As a leading impact investor, FMO supports sustainable private sector growth in developing countries and emerging markets by investing in ambitious projects and entrepreneurs. Our belief is that a strong private sector leads to economic and social development, and we have a proven track-record of 50+ years in empowering people to employ their skills and improve their quality of life.
Our recent focus has been on business continuity in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is precisely now, during these times of crisis, that it is important to continue investing in developing economies that are expected to be hit hard by the pandemic. While local governments are working hard to minimize the impact on their people and economies, we are needed now more than ever. Hence, we continue to empower entrepreneurs in developing economies to build a better world and boost resilience to withstand the pandemic.
Arasa FZE
Agricultural commodities and farm products originator and exporter in West Africa
FMO signed a USD 10mln loan with Arasa FZE, a UAE-registered subsidiary of Tiryaki Group. The company originates, processes, and exports non-GMO and organic agricultural commodities, farm products, and processing by products throughout West Africa. The products are sold to organic poultry and livestock growers in the U.S. and Europe. These products are sold at full value; these higher prices trickle upstream to significantly reduce poverty for smallholder farmers in rural areas.
d.Light Design Limited
Off-grid energy provider across Africa and India
FMO signed a USD15 mln senior loan, partially funded by Building Prospects for USD 5 mln and partially by FMO-A for USD 10 mln. The majority of the loan is denominated in local currency of Nigerian Naira and Kenyan Shillings, making it highly additional. d.Light’s core product is the provision of access to energy services (mainly Solar Home Systems) through both PAYGO and cash sales, to households without access to (reliable) electricity. The company is active in Sub-Saharan Africa—primarily Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Nigeria—as well as in India. The purpose of the facility is to provide working capital for an accelerated roll-out of its products. The company reached over 2.5 million people with its products in 2021 – FMO’s investment will contribute to the company’s target of increasing this to over 5 million by 2026.
JSC Credo Bank
MSME-focused bank in Georgia
FMO disbursed a GEL 100 mln (~USD 34 mln) senior loan facility to Credo Bank, our longstanding partner in Georgia. Credo Bank is considered the market leader in Micro and Agri loans in Georgia and the facility will support the bank in further growing its MSMEs (50%) and youth-owned MSMEs (50%) portfolio. This is the largest ever loan facility signed by Credo Bank and the 5-year bullet repayment will continue to support the bank in its de-dollarization process and provide long-term Lari funding to its end customers. The local currency loan is made possible through the issuance of a bond by FMO in Georgia contributing directly to the development of the domestic capital market.
