Kenyan fintech Asante announces $7.5m Series A funding for pan-African expansion
Kenya-based fintech startup Asante has announced a US$7.5 million Series A investment to help its credit offerings to a host of African countries.
Asante has developed a digital lending platform that uses alternative data and a proprietary AI loan decisioning management system to approve loans to micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The company works directly with ecosystem channel partners, including telcos, mobile-based marketplaces, airlines, retailers, payment processors, insurance companies, smartphone phone OEMs and large FMCGs, to collect conventional and non-conventional MSME data, with the prior consent of the clients, in order to reduce the cost of customer acquisition and due diligence while providing sufficient alternative data for credit underwriting.
Asante has executed over 16 strategic corporate channel partnerships, giving Asante direct access to 2m MSMEs with a monthly lending opportunity in excess of US$200 million. Incorporated in Mauritius, Asante has grown exponentially since it commenced operations in 2018, and now operates in Kenya and Uganda.
The startup has active plans to be in 12 countries by 2025, and looks set to realise part of that goal after announcing a US$7.5 million Series A round anchored by Goodwell Investments with participation by other investors including Sorenson Impact Foundation and Forsage Holdings.
The Series A investment enables Asante to scale its credit offerings to the underserved segment of MSMEs in Kenya and Uganda, and expand to Nigeria and Rwanda.
“We are delighted to welcome our new investors including Goodwell, Sorenson and Forsage in our inaugural institutional fundraise. Together, we will advance access to finance, and financial independence and wellbeing for the millions of small businesses on the continent,” said Chidi Okpala, founding chief executive officer (CEO) of Asante.
“With over 650 per cent growth in lending activities since Q1 2021 and a sustained average all-in default rate of 2.5 per cent, Asante is well-positioned to fast track scale and deepen our impact in our operating markets. Our bold post-COVID response is helping small businesses recover, reconstruct and reposition for growth while ensuring that thousands of jobs are safeguarded. We look forward to a round extension very early in the new year to support the solid growth momentum.”
Orginal Article Link: https://disrupt-africa.com/2021/10/20/kenyan-fintech-asante-announces-7-5m-series-a-funding-for-pan-african-expansion/
Caltex Starts Manufacturing Local Lubricants In Kenya:
FAL Manufacturing Limited (AML), which is owned by Tristar Group, has officially launched the local manufacturing of Caltex lubricants in East Africa a month after signing a license agreement with Chevron Brands International LLC to produce, distribute and market Caltex lubricants in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Tristar Group CEO Eugene Mayne, who spoke during the launch, said that local manufacturing will add value to enable the firm to take the Caltex lubricants brand to a strong market position by supplying high-quality lubricants backed by competitive prices and service.
“We are confident that with more than eight years of local market knowledge, we are confident that there is a growing need for high quality lubricants in the region and we are extremely pleased with this move to be able to sell and distribute locally manufactured, cutting edge Caltex lubricants,” Mayne said.
During the initial stage, Caltex lubricants that will be blended locally are Havoline and Delo engine oils.
Douglas Rankine, the firm’s General Manager Middle East and Africa – Fuels & Lubricants. said the “Caltex Delo advanced products are designed to deliver high-level engine and transmission protection with optimized fuel economy, for improved running costs, less downtime, and helps to save money.
In 2013, Chevron signed a lubricants distribution agreement with Africa Fuels & Lubricants Limited, an affiliate of AML.
“The success of this new brand licensing model is anchored by the strong equity we have in our brands and a focus on implementing a compelling customer experience through our integrated fuels and lubricants business and strategic partnerships. We look forward to a long, and successful relationship with AML,” said Rachna Kaul, Vice President, Europe, Africa, Middle East, South Asia Sales & Global Marine.
Douglas Rankine, GM Middle East & Africa – Fuels & Lubricants. added that “as part of this new relationship with AML, Chevron is excited to grow the Caltex brand across Eastern Africa and will continue to explore future growth opportunities in new and existing markets.
Orginal Article Link: https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/business/2021/10/caltex-starts-manufacturing-local-lubricants-in-kenya/
Hyundai Opens New Dream Centre in Kenya
Hyundai Motor opened its newest Hyundai Dream Centre — an automotive training and educational facility — in Kenya. The new Dream Centre is the seventh global institute established by Hyundai Motor, following Dream Centres founded in Ghana, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines and Peru.
Hyundai Motor held the inauguration ceremony at the Dream Centre, located at the National Industrial Training Authority’s (NITA) Athi River Campus in Nairobi. Bang Sun Jeong, Vice President at Hyundai Motor Company and Head of Middle East and Africa Headquarters, extended his congratulations via video.“
The Hyundai Dream Centre Kenya expects to help underserved youths with practical education in automotive maintenance and opportunities for employment through Hyundai Motor’s wide network,” said Jeong. “Outstanding students will be given field training opportunities at Hyundai Motor’s service and dealership networks as well as industry placements and employment opportunities that ensues after graduation.”
The new Dream Centre is the seventh global institute established by Hyundai Motor, following Dream Centres founded in Ghana, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines and Peru.
Hyundai Motor held the inauguration ceremony at the Dream Centre, located at the National Industrial Training Authority’s (NITA) Athi River Campus in Nairobi. Bang Sun Jeong, Vice President at Hyundai Motor Company and Head of Middle East and Africa Headquarters, extended his congratulations via video.“
The Hyundai Dream Centre Kenya expects to help underserved youths with practical education in automotive maintenance and opportunities for employment through Hyundai Motor’s wide network,” said Jeong. “Outstanding students will be given field training opportunities at Hyundai Motor’s service and dealership networks as well as industry placements and employment opportunities that ensues after graduation.”
Orginal Article Link: https://www.omanobserver.om/article/1105344/business/cars/hyundai-opens-new-dream-centre-in-kenya