Investment

Verdant Capital Advises WIOCC on USD80 Million Equity Capital Raise

Published

2 years ago

November 25, 2021

Edmund Higenbottam, MD of Verdant Capital - Investorsking.com

Verdant Capital has advised WIOCC Holding Company Limited (or “WIOCC”) on an USD 80 million equity capital raise. USD 75 million of equity was invested by CAPE IV, a fund managed by leading African private equity fund manager African Capital Alliance. The balance was invested by management and an existing shareholder.

The equity raised has been supplemented by a debt capital raise. The total capital raise of USD 200 million will be used to expand its connectivity within Africa and internationally, and through Open Access Data Centres (or “OADC”) – a newly created WIOCC Group company – to launch a network of pan-African data centres optimised to serve the needs of the cloud provider and wholesale community.

As well as introducing a strong new investor into the company, the capital will be used to support WIOCC’s expansion strategy across Africa and accelerate its investment in enhancing the continent’s digital infrastructure. Strategic investments in the new Equiano and 2Africa international subsea systems will augment and complement WIOCC’s existing core network infrastructure, cost-effectively adding multi-Terabits (Tbps) of capacity and significantly increasing its options for delivering the high-availability solutions demanded in markets across Africa. WIOCC’s terrestrial strategy, which includes deployment of metro and national networks in key locations, will be extended to include new countries and metropolitan areas, increasing its portfolio of end-to-end solutions for clients across Africa.

Part of the capital raise will be used in funding OADC, which is creating a transformational interconnected pan-African network of open-access, carrier-neutral data centres. First-phase locations will house key submarine cable landings in Lagos, Durban and Mogadishu, supporting the drive to land international submarine capacity directly into carrier-neutral data centres. Each will provide clients with bespoke colocation facilities and ultra-reliable, seamless connectivity directly into new international subsea systems, eliminating the costs and risks traditionally associated with terrestrial backhauling. Construction and fit-out is underway in Lagos and Durban, with both to be launched early in 2022, whilst the Mogadishu data centre will be ready before the end of 2022. Further phases of deployment will deliver more than 20 new data centres in strategic locations throughout the continent, focusing on major connectivity hubs in each country.

African Capital Alliance was attracted to the investment by the clear vision to develop high quality and synergistic assets and solutions to support its long-term client partnerships. The investments will further position WIOCC to take advantage of the accelerating migration of infrastructure and services into the cloud, driving demand for data transmission, storage and processing in wholesale, enterprise and consumer end-markets in Africa, and bringing forward realisation of WIOCC’s vision to make an enduring contribution to Africa’s communications.

The successful capital raise further strengthens Verdant Capital’s track record as a leading advisor on transactions for or involving pre-eminent private equity firms in Africa.

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Investment

Baker Hughes Set to Boost Nigerian Energy Landscape with Refinery Investments and Oil Field Bid Participation

Published

7 days ago

December 4, 2023

Investors King

Global oil and gas giant Baker Hughes has expressed its commitment to invest in Nigerian refineries and actively participate in the upcoming bid round for marginal oil fields, according to an announcement by the Federal Government on Sunday.

The announcement followed a meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and Baker Hughes Chairman/President Lorenzo Simonelli at the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference in the United Arab Emirates.

During the meeting, Baker Hughes expressed its eagerness to sustain and enhance its investments in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, particularly showcasing interest in contributing to the country’s refinery sector.

Simonelli emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s energy transformation agenda.

“Nigeria is a blessed nation with vast potentials and great opportunities in diverse sectors. As a partner with the Federal Government over the years, we are inspired to direct investment in the refinery domain of oil and gas,” said Simonelli.

In response, Minister Lokpobiri welcomed Baker Hughes’ move, highlighting the pivotal role Nigeria plays in the global energy landscape.

He expressed optimism about deepening collaboration and assured the company of the Federal Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investments in the refinery sector.

“I am very happy that you have joined other companies in identifying the great opportunities and government’s favourable policies in our oil and gas sector,” Lokpobiri stated.

Additionally, the Minister’s media aide confirmed Baker Hughes’ interest in participating in Nigeria’s forthcoming marginal oil fields bid round, signaling a broader engagement in the nation’s energy sector.

This move aligns with Nigeria’s efforts to revitalize its oil and gas industry, with ongoing rehabilitation works at the country’s three refineries and the anticipation of increased investments under the new Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

Investment

Nigeria Export-Import Bank Highlights Lucrative Investment Environment with Mexico

Published

2 weeks ago

November 27, 2023

Investors King

In a meeting with the Mexican Ambassador to Nigeria, Alfredo Miranda, the Nigeria Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) revealed that investors in Nigeria are enjoying robust returns on their investments, even up to 30 percent.

Stella Okotete, the Executive Director of Business Development at NEXIM, highlighted the immense potential for collaboration between Nigeria and Mexico, emphasizing the benefits of expanding access to Nigerian goods in the Mexican market.

Okotete urged for a strategic partnership between the two nations, emphasizing that collaboration could enhance Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings, attract investment opportunities, and foster prosperity for citizens in both countries.

She showcased Nigerian-made export goods financed by NEXIM, while underscoring other investment opportunities available in Nigeria.

She stated, “In terms of return on investments, this is the best place you can invest,” indicating the favorable investment climate in Nigeria, especially in the non-oil export sector.

Okotete also highlighted the untapped potential in Nigeria’s mining sector, expressing readiness to collaborate with Mexico to develop this sector for export.

The visit by the Mexican delegation is seen as a significant step toward strengthening economic ties between the two nations, exploring mutual benefits, fostering economic growth, and identifying investment opportunities.

Ambassador Miranda acknowledged Nigeria’s potential and initiatives by NEXIM to promote non-oil exports.

He stressed the need to identify business opportunities that could enhance trade, attract investment, and facilitate the development of both countries through their trade policies.

The meeting reflects a positive stride towards enhancing economic cooperation and fostering a strong economic partnership between Nigeria and Mexico.

Investment

Mexican Investors Explore Solid Minerals Opportunities in Nigeria

Published

2 weeks ago

November 27, 2023

Investors King

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, welcomed a delegation of investors from the Republic of Mexico who are exploring investment opportunities in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

Minister Alake commended this initiative and underscored the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to facilitating a conducive business environment for investors in the industry.

The minister highlighted several incentives aimed at attracting investments, including zero-duty on equipment for solid minerals extraction, seamless repatriation of profits to the investors’ home countries, and tax holidays.

To ensure responsible and sustainable practices, Alake emphasized the importance of investors signing Community Development Agreements with local communities in mining areas to promote socio-economic development.

The ongoing efforts to sanitize the mining industry were also discussed, citing recent actions such as the revocation of titles failing to comply with annual service fee regulations.

Nigeria’s outgoing Ambassador to Mexico, Adejare Bello, vouched for the credibility of the visiting investors, affirming that their genuine and serious interest in business aligns with Nigeria’s economic objectives.

President of Seccion Internacional Para Africa, Dr. Heriberto Cortes, speaking on behalf of the investors, expressed gratitude for the constructive discussions with Minister Alake.

Cortes emphasized Nigeria as their African home and conveyed confidence in the safety and profitability of their investments in the country.

The visit signifies a positive stride towards strengthening economic ties between Nigeria and Mexico.