NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 16 – Global investment banking firm Treadway is stepping up efforts to channel Chinese capital into African markets, targeting large-scale investments to support industrialisation, energy and infrastructure development.
The Hong Kong–based firm is engaging governments and private sector players in Kenya, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, South Africa and Egypt, focusing on sectors such as renewable energy, manufacturing, transport and logistics, agriculture and financial services.
Treadway Chief Executive Officer Mandla Lamba said the firm is currently working with 37 Chinese investors and plans to grow the pool to 100 by 2028, with each investor capable of financing projects of up to $500 million.
“This creates a strong pipeline of capital for commercially viable projects across Africa,” Lamba said.
The strategy has already borne fruit in South Africa, where electric vehicle and green technology manufacturer Agilitee secured funding from a Chinese investor earlier this year.
Investor interest is strongest in green energy projects including solar, wind and geothermal, alongside electric mobility, real estate, banking, agriculture and logistics. Several African countries facing power shortages are prioritising these sectors to drive industrial growth and job creation.
“Africa is increasingly viewed as a long-term growth market with solid fundamentals,” Lamba said.
Treadway is also facilitating funding for African firms that meet listing requirements on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, with plans for cross-listings on Chinese exchanges.
The firm said its model focuses on sustainable financing structures rather than debt-heavy approaches, while keeping ownership and value creation anchored within African markets.
