Michael Aldridge is the dynamic CEO and co-founder of KOFISI, a premier hospitality-led provider of flexible workspaces serving enterprises across Africa. With a career spanning more than two decades in entrepreneurship and investment within the business services sector, Aldridge has been instrumental in pioneering new models of workspace tailored to Africa’s evolving corporate and enterprise needs.
Aldridge’s professional journey began with his role as Co-Founder and CEO of the Sunbird Group, a diversified business platform in East Africa supplying construction, fit-out, and support services. This company’s flexible workspace division was later rebranded as KOFISI, reflecting a dedicated strategic pivot toward creating inspirational, productivity-driven work environments. KOFISI has since expanded its footprint to eight centres across Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, and South Africa, with plans to open additional hubs in Morocco and Rwanda, positioning it as one of the continent’s largest office space providers.
Before venturing into entrepreneurship, Aldridge honed his expertise at Kroll Inc., where he launched the Corporate Finance team, gaining valuable experience in risk management and financial advisory services. His strong academic foundation includes a Master’s degree in Social and Political Sciences from the University of Cambridge, complemented by a Chartered Accountant qualification from Arthur Andersen, which informs his analytical approach to business growth and financial structuring.
Beyond his corporate endeavours, Aldridge is deeply committed to philanthropy, serving as a trustee for The Aldridge Foundation. The foundation partners with the UK’s Department for Education to promote entrepreneurship and education among young people, reflecting his dedication to nurturing future business leaders and innovators.
Originally from the UK, Aldridge has made Nairobi his home, balancing a demanding professional life with family commitments and a personal passion for running. His leadership at KOFISI exemplifies a blend of visionary entrepreneurship and pragmatic management, driving innovative workspace solutions that support Africa’s burgeoning business ecosystem.
In this interview with SBTinsight, Aldridge talks about how investors are changing their funding priorities in Africa, among other issues
What’s driving the shift in venture capital funds’ investment strategies in Africa?
We’re seeing investors become far more selective and disciplined. Rather than chasing growth at any cost, funds are prioritising businesses that demonstrate real returns and resilience. For us at KOFISI, that means companies want to invest in workspaces that help them operate more efficiently and attract top talent without unnecessary overheads. There’s also a sharper focus on sustainability and long-term value creation. Investors want to back businesses that not only perform financially but also demonstrate measurable social and environmental impact. That resonates with how we design and operate our Centres – consciously built to minimise environmental impact while maximising productivity and wellbeing for the people who work in them.
Demographics and technology are another driver. Africa’s young, urban, and connected workforce is pushing businesses to think differently about how and where work happens. Flexible, high-quality spaces are becoming a strategic investment, not a nice-to-have, because they allow enterprises to scale quickly into new markets without the heavy capital costs of traditional offices.
Regulatory improvements across markets are also giving investors more confidence. As scaling across borders becomes more viable, companies need a partner who can deliver consistent standards of space and service across multiple African cities. That’s exactly where we see our role, providing a Pan-African platform that makes it easier for businesses to grow regionally.
Finally, with new forms of capital, from local VC funds to hybrid financing, investors are better positioned to support businesses that need flexibility. The same is true in the workspace: clients are looking for more agile, tailored models that match the evolving capital structures they’re working with.
Can you explain how KOFISI’s partnership fund model differs from traditional investment approaches?
KOFISI’s partnership fund is not equity-driven; it’s asset-backed. Investors deploy capital into Centres, earn returns directly from their cash flows, and share risk on tangible assets rather than waiting for an exit. It lets us scale rapidly without diluting ownership, while giving investors stable, predictable, income-linked returns. This is asset-backed, not speculative: capital funds specific centres, with returns tied to occupancy and revenues, not a distant IPO or sale.
Aligned Incentives: Investors share in the success of the spaces they finance, while KOFISI protects its ownership and vision. Dual Strategy: Equity is reserved for platform growth (people, tech, brand), while the partnership fund fuels Centre expansion. Predictable Returns: Investors gain steady, income-linked yields from real assets, avoiding the volatility of traditional venture models.
