New equity fund targets SMEs

scent, a Kenyan private equity firm, has raised Sh4.3 billion ($50 million) for investment in growth enterprises across Eastern Africa. The company management said the money will be invested in 12 fast-growing small and medium companies in Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia.
Read more at: http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2000129280/new-equity-fund-targets-smes

"Ascent, a Kenyan private equity firm, has raised Sh4.3 billion ($50 million) for investment in growth enterprises across Eastern Africa.
The company management said the money will be invested in 12 fast-growing small and medium companies in Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia...."

 http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2000129280/new-equity-fund-targets-smes

XSML

Introduction

XSML is an investment fund manager with a focus on frontier markets, particularly those in Central Africa. While building and managing funds, XSML, eXtra Small Medium Large, aims to grow small businesses into medium and large enterprises. We seek to partner with investors who share our passion for investing with impact and to help SME companies with growth capital and know-how. Our understanding of private equity coupled with an appreciation of risks and rewards through our local presence, puts us in a position to generate attractive risk adjusted returns for our investors and entrepreneurs alike.

History

XSML was founded in 2008. The managing partners have an extensive background in emerging markets in the areas of asset management, corporate and development banking and corporate restructuring. Our experience have shown that demand for finance from small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) remains largely untapped despite increased interest in emerging markets from international investors. XSML bridges this gap between the international investors and the SMEs in
emerging markets.

In November 2010, XSML established its first fund under management, the Central Africa SME Fund, which invests in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Central African Republic. The fund focuses on providing private equity finance and management expertise to SMEs in these two frontier markets where there is no or limited finance available.

Investment Policy

XSML believes that growing a small business into a medium and large business in emerging markets generates superior returns for its investors over time. XSML realises that providing capital alone is insufficient; SMEs need expertise and guidance to achieve sustainable growth. XSML is committed to support SMEs in their development – this support is critical in enabling them to achieve their growth potential.

The giraffe is symbolic of XSML’s philosophy. As the tallest animal in the world, a giraffe is able to scan the distance to ascertain risks from afar and to reach for the best leaves on the trees. Like the giraffe, XSML believes in its ability to find the best opportunities in risky markets...."

http://xsmlcapital.com/about-us/ 

8 Miles acquires stake in Biyinzika Poultry

"Pan-African private equity firm 8 Miles has purchased a stake in Ugandan agribusiness Biyinzika Poultry International for an undisclosed amount. BPIL was established in 1990 and sells poultry Day-Old Chicks and specialised poultry feed

PRESS RELEASE

8 Miles LLP, the pan-African Private Equity firm, confirms that it has purchased a stake in Ugandan agribusiness Biyinzika Poultry International Ltd. (BPIL) for an undisclosed consideration.

BPIL was established in 1990 and is the Ugandan market leader in the sale of poultry Day-Old Chicks (‘DOC’) and specialised poultry feed, which is produced at its recently constructed feed mill and storage facility in Katega, Uganda. The company has 21 outlets around Uganda and produces approximately 500,000 DOC per week. 

Doug Agble, Partner at 8 Miles, commented: “The current market is fragmented with a few niche players and the investment from 8 Miles provides the company with an opportunity to add scale and depth to its product offering.” 

8 Miles LLP is regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority and the Fund is only open to institutional and qualified investors.

- Ends -

For further information:

Waughton +44 20 7776 8822 / +44 7710 593668
Robin Hepburn rhepburn@waughton.com"

 http://www.pehub.com/2014/06/8-miles-acquires-stake-in-biyinzika-poultry/

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/ 

Jonah Capital

"Jonah Capital chaired by eminent African business leader Sir Sam Jonah, invests in mining and mineral resources in Africa as the continent grows to provide a sustainable supply of strategic metals and minerals to meet rising global demand

 

With a portfolio of assets in iron ore, copper, coal and industrial minerals in key provinces across eight countries in Africa, Jonah Capital is well placed to stimulate the growth and development of mineral resources in Africa and provide value enhancing beneficiation technologies.

The group’s experienced management team and powerful Africa brand combined with expert local knowledge and far reaching access provide attractive investment opportunities from offices in Johannesburg, Accra, Monrovia and Kasempa, Zambia."

 http://www.jonahcapital.co.za/home.php