In the special edition of Africa Global Funds, learn about the winners of the second annual AGF Africa Service Providers Awards. This year’s Awards, in partnership with SAVCA, drew a record number of applicants as more than 40 companies contested 27 categories ranging from independent advisory services to securities lending. Find more on who won the prestigious Awards on pp.14-25.

In this month’s issue, Heleen Goussard, Head of Independent Valuations, RisCura shares findings from the Bright Africa report, which covers African private equity fundraising, transaction activity, pricing and investor focus (pp.4-5).

We also speak with Adnan Razzak of AXIS, about the firm, its PE fund administration and financial services sector in Mauritius (pp.6-7).

On the technology front, Mats Berggren of SS&C Advent tells AGF about the three Pan-African trends driving asset manager technology take up (p.11). In addition, Amit Bharakda of Eagle Investment Systems, writes about the evolution of buy-side data management for investment firms on p.13.

Finally, new research from FIS and Longitude Research, captured in the report The Hunt for Growth, highlights a need for new ways of thinking – including a focus on consolidating technological systems and a commitment to investing in innovation – across the front, middle and back office. Learn more on pp.8-9.