In your opinion, what role do you see African powerhouses like KOFISI playing in shaping the continent’s economic future?
Africa is now home to 1.5 billion people and, by 2030, one in three new entrants to the global workforce will be African. With such a diverse and rapidly growing population, the way we approach workplace solutions will be pivotal to driving Africa’s economic growth, global competitiveness, talent development, and sustainable progress.
At KOFISI, we see our role as more than just filling gaps in the market; we’re helping to lay the foundations for Africa’s economic future. For growth potential to translate into long-term prosperity, businesses need world-class infrastructure, reliable networks, and environments that inspire productivity and innovation. That’s exactly where we come in.
By creating premium workspaces that combine global standards with local insight, we make it possible for African and international companies to operate seamlessly across the continent. In doing so, we not only provide offices, but also build confidence in Africa as a place to do business; attracting foreign investment, nurturing local enterprises and accelerating job creation.
Ultimately, our ambition is to demonstrate that Africa can deliver workplace solutions equal to, if not better than, those found anywhere else in the world. If we can transform how people work, we can influence how economies grow – and that makes companies like KOFISI a central force in Africa’s journey from emerging markets to global powerhouses.
How will the recent $10.5 million investment support KOFISI’s expansion plans across Africa?
The $10.5 million investment will support KOFISI’s expansion plans into new markets, including a groundbreaking new 85,000sqft Centre in Nairobi that promises to set a global benchmark for the future of work. KOFISI Kaskazi is not just about office space; it’s about crafting an entirely new ecosystem of work and lifestyle—redefining the workplace with the most incredible facilities, including a spa, gym, restaurants, and a screening room—all focused on driving productivity, innovation, and success for our clients.
What advice would you give to investors looking to succeed in large-scale projects in diverse African markets?
My advice to investors eyeing large-scale projects in Africa is to combine vision with pragmatism. Africa is not a single market—it is a mosaic of economies, each with its own opportunities, regulations and cultural nuances. Success comes when investors acknowledge this diversity and tailor their approach accordingly.
At KOFISI, we’ve learned that the key is to embed yourself in the local ecosystem: build strong partnerships with local stakeholders, respect the way business is done in each market, and create models that are adaptable rather than rigid. This requires patience and a long-term perspective. Short-term wins are possible, but the real rewards come to those who are willing to invest consistently and sustainably.
The continent is full of growth potential, but investors who thrive here are the ones who balance ambition with humility, those who don’t just bring capital but also commit to adding value to the communities and economies they operate in. That’s how you create projects that are not only profitable but transformative.
How does KOFISI balance financial returns with social impact in its investments?
Sustainability is integral to our long-term growth strategy and central to our vision for Africa’s evolving role in the global economy. It underpins every aspect of our operations – from the people we engage and empower, to the materials and suppliers we choose, from the design of our spaces, the services we deliver, to the partnerships we build.
We are developing a generative, human-centred and future-conscious platform for work in Africa, where people are at the heart of everything we do. Our workplaces are dynamic ecosystems that accelerate growth, not only for clients and investors but for employees, suppliers, and communities. Every operational decision is guided by principles of environmental responsibility, ethical sourcing, and crucially, social impact.
KOFISI’s ambition extends beyond our Centres. We recognise that true sustainability means scaling opportunity—creating jobs, supporting local enterprises and strengthening the social infrastructure that enables individuals and communities to thrive. By redefining workplace standards on the continent, we are helping to build the foundations for long-term prosperity and inclusive economic growth.
Chinua Achebe wrote, ‘If you don’t like someone’s story, write your own’. Africa’s future is being rewritten, shaped by those who believe in its people and invest in their potential. At KOFISI, we are committed to playing a leadership role in that transformation by delivering world-class work environments that are rooted in sustainable practices and designed to drive positive, lasting impact across the continent.
