Diaspora capital is often discussed in terms of potential. At Zidicircle, the work is focused on participation.
Since 2016, Zidicircle has operated as a global cooperative connecting diaspora, African, and international communities to entrepreneurship and investment in African SMEs. The organization works across Europe and Africa to reach the global African diaspora through structured programs, cooperative investment vehicles, and recurring community sessions.
Over the past year, this approach has moved from long-standing design into clearer execution.
Starting With Learning
Engagement at Zidicircle begins with preparation.
Diaspora entrepreneurs and aspiring investors enter through Zidicircle School, Investor ready bootcamps, and the Angel Investor Fellowship. These programs are cohort-based and time-bound, with defined curricula, named facilitators, and clear expectations.
The focus is practical: understanding how SMEs operate, how investment decisions are made, and how risk is assessed in African markets.
There is no expectation of immediate investment. Learning comes first.
Cooperative Pathways for Diaspora Investors
For those who choose to participate beyond learning, Zidicircle provides cooperative investment pathways.
In Q3 2025, Zidicircle launched the Zidi Diaspora LAV Fund, aligned with the Launch Africa Ventures Fund, Zidicircle Investords were targeting to raise €100,000 and reached €130,000 in pledges by the end of the year.
Participation is member-based, with a minimum commitment threshold of €1,000. Several diaspora investor members committed above this level. Capital payments are currently being completed ahead of a February 28, 2026 deadline, with participation remaining open through 2026 under the partner fund structure.
This approach allows diaspora investors to participate collectively, with governance, shared evaluation, and defined reporting, rather than investing individually.
Portfolio Exposure Through Structured Vehicles
Through the Zidi Diaspora LAV Fund, members gain exposure to African SMEs across multiple sectors and regions.
Current portfolio exposure includes:
Kredete (Nigeria), focused on expanding access to credit and financial inclusion
Octavia Carbon Kenya), developing Direct Air Capture technology for carbon removal
Shiprazor or (Southern Africa), improving cross-border trade through logistics and e-commerce infrastructure
Additional exposure includes companies operating in food technology and sustainable manufacturing via the Launch Africa Ventures platform.
One such company is Aspyre Foods , a FoodTech company developing bio-identical casein proteins through molecular farming using duckweed. Aspyre’s R&D operations are based in South Africa, with planned commercialization targeting the U.S. market. The company is currently in the R&D phase and received seed investment from Launch Africa Ventures at a $7.5M post-money valuation, alongside other institutional and angel investors.
Zidicircle members access these opportunities indirectly through structured vehicles, not through individual deal sourcing.
Ongoing Community Infrastructure
Alongside programs and investment vehicles, Zidicircle maintains recurring community infrastructure.
Investor Member Sessions run regularly and function as orientation and transparency spaces rather than pitch events. They cover cooperative governance, investment processes, and current activity across programs and portfolios, and are open to members and serious prospective participants.
In-person gatherings, including investor meetups and dinners, complement these sessions by providing continuity and trust through face-to-face engagement.
What This Means Going Into 2026?
- Zidicircle’s focus entering 2026 is consistency.
- Completing the current investment cycle.
- Continuing structured learning programs for entrepreneurs and investors.
- Preparing a follow-on Zidi Diaspora co-investment Fund that directly supports the African SME’s alongside other funds and Investors
Diaspora participation does not depend on motivation. It depends on structure, clarity, and shared responsibility. That is the work Zidicircle continues to do — across learning, connection, and cooperative investment in African SMEs.
You can direct questions and comments to our team at Contact@zidicircle.com