Calhame Financial

???????????????????? ????????????’?? ???????????????????? ????????????: ?????? ???????????? ???? ?????? The Economist’s recent analysis on #Africa’s burgeoning youth population underscores a pivotal truth: Africa’s “Generation Hustle” represents an unparalleled investment opportunity. 60% of sub-Saharan Africa’s population under 25, and by 2030, half of the all workforce entrants will be African. At Calhame Financial, we recognize that Africa’s youthful demographic is not merely a statistic but a dynamic force poised to drive global economic growth. However, to unlock this potential, strategic investments are essential. Empowering young entrepreneurs with access to capital, mentorship, and markets will catalyze sustainable development and prosperity across the continent. Several organizations are already championing this cause: The Tony Elumelu Foundation: Committed to empowering African entrepreneurs, this foundation has provided training, mentorship, and funding to over 18,000 entrepreneurs across 54 African countries. TechnoServe: In partnership with Citi Foundation, Pan-African Youth Entrepreneur Development offers training and advisory support to young entrepreneurs in Kenya, Nigeria, and C?te d’Ivoire, focusing on the micro-retail sector. African Development Bank Group's Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation Multi-Donor Trust Fund by African Development Bank: This fund mobilizes resources to bolster entrepreneurship ecosystems, aiming to create sustainable jobs for African youth. Source: The Economist #AfricaRising #GenerationHustle #InvestmentOpportunities #YouthEmpowerment #EconomicGrowth

?????????????????? ????????????’?? ???????????????????????????? ??????????????????: ?????? ?????????????? ?????????????? ?????????????????????? Africa’s infrastructure landscape is at a pivotal moment. The latest AVCA - The African Private Capital Association report reveals a growing shift towards private capital investment, playing an increasingly vital role in bridging the continent’s infrastructure financing gap. ?? ?????? ???????? ???????? ????????????? Africa’s infrastructure deficit limits economic growth, yet public sector funding alone cannot meet the demand. With the region investing only 3.5% of GDP in infrastructure—far below the required 7.1%—private capital must step in. ?? ?????????? ???? ?????????????? ???????????????????? ??????????? 1?? Energy & Telecommunications attracted 81% of private capital in Africa’s infrastructure, totalling $38.2B since 2012. 2?? Sustainable infrastructure is on the rise, with $19B invested over the past decade. Solar, wind, and hydro projects are leading the charge. 3?? Emerging sectors like data centres, cloud services, medical technology, and e-mobility are seeing increased investor interest. ?? ?????? ???????? ??????????: While challenges remain—such as the reliance on public financing (still at 95% in 2017) and high-risk perception—Africa offers a tremendous investment opportunity. Infrastructure investments could boost GDP growth by 2 percentage points annually, unlocking new markets and accelerating economic development. The data is clear: Africa’s infrastructure transformation depends on private sector capital. With the right policies and financing models, the region can leapfrog outdated infrastructure and build a sustainable, digitally connected future. ?? What do you think? Which sectors hold the most promise for infrastructure investment in Africa? African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM) InfraCo Africa Africa50 Group East Africa Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (EAVCA) Africa Finance Corporation U.S. International Development Finance Corporation Africa Scotland Business Network #InfrastructureInvestment #PrivateCapital #AfricaGrowth #SustainableDevelopment #AVCA #PrivateEquity #EmergingMarkets

Here’s a quick update from The Continent News on the latest across #Africa: ???? Ethiopia: Dangote Cement, owned by Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote, announced a $400-million expansion in Ethiopia. ???? C?te d’Ivoire: France has handed over its sole military base to Ivorian authorities, unlike its forced exits from Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. ???? South Africa: The ANC government was forced to delay a planned VAT hike after its coalition partner objected. ???? Rwanda: Kigali has cut a $99-million aid deal with Belgium. ???? Sudan: The army is making major gains in Khartoum, threatening to retake the Republican Palace, but the war remains far from over. ???? DRC: M23 rebels now control Goma and Bukavu, adjusting border rules to allow freer movement for traders despite ongoing instability.

?? ?????? ?? ?????????? ???? ?????????????? ?????????????? ?????? ?????????????????? ???????????????? ???????? ???????? ???? Access Bank Plc’s Expansion into South Africa – Access Bank Plc has signed binding contracts to acquire 100% shareholding in Bidvest Bank Limited, marking its entry into the South African market. ???? Equity Group’s Merger in Rwanda – Equity Group Holdings has merged its subsidiary, Equity Bank Rwanda, with Cogebanque, enhancing its footprint in the Rwandan banking sector. ???? I&M Bank Ltd Stake in Ugandan Bank – I&M Holdings Limited has signed an agreement to acquire a 90% stake in Uganda’s Orient Bank, marking its entry into the Ugandan market. ???? Safika Holdings – Safika Holdings has increased its stake in Ntsimbintle Holdings, reflecting its commitment to the mining sector in South Africa. ???? Access Bank Plc’s Acquisition of Standard Chartered’s African Subsidiaries – Access Bank Group has reached agreements to acquire Standard Chartered’s shareholding in subsidiaries across five African countries. These strategic moves underscore the dynamic and evolving nature of Africa’s banking and financial services sector.

