MALI – Moringa SCA SICAR, an impact investment fund dedicated to agroforestry projects in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America, has taken a 46% stake in SOBEMA (Société des Boissons and Mineral Waters of Mali) a beverage processing company based in Mali.
The investment will enable SOBEMA launch production of a wide range of beverages, from mineral water, flavoured drinks, fruit and vegetables juices (guava, oranges, cashew apples, tomatoes, pineapples, pomegranate, ginger, etc.).
This come after Moringa took a 40.3% stake in ComaFruits (Compagnie Malienne de Fruits), SOBEMA sister company producing organic and conventional mango puree in January.
Moringa’s investment in ComaFruits was aimed at increasing the mango puree production and improving agroforestry practices within the out growers’ network, through technical assistance.
It was also to enable ComaFruits to broaden its product range and develop other mango-based processed products (dry and frozen mango), as well as other fruit products.
The Moringa Fund believes that this investment in SOBEMA will help increase the incomes of Malian farmers, in line with its core mission.
The diversification of SOBEMA’s product line will provide farmers with the opportunity to further diversify their production and income.
It will support the dissemination of agroforestry practices and sustainable land use, as farmers will have a secure outlet for all their production.
They will also benefit from increased technical and financial support to fully adopt diversification practices that can improve their livelihoods and at the same time preserve the environment.
Okan acted as financial advisor to the Moringa Fund in connection with this transaction. Okan is a financial advisory and strategy consulting firm, running Okan ventures a business angel dedicated to investments in Africa.
Moringa fund was initiated by Edmond de Rothschild Group and ONF International, specializing in Private Banking and Asset Management.
Serving an international clientele of families, entrepreneurs and institutional investors, the Group also has a presence in Corporate Finance, Private Equity, Real Estate and Fund Services.
