Finnfund
Finnish Fund for Industrial Cooperation Ltd. (Finnfund) is a development finance company based in Helsinki, Finland, that specializes in providing long-term risk capital for private projects primarily in developing countries and transition economies. Established in 1980, Finnfund focuses on direct investments in small and medium enterprises, offering equity capital, mezzanine financing, and investment loans, typically ranging from EUR 1 million to EUR 10 million. The firm actively seeks to co-invest with Finnish companies and supports ventures utilizing Finnish technology, while also prioritizing projects that generate significant environmental or social benefits. Finnfund strategically avoids investments in sectors such as weapons production, gambling, and activities involving forced or child labor, adhering to strict ethical guidelines. Its investment areas include agribusiness, cleantech, renewable energy, health services, and infrastructure, with a particular interest in countries such as China, Bangladesh, and various African nations. Finnfund aims to contribute to sustainable development by financing projects that align with Finland’s development cooperation objectives.
d.light is a company that designs, manufactures, and distributes solar lighting and power products, primarily aimed at households and small businesses lacking reliable electricity. Founded in 2007 as a for-profit social enterprise, d.light has developed a range of products, including solar lanterns, home systems, and various appliances, to serve over 2 billion people globally. With distribution hubs in East and West Africa, India, Southeast Asia, and the United States, the company has reached over 65 million individuals, providing affordable and accessible solar solutions. d.light is committed to transforming energy usage and payment methods, enhancing the quality of life for users in rural and semi-urban areas through its innovative solar-powered products. The company operates from its headquarters in Palo Alto, California, with additional offices in key locations such as Shenzhen, China; Gurgaon, India; Nairobi, Kenya; Kampala, Uganda; and Lagos, Nigeria.
Twiga Foods Ltd. operates a mobile-based business-to-business supply platform, serving retail outlets, kiosks, and market stalls across Africa. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the company facilitates the ordering of various supplies, including bananas, pineapples, and tomatoes, through its innovative platform. Twiga Foods aims to streamline the supply chain and enhance access to essential goods for millions of small and medium-sized vendors in urban markets throughout the continent.
Advans Group is an international microfinance organization established in August 2005 and headquartered in Luxembourg. As the venture capital investment arm of Horus Development Finance, it specializes in providing equity, loans, and guarantees primarily to microfinance institutions across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Advans Group aims to strengthen local businesses, enhance job creation, and improve living standards, thereby promoting private sector-led economic and social development in these regions. One of its subsidiaries, Advans Tunisie, focuses on offering microfinance and credit solutions tailored for retailers, wholesalers, artisans, small industries, services, and small-scale farmers in Tunisia. As a majority shareholder in its investments, Advans Group typically assumes a lead role in the microfinance institutions it supports.
Bandwidth and Cloud Services Group is a leading provider of backhaul data and cloud services for mobile operators and Internet Service Providers in East Africa, specifically in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The Group is a shareholder in The East African Marine System (TEAMS) and offers hosted services that enhance the daily lives of individuals in the region, thereby driving demand for increased bandwidth. In addition to its focus on East Africa, the company provides wholesale bandwidth, fiber construction, co-location, and transmission services across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. This diverse portfolio enables clients to achieve cost efficiency while maintaining or expanding their operational scale.
ETG, established in 1967, is one of the largest and fastest growing integrated agricultural conglomerates in sub-Saharan Africa, importing and exporting soft commodities to and from 48 countries including Tanzania, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria and South Africa. It also has supply chain operations in China, India, America, Middle East, and South East Asia; merchandising desks in Europe, and; treasury companies in Singapore, Mauritius and UAE. Globally, ETG is present across 48 countries. ETG runs its business under five business verticals: 1. Fertilizer and Farm Inputs: ETG is one of the largest importers and distributors of fertilizers and farm inputs in sub-saharan africa 2. Cash traded products: Pulses, Sesame seed, Cashew and Rice are key commodities in this vertical. ETG is the world largest trader and processor of Pulses as well as world largest trader for raw cashew nuts. 3. Exchange traded commodities: Grains & oilseeds, sugar, coffee, cocoa, maize and soybean are key products in this segment. ETG is one of the major players for maize and soybean in sub-shara africa 4. Consumer Branded (Vamara): ETG operates multiple processing plants across 14 countries to manufacture products that are targeted to African consumers. ETG has 22 brands in its portfolio that offers products from vegetable cooking oil, condiments, and spreads, etc. 5. Logistics: ETG operates a very successful and integrated Logistics platform. ETG has a network of more than 400+ warehouses across 32 countries and a fleet of more than 900 trucks. ETG provided end-to-end Logistics services across sub-Sahara Africa.
