In Senegal, Proparco is partnering with Admaius Capital Partners to support Saint Christopher Iba Mar Diop Medical School through the FISEA+ facility. Established in Dakar in 2003, Saint Christopher has grown up into one of the largest private medical training institutions in Francophone Africa, with over 2,000 students currently enrolled in medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry programs.
This initiative will bring substantial social benefits to Senegal and the broader region. It advances Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4—Quality Education—by expanding access to excellent medical training in a region critically underserved by healthcare professionals. According to the World Bank, Senegal currently has just one doctor per 10,000 inhabitants, compared to the OECD average of 34. Saint Christopher stands out with a majority of female students, empowering women to access higher education and pursue quality careers in medical professions. FISEA+ funds will also support initiatives to prevent gender-based violence and feminicides.
Economically, the project is expected to generate jobs, thereby contributing to SDG 8—Decent Work and Economic Growth. Proparco’s investment is part of an ambitious value-creation approach led by its partner Admaius Capital Partners, aiming to improve the school’s infrastructure and equipment, drive digital transformation, and diversify Saint Christopher’s educational offerings. In addition to shareholders such as FISEA, the school’s board of directors includes health and education experts such as former French minister Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, , Pierre Sané (former senior official at Amnesty International and UNESCO), and Abdou Fall(former Senegalese health minister). This governance structure brings international expertise to imrove educational standards and expand the school’s regional influence.
Françoise Lombard, CEO of Proparco, stated: " We are proud to support Saint Christopher Medical School alongside Admaius Capital Partners and to contribute more broadly to the development of education and healthcare sectors in francophone Africa. Saint Christopher is a key player in the region, with a vision to transform sustainably healthcare in Africa refelcting Proparco’s broader ambitions on the continent. The school’s modernisation, including a new simulation centre and the upcoming nursing and midwifery programs, will enable the training of more healthcare professionals across the region. Supporting Saint Christopher means seizing the opportunity to train future professionals, improving access to quality healthcare for thousands, and strengthening the resilience of local health systems."
Mohamed Ali Ben Naceur, CEO of Saint Christopher, commented: "I am delighted that this partnership with Proparco has come to fruition to support the growth of Saint Christopher. With our new simulation centre and advanced training capabilities, we are now better equipped to train the next generation of healthcare professionals in the region."
Selim Ettriqui, Director at Admaius Capital Partners, added: "We are very proud of this collaboration between Proparco and Admaius Capital Partners. By investing in Saint Christopher, we are helping to train the next generation of high-quality healthcare professionals in Africa. This strategic investment reflects our commitment to addressing critical healthcare needs on the continent."
By supporting Saint Christopher alongside Admaius Capital Partners, Proparco is contributing to the strengthening of the healthcare sector in West Africa, the creation of skilled jobs, and the improvement of healthcare quality in a region with urgent needs. This project aligns with the investment strategy of FISEA+ and Proparco, which supports local initiatives with positive impacts in key sectors.