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Welcome2Africa International and Belgian Impact-First Investment Firm Enter Strategic Partnership to Drive Impact Investments in Nigeria’s Agro-Food Sector
Abuja, Nigeria, September 11, 2024 — Welcome2Africa International (W2A) is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a top Belgian agro-food investment firm, otherwise known as a Belgium-based impact investment fund. This partnership aims to drive investments into Nigeria’s domestic market, specifically targeting agro-food companies committed to supporting smallholder farmers and promoting social and environmental impact.
Under the terms of the MoU, Welcome2Africa International will serve as the firm’s technical partner in Nigeria, leveraging its expertise in identifying and supporting MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) that demonstrate a tangible impact on smallholder farmers. Through this collaboration, both organizations aim to provide much-needed capital and technical assistance to agro-food businesses that align with the sustainable development goals of promoting rural economic growth, improving market access, and fostering inclusivity within the agricultural sector.
From Belgium, the firm will provide junior debt financing ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 per MSME, supporting capital expenditures like mechanization, equipment purchases, and expansion projects. In addition to capital, the firm will contribute governance and operational guidance by appointing representatives to the boards of funded MSMEs, ensuring close monitoring and ongoing support for growth and sustainability.
“This partnership marks a pivotal moment in driving sustainable development across Nigeria’s agricultural value chains,” said Ms. Bamidele Seun-Owoola, Founder and CEO of Welcome2Africa International. “Together with Kampani, we aim to create a ripple effect that not only empowers smallholder farmers but also strengthens entire communities, contributing to long-term economic stability.” Under the stewardship of Seun-Owoola, W2A has organized investment worthy trade mission and agribusiness conferences within Nigeria, and internationally in Europe and a proposed forum for Asia-Nigeria agribusiness market sector.
The Executive Director of the firm, added, “Our collaboration with Welcome2Africa International represents a unique opportunity to further our mission of supporting cooperatives and smallholder farmer organizations. By working together, we can
unlock greater potential for agro-food companies in Nigeria, fostering economic resilience and sustainable growth.”
This partnership will result in three key benefits for our direct stakeholders, including:
1. Expanded Product/Service Offerings: Our stakeholders will have access to an enhanced portfolio of products/services that combine the expertise of both our companies, providing comprehensive solutions that meet their diverse needs.
2. Increased Market Reach: The partnership will enable Welcome2Africa International and Kompani to reach new markets and customer segments, expanding their geographic footprint and market penetration.
3. Collaborative R&D Efforts: The collaboration will foster joint research and development initiatives, driving innovation and the creation of breakthrough solutions in the Nigerian agribusiness sector that address emerging market trends and challenges.
This partnership is set to impact a significant number of smallholder farmers by promoting business models that generate both social and environmental benefits, with a clear focus on scalability and long-term profitability. The first phase of the project will identify MSMEs with a minimum of two to three years of operational history that support at least 100 smallholder farmers, ensuring that the investments yield maximum impact.
As W2A continues to champion investments that transform Africa’s agricultural sector, this collaboration aligns with both organizations' shared vision of creating sustainable economic growth while fostering social inclusion and environmental responsibility.
For interested stakeholders looking into our market for high-end agribusiness or innovative and creative solutions in that market while optimizing complex market scenarios, Welcome2Africa International remains a foremost choice: www.welcome2africaint.com
About Welcome2Africa International (W2A)
Welcome2Africa International is a pioneering investment and trade facilitation company focused on driving sustainable growth across Africa’s agricultural value chains. By connecting investors and businesses to opportunities in agriculture, W2A plays a crucial role in enhancing the competitiveness of African agribusinesses in the global market.
For further inquiries, please contact:
Harmony Mgbudu
Head of Communications
Welcome2Africa International
Phone: +2348183775076
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