Mauritius Finance ’s Post

Insightful study on the transformative potential domiciling investment vehicles in Africa. Key findings: 💡 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Funding Crisis: ·        MSMEs generate 80% of formal jobs in emerging markets ·        Facing a staggering USD 940 billion funding gap ·        Limited capital access hampers growth and employment 🌐 Domiciliation Dynamics: ·        60% of African-focused investment vehicles are currently domiciled OUTSIDE the continent ·        This exodus limits local capital market development ·        Constrains business launch and scale potential 🏆 Mauritius: The ‘Established Domicile for International Capital’ ·        The gold standard for fund domiciliation in Africa ·        Symbolizes stability and reliability ·        Trusted environment for international investors ·        Strong role model for African jurisdictions 🔍 Critical Success Factors for Domiciliation: ·        Robust regulatory frameworks ·        Technical legal expertise ·        Strong banking correspondent relationships ·        Dispute resolution in familiar legal systems (English/American law) 💡 Strategic Insight: Local domiciliation is not just an option—it's a critical enabler for: ·        Accessing local capital pools such as pension funds ·        Connecting with investment opportunities ·        Developing financial expertise ·        Driving economic innovation The Fund Domiciliation Maturity Diagnostic Tool evaluated 13 African jurisdictions, with Mauritius standing out as a premier destination for international capital. Isn’t this a recall that this is our moment to reshape Africa's financial future? #MauritiusIFC #AfricanInvestment #CapitalMarkets #Domiciliation #Structuring #growth #MSMEs Mastercard Foundation

𝗠𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘂𝘀: 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮’𝘀 𝗧𝗼𝗽 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 A recent study commissioned by the Mastercard Foundation has recognised Mauritius as the leading jurisdiction in Africa for domiciling investment vehicles. With its strong regulatory framework, efficient financial systems, and forward-thinking policies, Mauritius continues to set the standard for Africa-focused funds. As a trusted platform for both local and international capital, Mauritius is driving innovation, sustainable growth, and access to emerging markets. Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/dpg-6tUj #Mauritius #FundDomiciliation #AfricaInvestment #EmergingMarkets

Many African #CapitalMarkets face challenges due to the absence of robust regulatory frameworks and oversight bodies, which are essential for upholding ethical standards, ensuring compliance, protecting investors and fostering innovation. Targeted regulatory interventions are crucial to creating an environment that enables sustainable capital mobilisation and strengthens Africa's capital markets. The Africa Regulatory Support Programme II (#ARSPII) is a pivotal initiative aimed at enhancing regulatory frameworks across the continent, promoting sustainable finance, and facilitating capital market development. The programme was officially launched with the signing of bilateral MOUs with five key beneficiaries: the Ethiopian Capital Market Authority, Capital Markets Authority- Kenya, the SADC Committee on Insurance, Securities and Nonbank Financial Authorities (CISNA), Capital Markets Authority (CMA) Uganda), Lusaka Securities Exchange Plc. As Mary M. Njuguna, Principal Specialist, Capital Markets at #FSDAfrica, highlights, developing a strong capital market environment requires a careful balance of evidence-based policy, sustainability reporting, and financial sector collaboration. ARSP II is committed to achieving these objectives by working closely with policymakers, regulators, and stakeholders to ensure markets in #Africa are equipped to support #SustainableFinance. 🔗Read more about #ARSPII and our shared vision for sustainable finance in Africa: https://lnkd.in/dDuwrpvB -- #MakingFinanceWork #FinancialInclusion #CapitalMarketDevelopment -- Evans Osano, DBA, Jemima Gathumi, Mary M. Njuguna, Cecilia Bjerborn Murai, Victor Nkiiri, Vimal Parmar, CFA, MBA, Adebayo Araoye, Sandy O. Okoth, Brian O. Yalla, CFA, CAIA, CIPM, MCSI, CIFA, Amos Mugi, FRM, Grace Pascal Mdemu, Joy V. Kendi, Lilian Bwire, Evelyne Matibe , Shamiah Wycliffe, Brinda Mutty-Harjan, Hana Tehelku, Josephine Okui Ossiya-CPA,FCCA, MBA, Nicholas Kabaso.

Standard Bank, the leading bank and #financialservices group in Africa, will champion the vital role of global trade, #economicdevelopment and robust partnerships at the opening Tuesday of a power-packed U.S.-Africa business summit. The Corporate Council on Africa (CCA), which is hosting this 16th U.S.-Africa Business Summit, expects more than 1,500 public and private sector leaders looking to burnish economic investments, especially in diverse sectors such as technology, energy, agriculture and health care.   “#Trade and investment are economic lifelines, and this meeting links immense potential in Africa with the powerhouse market of the United States,” said Anne Aliker, Standard Bank’s Group Head, Corporate and Investment Banking, Client Coverage. “Both offer abundant growth opportunities, leveraging Africa’s markets and resources while providing avenues for U.S. businesses to diversify.” Aliker has major speaking roles at the conference as does Dele Kuti, Standard Bank’s global head of energy and infrastructure. Also in the bank’s delegation: its recently named New York CEO, Derick De Zilva. https://lnkd.in/dDWHYy9a

