ABC secures P475m to support SMMES

Engine of growth: SMMEs struggle to raise capital to finance their operations
Engine of growth: SMMEs struggle to raise capital to finance their operations

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) through its private sector window last week approved a $50 million (P475 million) multi-currency line of credit (LoC) with a seven-year tenure to ABC Holdings and its subsidiaries in Botswana, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

The AfDB LoC will enable ABCH and its three selected subsidiaries to reach a larger number of SMEs across a wide range of sectors by offering medium to long term loans, which are not currently accessible for local SMEs.  The AfDB will provide local currencies, Botswana Pula and Mozambique Metical to support local currency lending and promote development of the financial sector in these countries. This facility will also cover Zimbabwe where many enterprises face liquidity challenge.

 The facility is expected to support at least 200 SMEs and generate 800 jobs, including 400 jobs for women, during the period of the project.  Leveraging the relatively long tenor of the AfDB facility, it is expected to increase the average loan tenor for SME clients who can consequently expand their business, which will promote inclusive growth of these countries.

Editor's Comment
Micro-procurement maze demands urgent reform

Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...

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