Kasha is a platform for women’s health products and information serving women across all socioeconomic levels in urban and rural areas.
Yalelo is a pioneer of aquaculture in Zambia, bringing together local resources and world-leading practices. We implement a scalable solution to ease the pressure on Zambia’s struggling wild-capture fisheries sector. Founded in 2011, we have grown quickly to become the leading fisheries firm in Zambia and among the largest aquaculture firms in Africa. We breed and grow our tilapia on the shores of Lake Kariba and sell our product fresh nation-wide. Our pristine water, locally produced non-GMO fish feed and a robust cold-chain results in a product quality and affordability that is transforming the customer experience.
Maarifa Edu Holdings Limited provides tertiary education in Africa. The company was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya.
Africado
Debt Financing in 2019
Africado is an avocado plantation at the foot of the Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Established in 2007, Africado has developed and grown a business from start up to becoming the largest fruit exporter in Tanzania, producing and exporting Hass avocado to the EU. The company works with over 2,000 small scale out-growers. Norfund provided 40% of the equity required for the project.
Jumo World Limited operates a mobile money marketplace that connects private individuals, small businesses, and mobile network operators to a range of financial products. Founded in 2010 and based in Cape Town, South Africa, the company leverages advanced data science and machine learning to offer innovative financial services, including savings, loans, and insurance, particularly for entrepreneurs in emerging markets across Africa and Asia. Jumo's platform facilitates access to these services through partnerships with mobile network operators, enabling users to build financial identities based on their mobile behavior. By creating a digital banking solution that is cost-effective and responsible, Jumo aims to empower users with unprecedented financial choices, ultimately fostering economic growth and prosperity.
Jumo World Limited operates a mobile money marketplace that connects private individuals, small businesses, and mobile network operators to a range of financial products. Founded in 2010 and based in Cape Town, South Africa, the company leverages advanced data science and machine learning to offer innovative financial services, including savings, loans, and insurance, particularly for entrepreneurs in emerging markets across Africa and Asia. Jumo's platform facilitates access to these services through partnerships with mobile network operators, enabling users to build financial identities based on their mobile behavior. By creating a digital banking solution that is cost-effective and responsible, Jumo aims to empower users with unprecedented financial choices, ultimately fostering economic growth and prosperity.
Jumo World Limited operates a mobile money marketplace that connects private individuals, small businesses, and mobile network operators to a range of financial products. Founded in 2010 and based in Cape Town, South Africa, the company leverages advanced data science and machine learning to offer innovative financial services, including savings, loans, and insurance, particularly for entrepreneurs in emerging markets across Africa and Asia. Jumo's platform facilitates access to these services through partnerships with mobile network operators, enabling users to build financial identities based on their mobile behavior. By creating a digital banking solution that is cost-effective and responsible, Jumo aims to empower users with unprecedented financial choices, ultimately fostering economic growth and prosperity.
Mobisol GmbH, founded in 2010 and based in Berlin, Germany, specializes in developing and installing solar home systems to provide electricity to underserved low-income customers in developing nations. The company offers solutions that power LED lights, radios, mobile phones, and various household appliances, while also promoting productive use appliances. Mobisol's innovative approach combines solar energy with an affordable mobile payment plan, making it accessible for those living without electricity. The company emphasizes comprehensive customer service and utilizes remote monitoring technology to ensure reliable performance. With additional offices in Tanzania, Rwanda, and Kenya, Mobisol operates as a subsidiary of ENGIE SA, focusing on delivering clean and affordable energy alternatives to fossil fuels.