Norfund

Bayport Financial Services Zambia is a micro-finance institution in Zambia.

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.

Wave Mobile Money is a financial technology company focused on providing app-based solutions for saving, transferring, and borrowing money in Africa. With a mission to create the first cashless continent, Wave aims to address the challenge of limited access to banking services, as less than 10% of the African population has a bank account. The company is developing an inclusive financial network that offers no account fees and allows for instant transactions, making it accessible to a broader audience. By leveraging technology, Wave is creating affordable financial services that enable individuals to manage their money effectively, thereby fostering economic empowerment and contributing to poverty alleviation. Its platform supports various services, including deposits, withdrawals, bill payments, and money transfers, facilitating cashless transactions for users and businesses alike.

Brighter Life Kenya 1 Limited (BLK1), an indirect subsidiary of AFC incorporated in Jersey, was incorporated to acquire pay-as-you-go solar home system accounts receivables from d.light Limited (d.light Kenya), providing d.light Kenya with flexible working capital to finance its continued growth.

Verde Beef Processing PLC is a beef production company based in Adami Tulu, Ethiopia, established in 2014. It operates a feedlot on a 1,300-hectare farm, specializing in cattle farming and industrial livestock production. The company focuses on raw beef meat processing and exports its products to markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, offering premium quality Ethiopian beef. Led by experienced agribusiness managers, Bruce Hamilton and Arnold Krul, Verde Beef Processing aims to leverage its expertise and local resources to meet the growing demand for beef in international markets.

Freight in Time Limited is a logistics company based in Nairobi, Kenya, specializing in comprehensive freight and supply chain solutions across East Africa, including South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Djibouti. Founded in 1998, the company offers a range of services including sea freight, air freight, project cargo, express delivery, warehousing, and distribution. It caters to various sectors such as perishables, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, humanitarian aid, mining, and oil and gas. Freight in Time is equipped to handle both regional cross-border transportation and integrated solutions, with a presence at key ports, airports, and border points throughout the region. The company has received equity investment to support its expansion in the logistics and distribution sector.

Vertical Agro Limited is an independent, vertically integrated company based in Naivasha, Kenya, specializing in the production, processing, exporting, and marketing of fresh and frozen vegetables and fruits. The company operates a state-of-the-art processing facility that adheres to strict food safety standards, ensuring high-quality products for its customers. As a leading grower and exporter in the region, Vertical Agro focuses on delivering the best quality produce, thereby meeting the demands of both local and international markets.

African Century is a private equity firm established in 2008 and located in Grand Baie, Mauritius. The firm focuses on investments in various sectors, including food, financial services, real estate, and agriculture. Additionally, African Century Infrastructure Services, a subsidiary, specializes in leasing equipment to support the oil and gas industry in Tanzania and Mozambique. This division provides large-scale machinery and equipment, such as forklifts and portable heavy-duty cranes, to facilitate industrial development in these regions.

DFCU Bank, established in 1964 and headquartered in Kampala, Uganda, offers a range of commercial banking products and services. The bank provides savings and investment accounts, personal and corporate credit, trade finance, and foreign exchange services. It also facilitates medium and long-term financing for various sectors, including agriculture, education, health, manufacturing, transport, hospitality, tourism, and construction. DFCU Bank actively promotes small and medium enterprises and supports women in business through its tailored financial solutions. With a network of 63 branches and 100 ATMs, the bank ensures accessible banking through internet and mobile platforms, allowing customers to manage their finances conveniently and securely. As a subsidiary of Arise B.V., DFCU Bank has played a significant role in Uganda's economic development.

Family Bank is a commercial bank based in Kenya, operating since May 2007 and regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya. With a growing customer base exceeding 1.7 million, it has established a network of 93 branches across the country. The bank primarily focuses on providing financial services to underserved segments of the market, including small-scale farmers, salaried employees, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, as well as youth and women. Additionally, it serves larger corporate clients to enhance its deposit base. Family Bank is noted for being the first in Kenya to implement paperless banking through smart card technology, reflecting its commitment to innovation in financial services.

Agrica Limited, established in September 2005, focuses on developing sustainable agribusinesses in East Africa to address the region's urgent food security needs. The company aims to enhance local food production and reduce reliance on imports by cultivating a portfolio of model commercial farms complemented by smallholder schemes. These initiatives are designed to foster thriving local communities while ensuring the delivery of quality food crops, including grains and vegetable oil. By employing advanced agricultural techniques, Agrica seeks to contribute significantly to national food security and promote economic growth in the region.

Green Resources AS is a forestation and wood processing company based in Oslo, Norway, with operations in East Africa, specifically Mozambique, Tanzania, and Uganda. The company manages approximately 40,000 hectares of plantation forest and is recognized as a leader in East African wood manufacturing. It operates the region's largest sawmill in Tanzania, along with electricity pole and charcoal production facilities in all three countries. Green Resources specializes in producing a variety of wood products, including sawn timber, pallets, and charcoal, while also generating renewable energy from biomass and hydro power. Additionally, the company develops carbon offset projects and offers advisory services in carbon markets, focusing on sustainable development initiatives across Africa. Founded in 1995, Green Resources aims to meet the demands of both local and global markets through its diverse product offerings and commitment to sustainable practices.