News

The findings of the World Bank report published last week – that the #AfCFTA will boost growth and reduce poverty – will not come as a surprise to many. But one area of focus is nonetheless reassuring – the place for AfCFTA in the immediate aftermath of the pandemic....

Scipion was once again delighted to attend the annual Hogan Lovells Africa Forum. Despite being a virtual event this year, the ideas and debates were no less vibrant. A particular highlight was the Closing Address by Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who called...

ESI: Tesla et Glencore a un accord pour réduire le travail forcé concernant le cobalt en RDC C’est noté dans cet article de presse d’Agence Ecofin que Tesla est en train de finaliser un accord pour s’approvisionner en cobalt auprès de Glencore. Et, les bonnes...

The FT confirms that ESG investments have withstood the impacts of Covid-19 well. Many leading asset managers and wealth managers have noted that their focus (as well as the focus of their underlying clients) has shifted towards ESG investing due to Covid-19, which...

A good summary of the situation regarding interest rates in Africa, which remain too high for most. However, innovation, improved data-sharing and collaboration between governments, DFIs and private lenders can bring these rates down. #africabusiness #tech #fintech...

Recent international economic shocks have shown that, even if international exports remain a key aspect of many African economies, enhanced intra-Africa trade will help Africa resist external global economic shocks. As the population of Africa (and many of its...

Good news for those who have turned to chocolate for solace during the many weeks of quarantine. Ivory Coast’s government has pledged to boost local cocoa processors with a USD 17 million fund. Ivory Coast is the largest producer of cocoa but only around a quarter of...

African open borders = goods still moving… The Economist this week highlighted the fact that goods are still moving in Africa, rightly pointing out that keeping borders open is vital to ensuring food security on the continent. Many point to the last food crisis on...

In a positive sign for African mineral exporters and perhaps as a bellwether for a return by Chinese buyers to world commodity markets more generally, Scipion is financing a significant shipment of manganese ore from the Ivory Coast to China.China’s return to markets...

Scipion Capital and its trade finance partners are playing a key role in financing vital equipment supplied to the Italian Government. Italy has been one of the hardest hit nations by COVID-19 and Scipion is working with one of its UN-approved borrowers to supply...

Congratulations to Scipion’s Lachlan McLeodwho, as of today, has been admitted to practice as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of South Australia. The entire Scipion team wishes him all the best as he furthers what will no doubt be an accomplished legal...

Last week Scipion’s analysts released our 2020 African Outlook and Review, covering the key economic and political themes that will be faced by the continent in the forthcoming year. A short excerpt of the executive summary is below: Investors and economic observers...

On the eve of the first UK-Africa Investment Summit, Scipion Capital’s Vice President Julian Heaven was pleased to attend a reception at South Africa House in London. The reception saw stakeholders set out their vision for increased investment into South Africa and...

Chief Agronomist meets Botswana’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Dr Edwin G Dikoloti Crosscorn Pty Ltd’s COO & Scipion Capital’s Chief Agronomist, Cobus Campher, welcomed Botswana’s newly appointed Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Hon....

Vice President Julian Heaven attends GTR Africa event in London Scipion Capital’s Vice President Julian Heaven was one of some 600 delegates from over 30 countries who attended GTR’s Africa event this week in London. The event addressed a host of important topics that...

Scipion financing helps pioneering hybrid maize seed producer Scipion’s Prinicpal Lindsey Clavel visited the district of Pandamatenga in North West Botswana last month alongside the company’s Chief Agronomist Cobus Campher. Farmers in the district are using pioneering...

Scipion’s Shariah offering Scipion’s Shariah offering is an acknowledgement of increased interest from many Shariah investors in Trade Finance and Africa as alternative investment strategies. The global Islamic finance industry has expanded rapidly in the last few...

Scipion works with largest private agricultural developer in Uganda to boost nation’s food security Scipion is working with the largest private agricultural developer in Uganda to cultivate its farms and boost the nation’s food security. Since 2016, the developer’s...

Scipion welcomes UN ILO to London for knowledge-sharing day As part of Scipion’s commitment to investing for environmental and social impact the team were delighted to welcome the UN ILO to London for a knowledge-sharing day to present the company’s ESI work. Scipion...