At Olduvai Capital, our orienting principle is to generate sustainable long-term returns
Our specialist team has a proven track record, differentiated local insights with an on-the-ground presence, and a disciplined long-term approach in perceived higher-risk markets. Our investment philosophy is anchored in the belief that market inefficiencies in developing markets offer attractive opportunities for investors with a long-term mindset. We believe that the price you pay matters and have a patient and contrarian investment approach to find valuation discrepancies. Our investment process is driven by proprietary fundamental research, with an embedded ESG and impact measurement framework to deepen the integration of sustainability factors.
Investment Focus
Private capital is essential to accelerate the transition to a more inclusive carbon-neutral future in Africa.
Sub-Saharan Africa’s energy transition is a multi-decade opportunity that requires an estimated $3.6 trillion by 2050. The bulk of investments necessary are in renewable energy solutions that have become increasingly cost-effective for commercial and industrial users, clusters of enterprises, or community-scale mini-grids in rural areas. In addition, ramping up electrification in end-use applications will enhance productivity and economic opportunity across various sectors, including crop production, light manufacturing, and mobility solutions. In turn, enabling access to affordable, reliable, and clean energy is crucial for inclusive prosperity.
Impact
We intend to generate attractive financial returns and measurable impact across four themes to improve lives and preserve our planet:
Climate Action
Investing in the transition to a low-carbon future while expanding access to affordable and reliable energy.
Inclusive Prosperity
We focus on sustainable business models solving societal needs, creating jobs,
and fostering inclusive economic growth.
Governance & Transparency
We combine impact measurement rigor and active engagement, driving
accountability and deepening the integration of sustainability factors.
Deepening Underserved Capital Markets
We mobilize private capital to provide long-term financing for infrastructure
development and create alternative funding options for growing enterprises.
Management Team
Nick Ndiritu
Managing Partner, CIO
Nick has over 20 years of global experience, with extensive experience investing in developing markets through challenging market cycles, spanning Africa, Southern & Southeast Asia, South America, and Emerging Europe. Nick was previously a Portfolio Manager at Allan Gray (Pty) Ltd. Over ten years, he helped build the firm's franchise in Africa and frontier markets, co-managing over US$1bn across debt and equity strategies. Formerly at Citigroup investment banking in Johannesburg, with experience in M&A advisory and capital raising mandates in Africa. Nick has an MBA from Harvard Business School and BSc in Industrial Engineering (magna cum laude) from Northeastern University in Boston.
Craig Bandason
Managing Partner, Portfolio Manager
Craig has over 16 years in Africa financial markets. He was previously Director and Portfolio Manager at Imara Asset Management, co-managing a range of Africa-focused strategies and segregated portfolios. Craig co-founded Kura Capital in 2009, which was later acquired in 2017 by Imara Asset Management. He was instrumental in leading and developing the firm's approach to responsible investment, achieving an 'A' rating from the UN PRI assessment. Craig has a BBusSci (Honors) from the University of Cape Town and is a CFA charter holder.