Jerome Kisting, Namibia

Jerome Kisting is a venture capital investor committed to driving economic transformation in Namibia and across Africa through strategic investment in industrial innovation. He is the Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Baobab Capital, Namibia’s first venture capital firm, where he leads early-stage investments in industrial startups across Southern Africa. Under his leadership, Baobab Capital raised a pioneering $10 million first-time fund, deploying capital into businesses positioned to accelerate regional development. He is currently spearheading efforts to determine more appropriate funding models for financing early-stage companies in Africa. Jerome’s professional interests lie at the intersection of regional integration, sustainable industrialization, and supply chain finance. He brings a sharp understanding of how capital, policy, and entrepreneurship can work together to reshape African economies from within.

As a Humphrey Fellow, Jerome intends to enhance his leadership capabilities and explore innovative funding models tailored to African industrial development. His focus area includes lessons from American supply chains that can inform the evolution of African supply chain finance to catalyze industrial development. He also seeks to build lasting connections with global institutions at the forefront of investment, policy, and industrial transformation. Ultimately, Jerome’s goal is to scale the reach and effectiveness of early-stage industrial investment by advocating for enabling regulatory environments that empower entrepreneurs and capital providers to drive inclusive, long-term growth across the continent.

• Master’s Degree in Business Administration at University of Stellenbosch in Cape Town, South Africa 2008
• Bachelor’s Degree in Economics at University of Namibia in Windhoek, Khomas 2001
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration at University of Stellenbosch in Cape Town, South Africa 2006

Available to speak on topics including:

• VC/PE Funding for Industrial Startups in Emerging Markets
• VC/PE Fund Management in Southern Africa
• Why Africa Needs Manufacturing Not Tech Startups
• Leadership and Managing Teams in Investment Services
• Namibia's Economic and Political Landscape

Contact Jerome via email or LinkedIn.