African Rivers Fund
African Rivers Fund (ARF) invests in small and medium-sized enterprises in Central and Eastern Africa.
Amount
€ 4,118,275.00
Type of investment
Equity
Development impacts
- Local economic growth
- Private sector consolidation/innovation
Beneficiary locations
Investment field
Investment Companies & Funds
Activity
SME fund
Organisation
African Rivers Fund
African Rivers Fund is an SME mezzanine fund active in Central Africa with a specific focus on Democratic Republic of Congo (“DRC”). It is managed by Dutch fund manager XSML and will build on its experience acquired with the Central African SME Fund (“CASF”).
The Fund aims to achieve sustainable economic development by:
- encouraging entrepreneurship in these fast growing markets, and;
- creating a local manufacturing, services and agricultural base to provide Central African economies with locally produced goods and services.
Currently, many opportunities remain unexploited due to the lack of risk capital and support. By filling this gap, entrepreneurial efforts can have a multiplier impact, creating jobs and income. Often, entrepreneurs create businesses with regional growth prospects.
Development impacts
-
Local economic growth
Access to long-term financing for SMEs
-
Private sector consolidation/innovation
BIO will support the growth of the only fund manager dedicated to Central Africa with a certain track-record. The aim is mainly to diversify the high political risk in DRC and to establish a Central-African approach.
Made possible through this investment
Aurora Institute
Democratic Republic of Congo
Non-profit private school in Kinshasa, founded in 2012, serving the middle classes' rising demand for affordable, quality education.
B.I.S.
Democratic Republic of Congo
B.I.S. is a generic pharmaceutical manufacturer established in 1994 and produces and markets some 50 products in DRC. B.I.S. focuses on solid research and a specialized offering to treat conditions of ear, nose, eyes, throat and skin. The company was founded by Mr. Jeremiy Lubiba, who has over 20 years’ experience in pharmaceutical production in Kinshasa. B.I.S. distinguishes itself by offering high quality pharma products at attractive prices.
Citadel Holdings
Uganda
Company incorporated in 2018 as a holding for several specialized clinics and health services, focused on skin care, diabetic and heart diseases, and maternity and pedeatrics.
Ecopharm
Uganda
Retail pharmacy chain company that was founded in 2003, operating 15+ branches in Kampala, Uganda.
Fawaz Trading
Democratic Republic of Congo
Company trading electronic, lighting, UPS products, electrical cables, and renewable energy products out of Kinshasa.
Gérant l'éternel
Democratic Republic of Congo
Wholesail and retail company in Kinshasa, focusing on cosmetics, toys, kitchen equipment and other fast moving consumer goods.
Ice Industries
Uganda
Producer of flake ice for the fishing community at Lake Victoria, as well as other fishing islands and fish delivery vans.
KARE
Uganda
Bakery and supermarket business in Uganda.
M&N Cleaning
Uganda
Cleaning and fumigation service provider to companies and residences in Uganda.
Maison Galaxy
Democratic Republic of Congo
Consumer goods and cosmetics retailer with several stores in Congo, DR.
Monishop
Democratic Republic of Congo
Congolese retail mall business, which includes a supermarket, fast-food restaurants and a pharmacy.
NRJ Distribution
Democratic Republic of Congo
One of the largest trucking companies in DRC that counts with a fleet of trucks, trailers and elevator tractors. The company is specialized in the transport of cement, mined materials, fuel, logs and other conventional freight, as well as rental services.
Popshop
Democratic Republic of Congo
Holding for several retail and gastronomy businesses in Kinshasa, such as restaurants and food courts.
Prime Concept
Uganda
Manufacturer of corrugated carton boxes for packaging, storage and transportation in Uganda.
Psarommatis Coundouris Angel (PCA)
Democratic Republic of Congo
Supermarket located in Gombe-Kinshasa, operating since 2019.
RJ Trading
Democratic Republic of Congo
Congolese wholesale trading company in the FMCG sector.
Simba Oil
Uganda
Large re-seller of electronic airtime, MTN sim cards, handsets, phone related electronics and supplier of float and cash to mobile money agents in Uganda.
SINDCO
Democratic Republic of Congo
Manufacturer of PET preforms for breweries and water bottling companies.
SoGood
Democratic Republic of Congo
SoGood is the first wholesaler in the Congo focused on the distribution of fresh, frozen and dry good to the hospitality sector (restaurants, hotels, etc.) in Kinshasa.
Médecins de Nuits (MDN)
Democratic Republic of Congo
Group of healthcare clinics in DRC, providing emergency, regular healthcare and surgical procedures.
Telcare
Uganda
Telcare is one of the leading operators of mobile money kiosks in Uganda. Telcare has 39 kiosks and four shops located in Kampala through which it provides mobile money transfer services on mobile platforms.
Tal Medical And Rescue International (TMR)
Uganda
TMR International Hospital offers healthcare services such as maternity care, pedeatrics, cardiology, emergency services and others in Uganda.
Qualicoff
Uganda
Coffee trading and export business in Uganda.
Quickprint
Democratic Republic of Congo
Established in 2014, Quickprint is a digital printing shop in Gombe, Kinshasa and offers modern printing solutions for corporates, NGOs and SMEs in the area.
View more of our investments in this region
Investment Companies & Funds
African Rivers Fund IV
10,000,000.00
Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Zambia
05/12/2024
Equity