(updated 19 march 2008)
Every industrial enterprise proposed within this project has a commercial base and must stand or fall as a legitimate business designed to make a profit and grow. It must provide employment to local people while being majority owned and run by local people.
Opportunities for investment are many;
* As shareholders who can expect a reasonable dividend and equity gain.
* As lenders financing expansion for a healthy return.
* As Agents for African product in other markets - where the possible
margins could be advantageous.
The capital needs for many of the businesses being created across Sub Saharan Africa are very low in comparison to that which would be needed for a similar business in Europe or the US - both as a result of the Foundations efforts to ensure capital equipment is available at the best price possible and the inherently low costs associated with the area.
Many of these developments are also attractive commercial opportunities for western companies and investors. All have the one underlying theme of being "green". Environmentally friendly both in manufacture and in meeting the needs of their customers.
Companies are being formed in different countries with different languages and company rules. There are also many of them with many different problems and requirements and many different scales. The task of producing detailed individual plans and prospectuses to qualify them seperately for public offerings would be daunting.
We have therefore decided to establish an investment club where members can contribute into a common pool which can then be used to purchase shares where they are available. The Foundations forum serves as a meeting and discussion "room" where opportunities can be presented, details can be discussed and questions can be answered. Membership will require a monthly contribution.
We are sure that, once past the initial setting up phase of these businesses, this approach will result in a good return to those involved both from dividends and realised equity growth - from what could be claimed to be very socially responsible investments. Both from the point of view of the environment and a positive step to alleviating poverty.
"In Africa today, we recognise that trade and investment, and not aid, are pillars of development."
Paul Kagame - President of Rwanda