A newly released study, commissioned by the Mastercard Foundation and conducted in collaboration with global experts from MEDA (Mennonite Economic Development Associates), Momentus Global, Samawati Capital Partners, and Stafford Law, uncovers the untapped potential of African jurisdictions for investment vehicle domiciliation. It explores why this matters for mobilizing capital, fostering MSME growth, and creating dignified jobs for the continent's youth. 🌱 Key Highlights: • A comprehensive analysis of 13 African and 4 global jurisdictions. • Introduction of a Domiciliation Maturity Diagnostic Tool to evaluate readiness.  • Strategic recommendations for attracting more global and local capital to African markets. #DomiciliationForGrowth #AfricaGrowthFund #InvestInAfrica

MSME finance is an over $400 billion finance opportunity in Africa. There are many impediments but the financial sector, including the fintechs, is picking up scale to leverage the newer technologies and innovative solutions. It was a pleasure to recently join 3i Africa Summit where I participated in key panels and discussions towards scaling MSME finance in Africa. I particularly focused on expanding cross border trade opportunities (a panel and roundtable on Universal Trusted Credentials, leveraging alternate data for opening up new markets for MSMEs to grow); and importance of Skills (particularly building digital skills of SMEs to avail digital market solutions). It also gave me opportunities to engage with our valued members like Mastercard Foundation, Proxtera and Commercial Bank of Ghana (CBG), Elevandi, Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and had discussions with many prospective members like Development Bank of Ghana who was hosting the event. At SME Finance Forum, Managed by the IFC (International Finance Corporation), we have a large members/affiliates footprint in Africa which we plan to engage effectively to scale MSME finance in the region by deploying global best practices and new innovations. #3iAfricaSummit #FinTech #Innovation #Impact #Investment #Africa #Technology #Policy #Digital #Inclusion #Digitalassets #EmergingTech #AI #Regulation #Cybersecurity

Africa's Future: Domestic Money Pools Don't create enclaves of international money in Africa. Engage with domestic money pools. That's not what big international money wants to hear. They think domestic money pools are small and messy. Yet, to mobilise Africa's human ecosystems, we must see domestic money pools engage international capital. Africa's political leadership: That's ground zero. #africa #infrastructure #capitalmarket #afdb #worldbank #uneca #auc https://lnkd.in/ee49aWjj

Investing in targeted financial literacy programs in Africa can empower individuals; opening access to previously unbanked Africans, as well as those new to the financial system - to make informed decisions about saving, borrowing, and managing their finances effectively. Understanding how to leverage existing financial products and services can maximize the impact of financial inclusion efforts. The focus might need to shift from simply enabling basic transactions to "deepening" financial inclusion. This could involve expanding the reach of micro-investment options that allow more Kenyans to build wealth over time. In our recent report, we explore both the impressive strides made and the remaining challenges of financial inclusion in Africa; --> Data-driven insights: Sub-regional variations and country-specific financial inclusion landscapes. --> Success stories & roadblocks: Learn from what has worked (agent banking networks) and what hasn’t (restrictive regulations). --> Actionable recommendations: Discover how to deepen mobile money integration and champion regulatory reform for an inclusive future. This report explores this and more; from deepening mobile money integration to championing regulatory reform, that can solve the financial inclusion puzzle on the continent profitably. Click to download the full report: https://lnkd.in/dhvMBNdU #fintechafrica #PierrineReports #FINANCIALINCLUSION #FINTECH #AfricanFintech #AfricanFinance

As policy frameworks continue to evolve, prioritizing efforts in policy harmonization is essential for a thriving digital finance ecosystem across Africa. Our Managing Partner, Oswald Osaretin Guobadia underscores the need for innovative, collaborative policy structures that drive digital payments and expand financial inclusion throughout the continent. To build a cohesive digital market, it is crucial to establish a unified vision among policymakers and industry leaders. This approach will enable a deeper understanding of Africa's vibrant digital finance landscape and its substantial, yet untapped, potential. Regulatory sandboxes, along with initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat and the UNDP’s timbuktoo Africa project, are valuable steps toward harmonizing policies, enabling cross-border transactions, and supporting inclusive economic growth. This insight draws from TechCabal’s recent analysis of Africa’s digital finance trajectory. To see more about the work Timbuktoo is doing to advance digital entrepreneurship across Africa, visit https://lnkd.in/eMrdaAba #DigitalFinance #TechCabal #PolicyHarmonization #AfCFTA #FinancialInclusion #Africa

🌍 West Africa's Digital Economy Shift: Targeting a Unified Future Governments and organizations across West Africa are pushing for a unified legal and regulatory framework to advance financial inclusion, promote digital payments, and support a cashless economy. 📱💸 The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is leading the charge through the Western Africa Regional Digital Integration Program (WARDIP), with support from the World Bank. ECOWAS recently called for expressions of interest from consulting firms to help finalize a legal framework that reflects the latest digital innovations and developments. 🏛️⚖️ The goal is to build a cohesive digital ecosystem that combines traditional financial systems with modern technology, making financial services accessible to all. This move is crucial for expanding digital financial services and fostering sustainable development across the region. 🌱🤝 As countries like Nigeria and Ghana see a rise in digital payments, the push towards a cashless society is gaining momentum. However, questions about infrastructure, consumer readiness, and regulation remain to be addressed🌐🔍 A unified regulatory environment would be a game-changer, driving economic growth and financial inclusion across West Africa 🌠 www.inclusionFS.com - Committed to helping deliver a more financially inclusive world. #DigitalEconomy #FinancialInclusion #WestAfrica #CashlessSociety #ECOWAS #DigitalTransformation #Fintech #FutureOfFinance #InclusionFS