IPRO opens window for small investors
Staff Writer | Monday February 23, 2015 12:54
With the launch of the Ponelopele Fund, the local asset management firm says it is committed to empowering Batswana through investment and savings.
Managed by IPRO Botswana, Ponelopele Fund is Botswana’s first Botswana and Africa-focused Multi Asset Mutual Fund. The Fund is licensed by the Non Bank Financial Institutions Regulatory Authority (NBFIRA) and managed by IPRO Botswana.
The Fund caters for both individual and institutional investors and is accessible to Botswana and Sub Saharan African citizens and residents, as well as international investors.
Investments can be made either through a simple Lump Sum (some cash that you have accumulated) or through a Systematic Investment Plan (a monthly direct debit).
The Fund was launched before key stakeholders last week in Gaborone. Amongst those in attendance were key members of the financial services and investment industry, with special guests including; CEO of the IPRO Group Stephane Henry and Marc-Emmanuel Vives, CEO of Ciel Finance, IPRO Group’s main shareholder.
“At IPRO Botswana, we remain incredibly clear on our commitment to our goal of building and managing investment strategies to address the ever-evolving needs of our clients,” said IPRO Botswana Managing Director, Amit Bakhirta.
“Ponelopele is yet another step towards realising this goal. Ponelopele literally translates to ‘looking ahead’, which is critically important as we remain a nation of spenders.
“With Ponelopele, Batswana can now look ahead and save while participating in Botswana and Africa’s amazing growth story.
“Our investment philosophy nests in investing in high quality companies with superior management, high levels of profitability and strong earnings growth.”
By pooling money from both small and institutional investors, Ponelopele Fund will provide them access to a wider range of investment options. This offers potential investors reduced risk inherent in having a well-diversified portfolio. Through one subscription to the Fund, investors can enjoy all the benefits of a widely diverse portfolio invested throughout Africa in listed stocks, bonds and money market securities.
The Fund is also involved in property, private equity and hedge funds, and for the first time, made available to individuals of this country. “The African continent currently presents immense investment opportunities for those investors willing to dedicate the time and effort to understanding Africa’s market dynamics, the risks and the potential long term investment opportunities available across this interesting continent.
“Ponelopele has been developed against this background, and the Fund’s low cost yet high quality investments offer investors the true benefit of the African growth story, typically holding at least 60% of its assets in Botswana and 40% in Africa,” said IPRO Botswana Senior Manager – Investments, Clair Mathe-Lisenda.
IPRO Botswana is one of Botswana’s most Avant Garde Asset management firm.
Incorporated in Mauritius in 1992 and present in Botswana since 2007, the IPRO Group is one of the largest investment management Groups in Mauritius and is an integrated financial services group specialised in Africa & India.