Stewarding progress in emerging markets since 2000
For over two decades, the De Ridder Group has built purposeful solutions to address fundamental challenges in emerging markets — elevating lives meaningfully, and prospering commercially.
De Ridder Group (DRG) is the permanent capital base of a group of operating companies. We exist to own, grow, and steward businesses across cycles — not to exit at the earliest opportunity, but to compound value over time through disciplined ownership and consistent governance.
Our portfolio is deliberate. Each company we own serves the daily lives of lower and middle income consumers in Africa — the most consequential and fastest-growing economic constituency on the continent. We believe that building durable businesses for this market is not a charitable act. It is the most intelligent long-term investment thesis available to us.
This is the philosophy we inherited from our founders, and the one we intend to pass forward.
"We thrive in the space between
thoughtful consideration and practical implementation
transforming tomorrow's ideas into today's realities."
We innovate to solve real challenges — not for novelty. Technology is a tool, never a destination. Every platform we build must make a measurable difference in someone's daily life before it earns its place in our portfolio.
We harmonise commercial acumen with genuine social commitment. Our ventures operate independently and entrepreneurially, sharing a common culture of integrity, accountability, and long-term thinking that defines the Group.
Rather than imposing external models, we collaborate within local contexts to craft solutions grounded in reality and relevance. Africa's best solutions emerge from African innovators — our role is to provide tools, guidance, and the networks that transform ideas into sustainable realities.
SOCIAL INNOVATION
Identifying and supporting promising social enterprises across the continent. Through strategic partnerships, tailored funding, and mentorship, we modernise indigenous approaches to foundational challenges — from utilities to education to financial inclusion — with the patience of a multi-generational view.
RENEWABLE ENERGY
Democratising access to clean, reliable energy through solar solutions. Flexible payment systems and community-based franchise models empower local entrepreneurs to participate in the renewable economy — removing upfront barriers without sacrificing quality or dignity.
WATER & SANITATION
Infrastructure and community stewardship ensuring sustainable water access — even in the most challenging environments. Systems integrating technology and renewable energy with transparent governance and local engagement, designed to serve communities for generations.
FOOD SECURITY
Affordable, nutritious meals for underserved communities, combining locally sourced ingredients with ease of preparation. A community-based distribution model that creates local employment alongside food access — recognising that nutrition and livelihoods are inseparable challenges.
Turning distribution into livelihoods. Our network marketing model creates meaningful income opportunities for everyday entrepreneurs — particularly in communities where formal employment is scarce. Participants build their own businesses selling products people already need, supported by training, structure, and a supply chain they can rely on.
DIGITAL HEALTHCARE
Digital platforms expanding access to quality healthcare, reducing cost, and balancing efficiency with compassion. Telemedicine, electronic health records for resource-limited settings, and AI-supported clinical tools — creating healthcare systems that are both human-centred and operationally sound.
FINANCIAL INCLUSION
Technology-driven financial services tailored for underserved communities — mobile banking, flexible microfinance, and inclusive credit assessment. We prioritise respectful relationships over transactions, letting customers shape their own financial journeys rather than being shaped by rigid systems.
EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY
Bridging educational divides with digital solutions built for emerging market realities. Content aligned with local curricula and accessible across connectivity levels — including offline — ensuring geography or limited infrastructure never restricts access to quality education.
We identify fundamental challenges in emerging markets and design thoughtful, technology-enabled solutions to address them. Rather than imposing external models, we collaborate closely within local contexts — because the best solutions for Africa emerge from within Africa.
Our ventures are not built to resemble one another. They are built to serve their specific markets with genuine understanding. What they share is a holding company that provides governance, capital discipline, and a culture of long-term thinking.
We innovate to solve real challenges — not for novelty.
We conduct ourselves with transparency and high ethical standards in every relationship.
We measure success by tangible improvements to communities — not metrics that flatter us.
We deliver on our commitments — every time, to every stakeholder.
"Africa needs more work. Dignified, sustainable employment is not a byproduct of economic growth — it is the engine of it."
— DE RIDDER GROUP, FOUNDING PHILOSOPHY
