Business
Afreximbank disburses $40 million to support Fidelity Bank’s acquisition of Union Bank UK
| Joel Ajayi |
| With this acquisition, Fidelity Bank is able to birth a new pan-African financial institution capable of providing correspondent banking and offshore banking services to banks in Africa |
| African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) has announced the disbursement of a US$40-million Intra-African Investment Facility to Fidelity Bank Nigeria Plc (“Fidelity”) to support Fidelity Bank’s acquisition and recapitalization of Union Bank UK as part of its international expansion programme. Provided in two tranches of US$20 million each, the first tranche of the facility enabled Fidelity to part-refinance the acquisition of 100 per cent equity stake in Union Bank UK, while the second tranche was used to support its recapitalisation via the injection of additional equity into the acquired bank, as approved by the United Kingdom’s regulator. With this acquisition, Fidelity Bank is able to birth a new pan-African financial institution capable of providing correspondent banking and offshore banking services to banks in Africa and servicing the banking needs of Africans in the diaspora. Commenting on the transaction, Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade Bank and Export Development Bank, Afreximbank, noted that the disbursement of the facility was part of Afreximbank’s effort to promote African control and ownership of capital while improving intra-African trade and investments. “Fidelity Bank’s acquisition of Union Bank UK aligned with Afreximbank’s Intra-African Investment Facility. It was a significant milestone for both institutions, reinforcing African ownership and control within the global financial landscape,” Mrs. Awani said. “By supporting this strategic transaction, we are not only bolstering Nigeria’s banking sector but also fostering greater financial integration between Africa and its Diaspora. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to enhancing intra-African trade, promoting economic stability and driving forward the objectives of Agenda 2063 for a prosperous and self-reliant Africa.” She added. Mrs. Awani stated that Afreximbank’s Bank Acquisition Strategy, empowers African entities to acquire financial assets divested by foreign entities in Africa and the diaspora. This is also in line with the Bank’s Diaspora Strategy which seeks to promote and finance the integration of the African Diaspora with the rest of the continent. . She noted that, through the facility, Fidelity was extending its services to the UK, in particular, to Africans and African-owned businesses in the UK, including products to support Diaspora investments. In the words of the MD/CEO of Fidelity Bank, Dr (Mrs) Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, ‘We are very thankful to Afreximbank for supporting our expansionary initiatives for international growth. It is, indeed, the result of a strong partnership between the two institutions over the years that has produced this good outcome. The refinancing of the Union Bank (UK) acquisition by Afreximbank will unlock additional value and help create a scalable and more sustaining service franchise that will support trade businesses in Africa and diaspora banking.” The acquisition is expected to contribute to Africa’s economic growth and development by increasing intra- and extra-African trade finance and trade flows between Nigeria and the UK, supporting the integration of the African Diaspora into regional and continental supply chains and enabling small and medium-sized enterprises across the continent to improve their export competitiveness and light export manufacturing capabilities. |
Business
Climate Change: GIZ Lead Efforts To Boost Collaboration In Africa
Mariam Sanni
The German Agency for International Cooperatives ,GIZ has intensify efforts on climate change by announcing the formation of Association of Africa Climate Adaptation Business Network (AACABN) to foster collaboration among African businesses dedicated to climate adaptation.
Dr. Denis Mujibi of Usomi (Usomi) expressed gratitude to the German government, GIZ, and all stakeholders for their support.
He is the first cohort to establish such an association that is also aimed to build on the program’s momentum on climate adaptation.
The association selected Suleiman Dikwa (Green Sahara Nigeria) as Chairman and Dr. Denis Mujibi (Usomi) as Secretary. The Steering Committee comprises four members: Greg Ikwe (Oklan Best Limited), Elizabeth Mbogo (Nazava), Ibukunoluwa Animashaun (FutuX Agri-consult Ltd), and Greg Ikwe (Oklan Best Limited).
GIZ has endorsed this initiative, recognizing its strategic alignment with their objectives to sustain support for climate adaptation businesses and facilitate investment in the sector.
The establishment of AACABN marks a significant step towards creating a unified network of climate adaptation enterprises across Africa, poised to drive meaningful change and innovation.
Similarly , the two-year program, organized by GIZ, aimed at enhancing business modeling and financial linkages for climate adaptation, has successfully come to a close.
The intensive program engaged 13 select African companies from Kenya and Nigeria, with the final segment held at a summer camp in Feldafing, Germany.
The initiative focused on developing sustainable business models, measuring impact, and preparing companies for investment readiness in the climate adaptation sector. Participants underwent diverse training modules tailored to address various sectors, including:Agriculture, Forestry, Climate-smart technologies , Infrastructure, Irrigation, Water, among others .
Through this program, participants gained valuable insights and skills to refine their business approaches and adapt to evolving climate challenges.
During the closing ceremony, the African Climate Adaptation Business Network was formally established,
The Program Head Denise Engel praised the program’s achievements in promoting peer learning and enhancing business models to attract investments.
Inaugural Members of PrivABoo: Arctic, Infrastructure, Botanic Treasures, CoFarms
Ecocycle,FutuX Agri-consult Ltd, Green Sahara, IrriHub, MajiAgri, Nazava,Oklan Best Limited,Peal, Agro., Usomi, Utooni, and White Gold Camel Milk
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