Category Archives: Investment
Calling all Africa Investors in New York
Investing in Africa is the latest buzz in emerging marketing investment funds and family offices around the world. Encompassing 50 percent of the top 10 fastest growing countries in 2011, Africa, once viewed as too risky to invest in, is a beacon of hope for investors and entrepreneurs. Investors are downloading reports by McKisney and other global consulting firms on Africa at record speeds, to educate themselves and plan their entry into Africa’s diverse and promising market.
Surprisingly, there are a limited number of events on investing in Africa in New York City, the financial capital of the US. To change this, a band of Africa thought-leaders, investors and enthusiasts are hosting a networking event at Pranna Restaurant (79 Madison @ 28th St.) on Tuesday, April 24th at 6:30pm.
Led by Zoravar Dhaliwal, Tuesday’s event promises to convene investors, entrepreneurs and executives that are keen to conduct business in Africa. This event is the first in a series of events that seek to highlight emerging investment trends and develop a community in New York that is committed to doing business in Africa.
You will hear from Wale Adeosun, Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Kuramo Capital, and Zoravar Dhaliwal, Managing Director of Osaka Capital and Managing Editor of IDEAfrica.org, on their experience investing and working in Africa. The event will be held at Pranna restaurant in the charming cellar on the lower level.
This event is hosted by IDEAfrica.org, in collaboration with Osaka Capital, Africa.com, Community Lab, Benedict Lehman LLC, the Africa Business Club at Kellogg School of Management and the Series on Impact Investing at NYU.
Time: Tuesday, April 24th @ 6:30pm
Location: Pranna Restaurant (79 Madison @ 28th Street)
RSVP: http://africainvestment.eventbrite.com/
Price: Free
Interview: Ravi Sood, Optimistic about Investment in Africa
After having managed an $800 million hedge fund by the ripe age of 32, you would think activist investor Mr. Ravi Sood would planning a multibillion dollar fund or relaxing in Muskoka. Instead, Ravi decided to reinvent himself and now sits on the other side of the transaction, building sustainable enterprises in Africa. I had an opportunity to speak with Ravi about his passion for investing in Africa. Driven by financial returns and social impact, Ravi shares his enthusiasm for building businesses and investing in Africa.
Ravi has a long track record of investing in Africa and other frontier markets. He is currently the Chairman of Feronia, a plantations and arable farming company operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Chairman of Galane Gold, a gold mining and processing operation in the Republic of Botswana.
What attracts you to investing in Africa?
I am attracted to investing and operating in Africa for several reasons but I will highlight three: risk-reward ratio, domestic economic growth, social impact.
Assets or opportunities in Africa are typically ascribed very high implied discount rates. There is good reason for this depending on the jurisdiction, however, this presents a major opportunity for those who can mitigate the operating risks and can source the necessary finance on reasonable terms to fund these opportunities.
A second major driver for my interest in Africa is the high domestic growth rates. Not only are these growth rates superior to most other jurisdictions but there is reason to believe that many of these countries are at the beginning of a long period of sustained growth.
Finally, I will highlight the opportunity to have a positive impact on the communities in which the companies I invest in operate. Re-investing in our communities has a positive economic return through improved education, health, prosperity and stability. It is also personally rewarding.