Can you share some examples of local social transformation initiatives enabled by KOFISI’s operations?
From the outset, we’ve chosen to operate with a mindset that balances ambition with responsibility. We work with local artisans, designers and suppliers to craft our furnishings and interiors. That way, the look and feel of our spaces reflects African creativity while also sustaining local businesses and craftspeople.
Today, around 75% of our offices and workspaces are regionally made, a choice that not only supports livelihoods but also reduces the environmental impact of importing.
We’ve also introduced initiatives, including a Sustainable Uniform Programme, which prioritises sourcing from local manufacturers vetted for fair workplace practices and sustainable materials. Even in the details, like serving locally roasted B-Corp coffee or providing filtered water in glass bottles to cut single-use plastics, we’re intentional about making choices that have lasting impact.
Our Hospitality Academy is reimagining skills development in Africa. By training young people in world-class hospitality standards, we’re creating new pathways into meaningful employment, raising service benchmarks across the industry, and giving our teams the confidence to deliver excellence. This isn’t just about jobs; it’s about transforming careers and opening up opportunities that can change lives.
Beyond supply chains and training, our Centres act as platforms for growth – hosting workshops, networking events and thought-leadership sessions that give SMEs and entrepreneurs the knowledge and connections they need to thrive. By offering world-class workplaces, we also attract international companies to African cities, bringing with them jobs, skills transfer, and investment that ripple through local communities. For us, social transformation isn’t an add-on or a CSR initiative. It’s woven into our growth model. When KOFISI succeeds, the ecosystems around us succeed too.
What guidance would you offer to other African companies seeking to attract international investment?
My guidance to African companies looking to attract international investment is to strike the balance between authenticity and global best practice. Investors are looking for businesses that not only understand their local markets but also demonstrate governance, transparency, and operational standards that meet international expectations.
At KOFISI, we’ve seen that success comes when you can show both resilience and scalability, building models that work in one city and can be adapted across borders. But it’s equally important to communicate a clear, long-term vision, because investors want to know you’re not just chasing short-term wins but committed to sustainable growth.
Equally, don’t shy away from Africa’s uniqueness. What often differentiates us is our ability to innovate within challenging environments and to draw strength from local talent, creativity, and cultural identity. That authenticity, paired with professional execution, is what convinces international investors that Africa is not just a frontier but a destination for serious, long-term opportunity
How does KOFISI navigate the complexities of African economies and cultures in its business operations?
Navigating Africa’s diverse economies and cultures starts with humility and respect. At KOFISI, we know that no two markets are alike. Regulations, consumer behaviour, and workplace expectations differ greatly between cities and countries. Rather than impose a rigid model, we take time to listen, learn, and build relationships with local stakeholders before scaling.
We draw on local talent to lead our operations because they bring the insight and cultural fluency needed to succeed. At the same time, we anchor everything in KOFISI’s global standards of quality and service, ensuring that whether a client walks into our Centre in Nairobi, Accra, or Johannesburg, they enjoy the same world-class experience.
This combination of adaptability and consistency is what allows us to thrive in complex environments. By respecting cultural differences while delivering international standards, we position ourselves as both a trusted local partner and a reliable global brand.
Looking ahead, what’s next for KOFISI in terms of growth and expansion plans across the continent?
The next chapter for KOFISI is about scale with purpose. We are expanding our network of Centres into new African cities where demand for premium flexible workspaces is rising, while continuing to strengthen and upgrade our existing portfolio.
But our vision goes beyond real estate. We’re investing in cutting-edge technology, sustainable design and hospitality-led services that will transform what people expect from the workplace in Africa.
We want KOFISI to be synonymous with world-class work environments on the continent: spaces that not only attract international companies but also empower local enterprises to grow and compete globally. In doing so, we’re not just building offices; we’re building the infrastructure for Africa’s next phase of economic growth.
