Groupe Duval Solidifies Long-Term Commitment to African Development at Africa Forward Summit
Inzovu Mall Project being Constructed In Kigali
NAIROBI—Groupe Duval, an independent, French family-owned group, is using the platform of the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi to highlight its long-standing, sustainable engagement across the African continent. With a development trajectory focused on long-term economic growth and concrete local impact, the Group is currently active in 10 African countries.
The French Group operates across key economic and social sectors, including inclusive finance, real estate, commerce, training, and youth integration. Groupe Duval emphasizes its role in partnering with local actors and institutional bodies to create projects that generate jobs, value, and opportunities.
Driving Financial Inclusion
A major pillar of Groupe Duval’s strategy is Finafrica, an integrated microfinance and insurance platform that has become a key player in financial inclusion. Finafrica is positioned as the only African group to offer this combined model, supporting over 1.3 million clients, including entrepreneurs, traders, farmers, and small businesses, while protecting them and their families against life’s uncertainties.
The platform utilizes digital solutions and comprehensive services to professionalize the informal sector, develop high-impact sectors like agriculture, health, and education, and champion the economic empowerment of women, who currently account for 48% of the individuals financed by Finafrica. Finafrica’s development is supported by solid institutional partnerships, notably with Proparco, which holds 10% of its capital.
Investing in Sustainable Urban Development
In real estate, Groupe Duval has invested over €400 million in Africa to date, focusing on structuring projects with significant urban and social dimensions. The Group aims to transform major African metropolises by creating integrated environments that combine offices, retail, hotels, housing, leisure, and event infrastructure.
Key projects include:
- Inzovu in Kigali, Rwanda: Designed as a new regional economic and event hub.1
- Village Notre Père in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire: An example of integrated mixed operations within the local urban fabric.1
- Espace Diobass in Senegal: Contributing to the development of accessible, structured social housing for the territory.1
This real estate strategy is also backed by leading international financial partners, including Proparco.
Retail and Social Impact
The Group is also expanding its retail activities by creating and operating commercial spaces tailored to local market needs, including collaborations with Coopérative U and La Foir’Fouille.
Beyond its economic ventures, Fondation Duval represents the Group’s societal commitment. Established in 2020 as part of the Group’s commitment as a société à mission (mission-led company) and a member of the UN Global Compact, the foundation supports educational and professional initiatives to aid the social and economic integration of African youth. Since its creation, Fondation Duval has trained 895 students, developing professional pathways adapted to local needs and markets.
Groupe Duval in Africa: Key Figures
- 10 African countries of operation
- 1,500 collaborators
- 1.3 million clients supported
- 48% of women financed via Finafrica
- 895 students trained via Fondation Duval programs
- Over €400 million invested in real estate
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