Sofiane Lahmar Assumes Role as CEO of Development Partners International
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Development Partners International (DPI), a prominent investment firm specializing in Africa, has announced the appointment of Sofiane Lahmar as Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1, 2026. Lahmar, who has been a senior Partner since joining the firm in 2010, will succeed Runa Alam, the company’s co-founder and CEO for nearly two decades.
Under Runa Alam’s leadership, DPI blossomed since its inception in 2007 alongside Miles Morland, establishing itself as a key player in African private equity.
Alam and Lahmar share a history of collaboration spanning over two decades, including sixteen years at DPI. Their collective experience has been pivotal in nurturing the firm’s growth, establishing crucial relationships with investors, and steering investment initiatives that support flourishing African enterprises.
Throughout his tenure, Lahmar has significantly influenced the firm’s expansion and established trusted connections throughout the African private equity landscape. His commitment to talent development at DPI has been noteworthy, contributing to the formation of a robust group of partners with extensive experience.
Strong Momentum for DPI
As DPI enters this new chapter, the firm showcases robust momentum. Since 2024, DPI has achieved a historic cycle of realizations, amassing over $1 billion in proceeds for investors through notable African IPOs, including Optasia and CMGP Group, along with a $200 million exit from Atlantic Business International.
DPI maintains a robust pipeline of investment opportunities across vital sectors including consumer and retail, healthcare, and financial services. Recently, the firm completed a $190 million investment in Alameda, which ranks as Egypt’s leading private healthcare provider.
Additionally, in January, DPI announced a further $50 million investment in Kazyon, the leading discount retailer across the Arab world and Africa, aimed at facilitating its international growth initiatives. Last year also witnessed the successful deployment of DPI’s third flagship fund, African Development Partners III.
Vision for the Future
“I am deeply honored to succeed Runa as CEO and am excited by the tremendous opportunities ahead of us,” stated Lahmar. He expressed gratitude towards Alam for her pioneering role in African investing and praised her instrumental leadership in building DPI into a formidable entity in the private equity landscape.
Lahmar emphasized that with Alam stepping into the role of Non-Executive Chair, the firm will benefit from strategic guidance while strengthening its reputation as a trusted partner for investors and management teams.
Reflecting on the firm’s journey, Alam remarked, “Nineteen years ago, we set out to build an Africa-focused platform that delivers strong, risk-adjusted returns while creating lasting impact. Today, DPI stands as one of Africa’s foremost alternative asset managers, overseeing over $3.5 billion in assets.”
Alam further noted her confidence in Lahmar’s dedication to DPI’s values and culture, projecting a promising future for the firm based on its depth of talent and strong partnerships.
Recent Expansions in Investment Strategies
In line with its growth strategy, DPI recently launched DPI Venture Capital in 2025, enhancing the investment options available and reinforcing its commitment to backing innovative businesses across Africa and the Middle East.
