Patient capital for
real-economy growth
Difako Capital Investments is a private equity and venture investor partnering with mission-aligned operators to scale resilient businesses and critical infrastructure.
Disciplined Underwriting
Operational value creation through structured analysis and risk management
Responsible Governance
Long-term partnership approach with transparent reporting and alignment
Measurable Outcomes
KPI-driven execution delivering value for all stakeholders
About Us
Difako Capital Investments is an independent investment firm backing founders and operators building real-economy solutions. Our team blends investing discipline with hands-on operating experience to unlock growth, professionalize governance, and compound value.
We invest with a partnership mindset—aligning incentives, embedding robust reporting and risk management, and supporting management teams with practical playbooks. Our approach prioritizes downside protection and repeatable value creation over cycles.
We collaborate with public and private stakeholders to catalyze projects that strengthen productivity, resilience, and access to essential services.
Selective Origination
Proprietary sourcing and partnership-led pipelines
Structured Value Creation
Operating playbooks and KPI-driven execution
Risk Discipline
Governance, compliance, and scenario-based underwriting
Aligned Incentives
Clear objectives and transparent reporting
Investment Focus
We target opportunities where our governance, networks, and structured value-creation model can accelerate scale while protecting the downside.
Renewable Energy & Storage
Utility-scale solar, hybrid microgrids, and enabling technologies with predictable cash flows
Infrastructure & Social Assets
Education, healthcare, civic and sports infrastructure via public-private collaboration
Industrial & Supply-Chain
Mission-critical services that enhance productivity and resilience
Natural Resources & Processing
Selective upstream and processing opportunities with robust ESG and compliance
Technology & Venture
Applied software, fintech infrastructure, and AI-enabled platforms with real-world traction
Trade & Working Capital
Structured trade finance and asset-backed facilities with prudent risk controls
What We Look For
Defensible unit economics and clear value creation levers
Experienced leadership with stakeholder alignment
Sensible capital intensity and risk-adjusted return profile
Relationship with DHI
Difako Capital Investments operates alongside DHI (Difako Human Investment NPC), a social-empowerment organization. Together, we align catalytic capital with programs that deliver sustainable economic and community outcomes.
While DHI focuses on social development initiatives and stakeholder engagement, Difako Capital provides an institutional investment platform to fund and scale projects through robust governance and execution.
How We Invest
Originate
Thematic sourcing and proprietary pipelines developed with operating partners and public stakeholders.
Underwrite
Scenario-based modeling, risk assessment, regulatory and ESG review, and governance planning prior to capital deployment.
Value Create(0–100 days & beyond)
Operating cadence, KPI dashboards, procurement and vendor programs, margin and working capital initiatives.
Scale
Follow-on capital, partnerships, and structured financing to unlock new markets and capacity.
Stewardship & Outcomes
Transparent reporting, risk controls, and measurable impact; disciplined exit pathways when appropriate.
Team
Our leadership combines private equity, venture, and project-finance experience with delivery across social projects, infrastructure, sporting venues & stadiums, mining, and energy.
Israel Kgosietsile Zimba
Chief Executive (South Africa / UK)
Chief Executive across the Difako group with a mandate over social projects, infrastructure delivery, and energy & mining initiatives. Board-level leadership at Difako Capital Ltd (UK) and Difako Human Investments (South Africa).
Focus: Strategy & governance, program management, risk controls, and cross-border execution
William Allan
Director (UK / UAE)
Board-level leader with cross-border operating and governance experience. Track record across infrastructure and sporting facilities (including stadium and venue projects) and adjacent supply-chain businesses. Commercial and partnership roles including leadership at Rhino Turf (UK/South Africa).
Focus: Public-private collaboration, capital projects, procurement, vendor management, compliance
Sam Mthembu
Managing Director (South Africa)
Investment and operating executive spanning mining, commodities, and infrastructure, with board exposure in social-impact organizations. Roles include Managing Director, Difako Capital Ltd (UK); Non-Executive Director, Difako Human Investments (South Africa); Director at Mafanikio Mining and Kommodi.
Focus: Thematic sourcing, government & community engagement, operating cadence and KPIs
Group Experience at a Glance
Social Projects & Community Development
Education, healthcare, and skills programs; measurable outcomes and transparent reporting
Infrastructure (Civic, Education, Health)
Capital planning, procurement, and delivery; governance frameworks and O&M readiness
Sporting Venues & Stadium Construction
From feasibility to commissioning; venue systems and multi-stakeholder coordination
Mining & Energy
Selective participation across mining services, processing, and renewable energy & storage; structured project finance and ESG-aligned compliance
Governance & Partnerships
Public-private collaboration, board oversight, risk management, KPI dashboards, audit readiness
Investment and Project Financing
Structured capital deployment, debt and equity arrangements, working capital facilities, and risk-adjusted return optimization across project lifecycles
Portfolio & Projects
Selected focus areas and projects we support.
Energy and Off-Grid Platforms
Utility-scale solar, battery storage, and hybrid microgrid solutions delivering reliable power to communities and industrial operations.
Mining and Commodities
Strategic participation in mining services, mineral processing, and commodity trading with focus on ESG-compliant operations.
Refining and Manufacturing
Value-add processing facilities, manufacturing operations, and industrial infrastructure supporting supply chain optimization.
Large Infrastructure
Capital-intensive projects including sporting venues, transport infrastructure, and logistics facilities enhancing economic connectivity.
Education and Health Infrastructure
Essential service infrastructure including healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and community service centers.
Trading and Project Financing
Structured trade finance, working capital solutions, and project financing arrangements supporting economic development initiatives.
Contact
Company Information
Registered Office (UK)
37 Felsham Road Putney, London, United Kingdom, SW15 1AY
Company No.
16210397
Get in Touch
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