The Enhanced Private Sector Assistance for Africa (EPSA) Initiative is an innovative, multi-component, multi-donor partnership conceived in collaboration by the African Development Bank and the Government of Japan in 2005. Since its creation, the EPSA Initiative has mobilized US$ 1 billion from the Government of Japan and US$ 1.3 billion from the African Development Bank to grow the private sector across the continent. This funding has gone to over 70 projects that span everything from large-scale infrastructure, to equity investments in health funds, to capacity building for microfinance institutions. The result of this targeted assistance is not only improved businesses and an improved business environment, but more importantly, improved lives. These pages document the human dimension of EPSA – how a loan, a construction project or training can mean more disposable income, safer communities, better health care services, more children in school. One portrait at a time.
