Top 5 infrastructure investment opportunities in Africa

"The 'Top 5 public private partnership opportunities in Africa' highlighted the best countries for PPPs in Africa. This article examines the best countries for infrastructure investment, if we assume all things to be equal in each country’s PPP system...."

http://www.frontiermarketnetwork.com/article/5714-top-5-infrastructure-investment-opportunities-in-africa?utm_campaign=FMINTEL%20Twitter&utm_content=6615058&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter#.U-OTymOdvap

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/ 

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

Cauris Management

"Cauris Management is the first regional private equity fund manager established in Franco- phone West Africa. It has been operational since 1996 and invests in SMEs with substantial growth potential. We are based in Lomé and Abidjan and this provide us with a strong proximity to the regional private sector.

Cauris Management focuses on SMEs which have the potential for high grow and high profitability. Given the size of target countries, a specific emphasis is put on companies that are able to grow cross borders in West Africa and beyond. Our ambition is to contribute to the creation of large regional players...."

http://www.caurismanagement.com/english/index.htm