, co-founder and Managing Partner of Kessner Capital Management: "Abu Dhabi has become an essential gateway for investors looking to engage with Africa."
This positioning reflects the growing recognition of the Gulf states as natural intermediaries between international capital and African markets, leveraging geographic proximity, established trade relationships, and sophisticated financial infrastructure.
First Transaction Anchored in Real Economy
Kessner's inaugural transaction involves a credit facility extended to Harlequin International Ghana (HIT), designed to support the execution of a procurement contract. The deal represents the fund's first structured and closed transaction since its launch.
Harlequin International Ghana operates as an industrial player in the Ghanaian market, providing engineering and technical services across key structural sectors. The financing arrangement demonstrates Kessner's focus on supporting African enterprises with solid operational fundamentals.
The transaction illustrates Kessner's strategic positioning: providing tailored financing solutions to African companies in a context where capital needs remain significant across the continent.
Private Credit Strategy with Value Creation Focus
Kessner frames its approach within a private credit strategy oriented toward sustainable value creation, combining structuring expertise, risk discipline, and local partnerships.
The company emphasizes its philosophy extends beyond mere financing to accompanying growth trajectories through governance requirements and transparency standards. This approach reflects broader trends in African investment, where institutional investors increasingly prioritize operational excellence alongside financial returns.
The dual announcement of Abu Dhabi expansion and the Ghana transaction signals Kessner's operational momentum in executing its Africa-focused investment strategy, positioning the firm to capitalize on the growing institutional interest in African markets.
About Kessner Capital Management
Kessner Capital Management is an alternative investment management firm focused on Africa. The company leverages on-ground expertise and international and local partnerships to navigate market complexity, mitigate risks, and seek risk-adjusted returns.