Standard Bank has arranged a $22 million multi-currency debt facility for Enko Education, marking a major milestone in Africa’s drive to scale high-impact, locally led businesses. Acting as the sole mandated lead arranger and lender, the South African banking group designed the bespoke package to support Enko’s acquisition strategy and long-term growth across the continent.
Enko Education is a fast-growing network of African international schools, increasing access to the world’s best universities for learners across Africa. Its model delivers innovative programmes leading to globally recognized qualifications at a fraction of the cost charged by other international schools in the region.
The group also supports students through its university guidance programme, helping learners select appropriate universities and secure both admission and financing. The approach is guided by a mission to educate “with Africa at heart and the world in mind.”
The facility will underpin Enko Education’s expansion across its current network of 16 schools in nine African countries, supporting acquisitions and strengthening educational infrastructure. The group aims to reach 60 more schools in at least 20 African countries over the next five years. Its learners are already making their mark globally, gaining entry to prestigious universities including Yale (USA), Sciences Po (France), University of Toronto (Canada) and the African Leadership University (Rwanda).
“Education is foundational to long-term, sustainable socio-economic development,” said Standard Bank in a statement. “By supporting Enko Education’s expansion, we are contributing to the development of stronger institutions, increased access to opportunity and more resilient economies across the continent.”
The deal highlights Standard Bank’s agility in structuring rapid, cross-jurisdictional financing solutions. Teams coordinated seamlessly across South Africa, Kenya, Mauritius and the Isle of Man to deliver a solution aligned to Enko’s strategic priorities. The bank’s balance sheet strength allows deployment of both local and foreign currency capital, ensuring transactions of this scale can be executed efficiently.
Africa’s education sector has become a hotspot for investment as demand for high-quality schooling outpaces supply. According to UNESCO, the continent will need to create 18 million additional teaching positions by 2030 to accommodate a booming school-age population. Enko Education’s model addresses this gap while setting a benchmark for private sector participation in education.
Beyond education, the transaction signals growing investor confidence in African-led businesses with scalable models. Enko is funded by international institutions such as Proparco, I&P, Oikocredit, BIO and LiquidAfrica, reflecting a growing ecosystem of investors backing African solutions. By structuring sophisticated cross-border financing for Enko Education, Standard Bank is enabling a platform capable of transformative impact on local economies, reinforcing the narrative that African solutions can be globally competitive.
“By backing Enko Education’s acquisition pipeline, we are supporting the development of a robust, pan-African education platform designed to widen access to global university pathways for African learners,” the bank noted. “By combining local insight with international capability, we continue to deliver sophisticated solutions tailored to the needs of growth-oriented African businesses.”
Enko’s expansion of high-quality, internationally accredited schooling across Africa represents not only a commercial opportunity but a commitment to equipping the continent’s next generation with the skills and credentials to thrive globally.
