Creation Capital, a specialist private credit asset manager, has closed a R75m private debt investment into Quest Capital Solutions, an SME non-bank on-lender in the logistics sector.

Registered with the National Credit Regulator, Quest Capital Solutions is an entrepreneur-founded and led business, founded in 2012, offering a suite of financing solutions/asset management, service, and maintenance solutions, along with insurance for rent-to-own trucks and trailers within the SME sector.

Freddy Magoro, Chief Investment Officer of Creation Capital (pictured), said that the investment into Quest Capital Solutions directly aligns with Creation Capital’s commitment to meaningful impact investing in South Africa’s real economy, while preserving capital and delivering attractive, long-term investment returns to its clients.

“Hesitancy by the capital markets to lend to smaller counterparts on non-standard terms have constrained financing to SMEs. This is where private credit players can step in to help bridge the SMME financing gap in SA which according to a 2025 Finfind report is estimated at R350bn. This is a concerning figure considering the critical role SMMEs play in the economy, being that SMMEs form 91% of formalised businesses in South Africa as per the Banking Association of South Africa” he said.

In addition to providing much-needed finance, the Quest transaction unlocks other impact benefits such as job creation and financial inclusion - 48% of Quest Capital Solution's client base comprises black-owned enterprises.

Further, it will help address the country’s logistical challenges where the economy is losing about R1bn a day due to bottlenecks in the logistics and transport sector. Government has announced a recovery plan aimed at expanding the freight moved on Transnet's rail network from 149 million tonnes to 250 million tonnes per year. However, the Transnet network only transports freight between large hubs which then needs to be transported to end users.

Magoro said: “This is where niche operators like Quest Capital Solutions and their clients come in. “As key players in last-mile logistics and short-distance transport, their role is essential to improve logistics and boost supply chain capacity across the country.

“We particularly valued Quest Capital Solutions’ end-to-end approach when assessing the investment opportunity. The team’s ability to provide financing facilities, asset management, maintenance and insurance to SMEs in the sector is what we saw as a key differentiator. This allows the SMEs financed by Quest Capital Solutions to spend more time on operations and execution,” he said.

Charl Lehmann, CEO of Quest Capital Solutions, said: “We are proud to partner with Creation Capital through their funding facility, which plays a key role in supporting the continued growth of our business. This funding will enable us to expand our operations, reach new markets, and serve a broader range of clients within the transport sector."

"We are grateful for this opportunity, as it not only enhances our ability to deliver tailored financial solutions, but also allows us to make a meaningful contribution to the communities we serve. As our business grows, we are committed to creating employment opportunities and supporting local economic development - helping to build a more sustainable and inclusive future,” he said.