The West Africa Emerging Markets Growth Fund (WAEMGF) invests USD5m in LeasAfric Ghana

"WAEMGF invests USD 5 million in LeasAfric Ghana Limited

27th June 2014

Accra, Ghana, 27 June 2014: The West Africa Emerging Markets Growth Fund (WAEMGF) has announced a USD 5 million investment in Leasafric Ghana Limited a specialist non-bank financial institution that primarily providing finance and operating lease solutions to SMEs and leading corporates in Ghana. Set up in 1994, the company has established itself as a solid financial service provider offering innovative asset financing solutions to Ghanaian businesses.

This investment comes at a crucial time to shore up the company’s capital base as per minimum capital guidelines set by the Bank of Ghana and will allow Leasafric to expand its activities into other economic sectors (such as agriculture and oil and gas). The company has also recently acquired the Hertz car rental franchise for Ghana as another business activity.

Commenting on the investment J. Mawuli Ababio, Partner, PCM Capital Partners (PCP), opined “The financial services sector is crucial to SME growth and development and our investment gives us an excellent platform to provide growth capital to local companies. We are pleased to partner C&I Leasing together with respected local partners in this investment.’

According to Alex Mbakogu, Managing Director of Leasafric “This investment in Leasafric is a testament to the confidence PCM Capital Partners, and a lot others have in Leasafric as one of the most profitable, fast growing non-bank leasing and ancillary service company in Ghana, and will enhance Leasafric’s capacity to do more businesses, growing our SMEs, fleet services, operating leases and Hertz Rent A Car brand."

http://www.avca-africa.org/waemgf-invests-usd-5-million-in-leasafric-ghana-limited/ 

Venture Capital Trust Fund

"About us

 

The Venture Capital Trust Fund (VCTF, Trust Fund) was established by ACT 680, 2004 as a Government of Ghana initiative to provide low cost financing to businesses so they can grow, create jobs and wealth.

The vision of Government is that this scheme will enrich businesses with enough resources to create jobs...."

 

http://www.venturecapitalghana.com.gh/index.php 

Oiko Credit

Oikocredit is a worldwide cooperative and social investor, providing funding to the microfinance sector, fair trade organizations, cooperatives and small to medium enterprises.

Loans

Over the years, we’ve developed a range of financial products that can be tailored to meet the needs of each specific partner.

We give loans instead of grants as we believe that loans are more effective for achieving economic productivity. Loans create a real business partnership based on mutual respect.

Credit lines

We provide credit lines which are generally shorter term, more flexible loan arrangements. For example, if a borrower requires working capital for a few months within a year.

Interest is paid only on the amounts drawn down at any one point. A 1% maintenance fee is paid on the total approved amount of the credit line.

Equity investments

Oikocredit has a diverse and growing portfolio of equity investments. We invest in equities for dual returns: development impact (social performance) and capital gains. Oikocredit equity investments seek to collaborate with companies that are aligned in bringing people out of poverty.

When we invest in a company, our aim is to assist that company in becoming stronger and more effective in reaching its goals to the benefit of stakeholders and intended beneficiaries. This means that Oikocredit has an active role in the governance of investee companies and makes sure that we add value to them. This includes providing advice and contacts, offering technical assistance where appropriate and making sure that the company complies with environmental, social and governance requirements.

If there is a sound balance between the company’s social, financial and environmental objectives, this usually adds to the value of the company. 

Long-term investment horizon

Our equity investments have a long-term investment horizon, are demand-driven and flexible, and can range from € 50,000 to € 5 million. We can provide equity or quasi-equity (including convertible debt) tailored to meet the needs of potential investee institutions.

Our equity partners are often looking for strong institutional shareholders which:

• share their mission and values
• bring expertise and insight to the organization
• focus on social as well as financial returns...."

http://www.oikocredit.coop/ 

Oasis Capital Ghana

"Overview

Oasis Capital Ghana Limited was established in February 2009 under the laws of the Republic of Ghana as a growth and venture capital fund manager. We seek to provide risk capital in the form of equity, quasi-equity and profit-sharing facilities to entrepreneurial businesses in Africa. We also offer a business development service to investee companies as part of our value proposition. By combining finance and BDS, Oasis is able to leverage its analytical approach to better mitigate risk, improve the business models of our clients and realize sustainable returns for our stakeholders.

We are currently managing the Ebankese Venture Fund with a co-investment arrangement with SOVEC I BV of the Netherlands. SOVEC co-invests with funds managed by Oasis Capital on a case by case basis. The Ebankese Venture Fund, which closed in March 2012, is currently more than 50% invested....."

http://www.oasiscapitalghana.com/?pid=5&cid=2

Injaro Agricultural Capital Holdings

"Overview 

 

Injaro Agricultural Capital Holdings Ltd. (Injaro) has been established with the aim of carrying out investment activities for advancing the social objectives of alleviating poverty and revitalizing distressed regions in West Africa. Injaro makes investments in debt, quasi-equity, and equity in small-and medium-sized enterprises along the agricultural value chain in designated countries of West Africa. The agriculture value chain encompasses the full range of activities and participants involved in moving agricultural products from input suppliers to farmers' fields, and ultimately, to consumers' tables. The countries Injaro is focusing on are Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Niger and Sierra Leone.
 

Injaro is derived from Kilimanjaro which in Swahili means ''Mountain of Greatness." We believe in the greatness of the African entrepreneurial spirit and in the ability of African entrepreneurs to build successful businesses that make a difference in the lives of the communities in which they operate.
 

Injaro is a private company formed under the laws of Mauritius and it is created as part of a merger and restructuring of two existing funds:
 

* West Africa Agricultural Investment Fund ("WAAIF"), a Mauritius domiciled fund created with the objective of investing in companies that produce and

* distribute seeds to smallholder farmers, and

* West Africa SME Growth Fund ("WASGF"), a Mauritius domiciled fund created with the investment objective of investing in small and medium sized business in the region.
 

Both WAAIF and WASGF were private equity funds promoted and managed by Injaro Investments Limited ("IIL"). IIL was established in 2009 as an impact-oriented fund manager primarily focused on opportunities in West Africa. In addition to providing access to finance, Injaro will actively provide sound business advice as well as technical assistance to build managerial and financial capacity within investee companies...."

 http://www.iachl.com/parent.php?root=about&link=overview

Ghana will be launching a $10m fund for start-ups

"According to Stephen Gyasi-Kwaw, who organized the first Startup Weekend in Ghana, the Ghana government will be launching a $10 million fund for local startups within the next few months...."

 http://tech.co/ghana-startup-fund-2014-06#.U5LHTBBNhTA.twitter