KFW DEG

Oze is a digital platform designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Africa by providing tools for managing sales, expenses, and customer data. The app enables entrepreneurs to track their financial activities efficiently and offers tailored recommendations, reports, and business education to enhance their operations. Oze also provides access to coaching for users seeking additional guidance. By leveraging data and machine learning, Oze can assess credit risk and facilitate affordable financing options through banking partners. With a user base exceeding 150,000, Oze has established itself as the largest online community of SMEs in West Africa, demonstrating significant impact as 97% of businesses using Oze for over nine months have reported growth or profitability.

Indorama Fertilizers operates a world-class, 1.4 million metric tonnes per annum urea manufacturing facility based in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The plant has been developed to global environmental, social and construction standards. It plays a key role in supporting the agricultural sector in Nigeria by providing a reliable supply of fertilizers for local farmers, thereby enabling import substitution and supporting the diversification needs of the Nigerian economy. Indorama Fertilizers is also advantageously located to serve neighboring West African countries and key Western hemisphere markets, including North America, South America and Europe

Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), a public limited liability company under a private sector initiative spearheaded by the Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce and Industry with the support of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). In the early 1980’s foreign and state-owned banks dominated the banking industry in West Africa. Commercial banks in West Africa owned and managed by the African private sector were a rarity. Its founders created ETI with the objective of filling this vacuum. The Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce promoted and initiated a project to create a private, regional banking institution in West Africa. In 1984, Ecopromotions S.A. was incorporated. Its founding shareholders raised seed capital for feasibility studies and the promotional activities leading to the creation of ETI. In October 1985, ETI was incorporated with authorised capital of US$100 million. The initial paid up capital of US$32 million was raised from over 1,500 individuals and institutions from West African countries. The largest shareholder was the ECOWAS Fund for Cooperation, Compensation and Development (ECOWAS Fund), the development finance arm of ECOWAS. Ecobank signed a Headquarters’ Agreement with the Government of Togo in 1985, which granted it the status of an international organisation. This status came with the rights and privileges necessary for ETI to operate as a regional institution, including the status of a non-resident financial institution. ETI commenced operations with its first subsidiary in Togo in March 1988.

BUA Cement Plc specializes in the production and marketing of cement under the brand name "BUA Cement." The company manufactures CEM II type cement that meets Nigerian Industrial Standards, making it suitable for various construction applications such as block-making, plastering, and concrete works. Known for its high early strength, rapid setting, and low heat of hydration, BUA Cement is recognized for its quality production process. The company generates revenue primarily through the sale of bagged and bulk cement, with the majority of its business operations concentrated in Nigeria.

Husk Power Systems Pvt. Ltd. is a renewable energy company based in Patna, India, that focuses on generating and distributing electricity to households, community services, small businesses, and factories. Founded in 2007, the company utilizes biomass waste—such as rice husks and other agricultural residues—to produce electricity through its proprietary technology. Husk Power Systems designs and operates mini-power plants and micro-grids, offering electricity as a pay-for-use service primarily to rural areas. This approach not only provides reliable lighting, reducing reliance on kerosene, but also fosters economic development by enabling microenterprises and the use of electricity-operated machinery. By creating a sustainable energy ecosystem at each power plant, Husk Power Systems aims to deliver shared value to its stakeholders and stimulate local economies.

Eranove SA, formerly known as Finagestion, is a prominent provider of public service management, focusing on electricity and drinking water production in West Africa. The company operates in Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with a long-standing presence in these regions. Its activities encompass electricity generation through hydroelectric dams and thermal power stations, as well as the transmission and distribution of electricity. Eranove is also involved in the production and distribution of potable water, managing treatment facilities and water transport networks. Additionally, the company addresses sewage and rainwater collection and offers data transmission services through power lines. Eranove is committed to corporate social responsibility, adhering to quality and environmental standards recognized by international certifications. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Paris, France, Eranove plays a critical role in enhancing access to essential services across its operational territories.

Beloxxi Industries Limited is a Nigerian company that specializes in the production and supply of cream cracker biscuits. Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Agbara, Nigeria, the company operates with a focus on quality and affordability. Beloxxi's biscuits are produced using a hygienic and efficient process, utilizing high-quality raw materials without additives. The product range is designed to meet global standards while providing healthier snacking options for customers in Nigeria and West Africa. The company's distribution network ensures that its products are accessible to a wide audience, reflecting its commitment to consumer satisfaction and continuous improvement.