The Cadmus Group’s Post

“Access to finance remains a critical constraint to private sector growth in Sierra Leone. Yet many financial institutions are undercapitalised and struggle to extend loans to growth-oriented customers, so many local businesses resort to bank overdrafts as the only option to satisfy their financing needs. In this context, corporate bonds represent an exciting alternative to bank loans, particularly for companies that need longer-term resources.” – Christina Clark-Lowes, Invest Salone’s Investment Lead. #ICYMI, Sierra Leone’s nascent capital market achieved a significant milestone on 12 June 2024 with the successful closure of the country’s first local currency corporate bond, approved by the Bank of Sierra Leone. Read more: https://bit.ly/3Vw7Zqo ALCB Fund Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office United Capital Plc LAPO Microfinance PENNARTH GREENE CAPITAL LIMITED TCX Bank of Sierra Leone

📢 Sierra Leone’s nascent capital market achieved a significant milestone this month with the successful closure of the country’s first local currency corporate bond, approved by the Bank of Sierra Leone. Christina Clark-Lowes, Invest Salone’s Investment Lead, highlighted the bond’s potential to diversify the domestic capital market and attract international and local investors. “Access to finance remains a critical constraint to private sector growth in Sierra Leone. Yet many financial institutions are undercapitalised and struggle to extend loans to growth-oriented customers, so many local businesses resort to bank overdrafts as the only option to satisfy their financing needs. In this context, corporate bonds represent an exciting alternative to bank loans, particularly for companies that need longer-term resources.” Read our latest news to find out more 👉 https://bit.ly/3Vw7Zqo ALCB Fund Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office United Capital Plc LAPO Microfinance PENNARTH GREENE CAPITAL LIMITED TCX Bank of Sierra Leone

Africa's real estate sector has experienced significant growth from 2023 to 2024, driven by urbanisation, population growth, and economic development. The sector has attracted substantial investment, with funding directed towards residential, industrial and commercial projects. Countries like Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Ghana are among the African countries that attract most capital, both focused on early-stage and large-scale investments. For instance, in 2023, Nigerian prop-tech startup HouseAfrica raised US$400k funding round while Bora Africa, an investment vehicle focused on industrial properties in Kenya and Mozambique, got a US$30 million loan from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for expansion. The industry faces several long-standing challenges including fluctuating currencies, high interest rates, and political instability that deter investment. Microfinance and alternative funding models are emerging, but they are not yet widespread. Despite these headwinds, basic fundamentals - such as high levels or urbanisation, increasing demand and a growing variety of financing solutions - will continue to keep this sector top of mind to investors. ref : Asoko https://lnkd.in/gqeFh-T

The partnership between the European Investment Bank (EIB)- the European Union’s investment and lending arm – and local banks in Kenya has been lauded by beneficiaries in the private sector as a ” helping hand especially during the post-COVID era”. The Bank has disbursed millions of Euros in various African countries to support the long term growth and sustainability of MSMEs. With the current macroeconomic uncertainty facing many African economies, government borrowing in local markets has crowded out the private sector, placing entrepreneurs and MSMEs at a disadvantage in credit markets. https://lnkd.in/djm8-wYW

Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) have returned to Sierra Leone to boost private sector lending in partnership with Invest Salone and ARIA. A recent roundtable identified opportunities for tailored financial products and technical assistance, aiming to address lending bottlenecks and enhance economic growth for local businesses. #SierraLeoneGrowth #PrivateSectorLending #DFIImpact #InvestSalone #ARIA #EconomicGrowth #TailoredFinance #TechnicalAssistance #LendingSolutions #LocalBusinessBoost #FinancialInclusion #SustainableDevelopment #InvestmentOpportunity #EconomicEmpowerment #EABC

A study we just published looks at the impact of the EIB’s intermediated lending in the Western Balkans. We find that EIB-supported loans boost employment and investment among SMEs, particularly those previously who did not have access to finance. #eib #smes #westernbalkans #westernbalkans #jobcreation #economicgrowth https://lnkd.in/e-XpCZH2

Last week we shared a post on how we utilise mezzanine debt to drive impactful investment in South Africa's current macroeconomic climate. But what does it all mean? Mezzanine debt is a hybrid of debt and equity financing, typically used to fund expansion or growth. It offers higher returns than senior debt but with lower risk compared to equity. Mezzanine debt is ideal for projects needing capital that might not qualify for traditional bank loans. It’s a powerful tool for supporting infrastructure, SMEs, and innovative ventures. For more information, we recommend reading up on the basics on Investopedia. This article explains what mezzanine debt is, how it works and gives practical examples of how it is used: https://lnkd.in/dHuRVu6f #ImpactInvesting #MezzanineDebt #Finance101 #EconomicGrowth #InvestmentStrategies

Two of the largest banks in Kenya set up shop in the DRC... 2023 was the first full year of operation for these firms and they've posted phenomenal numbers in pre-tax #profit. Equity Bank Limited and KCB Bank Group made KES 30 billion in pre-tax profit from their business in the #DRC. I've written an article on why I believe there's opportunity for investors, in the DRC; the pioneers have proven this. Do you think more #investors should #invest in the DRC?

Why debt financing is so important for the African business market https://lnkd.in/d-UWTaNt Nathaniel Nyika | Chief Investment Officer | Norsad Capital |  Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the beating heart of Africa’s economies. According to the World Economic Forum, as engines of growth, SMEs are responsible for around 80% of the continent’s employment, ultimately helping to reduce poverty and income inequality, enabling the establishment of a... #bbrief #debtfinancing #finance #debt #africa #smallbusiness #employment Nathaniel Nyika Norsad Capital

Stanbic Bank Kenya's Investment Initiatives: How You Can Benefit from these investments https://lnkd.in/d2_nCpxi #StanbicBank #InvestmentInitiatives #Opportunities #Finance #Banking #Kenya