Thrilled to share that my good friend, Ben Marc Diendéré, Canada’s ???? Ambassador to the African Union, has been appointed as Canada’s Special Envoy for Africa! A true leader and champion of Canadian business in Africa, Ben Marc has been instrumental in fostering economic growth, innovation, and stronger ties between Canada and the continent. His vision and dedication to expanding opportunities for Canadian businesses will undoubtedly make a lasting impact. The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business Global Affairs Canada | Affaires mondiales Canada Trade Commissioner Service | Service des délégués commerciaux African Canadian Business Chamber Garreth Bloor Victor Beausoleil David B. Mike Morgan Paula Caldwell St-Onge (BScH, MBA, ICD.D) Pamela Hay Susan Namulindwa Deepak Dave Claire DesBrisay Hawa Mariam Keita Hellen Oriaro Ben Peterson

?? ????????????’?? ????????????: ?? ???????? ???????? ???????? ???????????? ???????? ?? Africa has the talent, resources, and vision to lead on the global stage. Agenda 2063 is the African Union’s 50-year plan for economic growth, unity, and self-reliance. We’re sharing a 2-part deep dive into how Agenda 2063 is shaping Africa’s future. #Agenda2063 #Africa #Leadership #Innovation #Growth #Sustainability

????????????’?? “???????? ??????????????” – ?? ???????????? ???????? ???????? ?????????? ???? ?????? The notion that #Africa is inherently risky for investment has persisted for decades, driving up borrowing costs and deterring capital flows. But as the African Development Bank Group highlights, this risk premium is often a myth—one that costs African businesses and economies billions in unnecessary financing costs. At Calhame Financial, we see this firsthand. Investors frequently hesitate, citing perceived instability, but the reality is far more nuanced. Africa has: ? Lower default rates than many emerging markets ? Rapidly growing economies and a youthful, entrepreneurial population ? Diverse investment opportunities in infrastructure, technology, and energy Yet, the continent pays an estimated $74.5 billion annually in excessive interest rates due to outdated risk perceptions. This isn’t just an unfair financial penalty—it’s a missed opportunity for global investors who overlook strong, high-growth businesses. ?? It’s time for a shift. Investors must assess Africa’s opportunities based on real data, not outdated assumptions. Those who do will find untapped potential, resilient markets, and strong returns. At Calhame Financial, we specialize in unlocking Africa’s investment potential by bridging the gap between capital and opportunity. If you’re looking to invest in Africa with clarity, confidence, and strategy, let’s talk. ?? Read the full AfDB report here: https://lnkd.in/gShz2zD6 Holger Vogt Eric Osiakwan #AfricaInvestment #PrivateEquity #EmergingMarkets #Finance #InvestmentOpportunities

Here is my latest piece in Medium about the African Union's new ???? Canadian-educated Leader, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf: https://lnkd.in/gKt89nMJ Ben Marc Diendéré The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business Trade Commissioner Service | Service des délégués commerciaux Garreth Bloor Victor Beausoleil

Here is the final segment of our 3-part series on ???? US and ???? Chinese investments in Africa. ?? China’s BRI: Massive $155 billion investment in infrastructure ? Lobito Corridor: US and EU-backed trade corridor ?? AfCFTA: Africa’s plan to boost trade The battle for Africa’s infrastructure is more than roads and railways—it’s about power, resources, and the future of global trade. #Africa #Infrastructure #BRI #LobitoCorridor #Geopolitics #Investment #Development

Here’s a quick update from The Continent News Issue 190 on the latest across #Africa: ???? DRC: Tensions escalate as M23 rebels resume their advance on Bukavu after reports of government troops looting and attacking civilians. ???? Nigeria: The Senate approves $200M in health funding to offset the impact of the US aid freeze, while labour unions call for a telecoms boycott over soaring data costs. ???? Angola: A cholera outbreak has killed at least 180 people, prompting a rush for vaccinations as over a million people receive the oral vaccine. ???? Central African Republic: The country’s new memecoin surged to $17M in its first week, aiming to boost the struggling economy, though critics warn of risks. ???? Egypt: President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi postpones a US visit despite being exempt from Trump’s foreign aid freeze. ???? Algeria: Teachers launch a rare nationwide strike over poor wages and conditions. ???? Kenya: Artisanal tsavorite miners form cooperatives to secure better wages and conditions, as the government decriminalizes their work.