As we navigate the second COVID – 19 wave and its associated impact, we remain optimistic as we soldier on to a better future. Our island’s unique geographic location positions it as a natural gateway between Asia and Africa and a logical extension, promoting investments into Africa forms one of the key focus areas of the MIFC. With the coming into effect of the 2 highly awaited trade agreements– the Mauritius-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the Mauritius-India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA), which are effective since 1st January 2021 and 1st April 2021 respectively, global business transactions and international trade flows through the island are expected to increase exponentially.

The President of Ghana, H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo, will address international investors and businesses at Invest Africa’s annual Africa Debate from 14th-16th September as part of his government’s drive to diversify the Ghanaian economy and boost foreign direct investment (FDI). The President will be accompanied by the Ministers of Finance, Energy and Food and Agriculture at the dedicated Ghana Investment Forum on 14th September.

Africa Specialty Risks (“ASR”), the pan-African focused reinsurance group, is pleased to announce the appointment of Krishna Bheenick as its Managing Director in Mauritius. The company is also launching a recruitment drive to attract qualified professionals to join the business.

MCB Equity Fund, the private equity arm of MCB Group, the largest banking group in Mauritius, is pleased to announce the acquisition of a minority stake in Africa Mobile Networks Ltd (“AMN”) as part of a consortium led by Metier, an independent African private equity manager.

Agriculture has been identified as the most promising sector for investment in sub-Saharan Africa, according to a survey released by Dubai Chamber.

A USD 20M loan has been successfully signed between The Mauritius Commercial Bank Limited (MCB) and Bank of Kigali Plc on 29th July 2021. The aim of this loan is to provide additional liquidity to Bank of Kigali Plc over a 1-2 year period, to facilitate execution of its lending strategy. Despite the challenging market conditions, Bank of Kigali Plc maintains a strong financial performance and continues to attract the support of financial institutions, showcasing investors’ confidence in the bank.

Charles Russell Speechlys has advised Metier, a leading South African private equity fund manager, on a US$39m investment into Africa Mobile Networks Ltd (AMN). AMN builds, owns, operates and maintains mobile network infrastructure in Africa, delivering services for the biggest Mobile Network Operators across the continent.

The Covid-19 pandemic has continued to impact economic activity globally, forcing industries to adapt to “a new normal.” This has been no different for the investment management industry, particularly those managing certain alternative asset classes. Barak Fund Management ("Barak") has been managing not only the impact of Covid on its existing investments, but also the overall structure of its future funds, management approach and related strategy

Radisson Hotel Group is proud to announce the extension of its Moroccan footprint with the opening of four hotels in beloved tourist destinations Al Hoceima, Taghazout Bay, and Saïdia. Located in the south, north and northeast of Morocco, the four hotels consist of three inviting resorts and a comfortable seaside residence, bringing the Group’s fast-growing Moroccan portfolio to more than 10 hotels in operation and under development.

Invest Africa, the leading business and investment platform for African markets, and Standard Chartered Private Bank, a leading international private bank for emerging market clients, are pleased to announce a strategic partnership, focused on driving the growth of Standard Chartered’s private banking services across the continent.