BluePeak backs Côte d’Ivoire’s Groupe Centaures with $16 million green loan

BluePeak Private Capital, an asset management firm, has provided a $16 million investment in Côte d’Ivoire-based Groupe Centaures through a sustainability-linked loan tied to greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets.

The transaction marks the second investment from BluePeak’s second fund and highlights the firm’s focus on supporting mid-sized African businesses while encouraging measurable environmental improvements.

The financing comes as logistics companies across West Africa face growing pressure to improve efficiency and reduce their environmental footprint. Logistics and transportation remain critical to regional trade, food distribution and industrial growth, but many operators continue to grapple with aging vehicle fleets, fragmented operations and rising demand driven by urbanization and expanding trade flows.

Family logistics firm expands West Africa

Founded as a family-owned business and now in its third generation, Groupe Centaures has grown into one of Côte d’Ivoire’s leading local logistics providers. The company offers services across road transportation, warehousing, lifting operations and container management. Groupe Centaures plays a key role in supporting trade, supply chains and economic activity across the region.

Under the financing agreement, Groupe Centaures will work toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions per unit transported, improving fuel efficiency and strengthening internal systems for carbon accounting and environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting. 

The investment is also expected to support broader economic activity by helping improve regional trade connectivity, creating jobs and strengthening logistics infrastructure in one of West Africa’s fastest-growing economies. 

“Logistics is a cornerstone of economic development in West Africa, yet it remains both fragmented and carbon-intensive,” said Walid Cherif, managing partner at BluePeak Private Capital. 

“Through this investment, we are supporting a leading local platform as it expands its operations while delivering measurable sustainability improvements.” 

Olivier Delsuc, chief executive of Groupe Centaures, said the financing would help the company modernize its operations while advancing its environmental goals. 

“This partnership marks an important step in our development as we continue to strengthen our operational capabilities and invest in more efficient and sustainable logistics solutions,” Delsuc said. “Aligning our growth with clear environmental targets is fully consistent with our long-term vision.”

BluePeak Capital: Africa-focused investment firm

BluePeak Private Capital is an Africa-focused investment firm that provides flexible financing to mid-market companies while integrating sustainability considerations into its investment strategy. 

Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Luxembourg, the firm operates from offices in London, Luxembourg, Tunis and Nairobi. BluePeak has raised more than $240 million and typically plans to invest between $15 million and $25 million in companies across African markets. 

BluePeak’s portfolio companies collectively generate more than $1.8 billion in revenue and operate in more than 25 countries.

Its target markets include Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, Rwanda, Tanzania and South Africa.