Category: Insights

New insights and analysis on the rapidly evolving African economy, from Daba.

  • It is Too Early to Judge African Venture Capital

    It is Too Early to Judge African Venture Capital

    Contributed by Mathias Léopoldie, Co-Founder of Julaya via Realistic Optimist.

    Optimizing for home runs

    It is said that the first venture capital (VC) firm was founded in 1946, in the USA. The American Research & Development Corporation (ARDC) became famous for its $70,000 investment in Digital Equipment Corporation, a computer manufacturer, which went public in 1967 at a whopping $355M valuation. Investors taking risky bets on companies wasn’t new, but the computer era put venture capital’s singular “power law” on full display. 

    A baseball game is an apt analogy to conceptualize how venture capital works. The most exciting play, which also brings outsized returns, is when the ball skyrockets over the fence resulting in a home run. 

    VC is quite similar, as the power law nature implies that a few investments (<5%) will drive most of a fund’s returns. While the number of home runs in baseball might not guarantee winning the season, it does in VC.

    This is why VC is an exciting asset class: sharp skill and experience are necessary, but luck plays a non-negligible role. It is no surprise that, amongst asset classes, VC has the highest dispersion of returns. Participants can either win big or lose a lot.

    Source: VCAdventure

    The African VC ecosystem is young, inching past its first decade of existence. The African internet revolution took a different shape than it did elsewhere: between 2005 and 2019, the share of African households possessing a computer went from 4% to 8%, while other developed economies witnessed a 55% to 80% jump over the same period. 

    One can’t expect a VC industry to suddenly flourish in an economy where microchip-equipped computer and smartphone ownership is so scarce. The heart of the VC industry is called “Silicon Valley” for a reason.

    Another trend, however, calls our attention. Namely, the rise of mobile phones on the continent. Currently, over 80% of Africans own a mobile phone, a figure that reaches close to 100% in some countries. The 2000s-2010s feature phone mass production era is to thank. Transsion Holdings, a Chinese public company, tops the leaderboard in terms of mobile phones sold in Africa, through its portfolio of brands (Tecno, Itel, and Infinix). 

    This offline, ‘computerized’ revolution of sorts is significant for the continent, as a large part of Sub-Saharan Africa’s population still lacks internet access. This includes people who own a feature phone but no smartphone, or people for whom the cost of internet data is prohibitively expensive. Internet’s geographical reach in Africa also remains patchy, further complicating the equation.

    Source: GSMA

    Unsurprisingly, telecom operators have emerged as this mobile phone revolution’s winners. The mobile money industry is a striking example: a fertile mix of USSD technology and agent networks enabled telecom operators to become fintech companies as far back as 2007. Those same telcos now derive a significant amount of their business from the financial services they ushered in. M-Pesa, Kenya’s leading mobile money service provider, now accounts for more than 40% of Safaricom’s (its parent telecom operator) mobile service revenue. 

    In Sub-Saharan Africa, 55% of the population possesses a financial account, with mobile money’s rise boosting that number in recent years. That’s approximately double the amount of Africans with an internet connection.

    Too early to call 

    In this context, many are the Cassandras lamenting venture capital’s failure in Africa. These conclusions seem premature, both because the industry itself is novel but also because the digital ecosystem it operates in is still nascent.

    Even by removing Africa from the picture, venture capital is a long-term industry, and its illiquidity can lead to prolonged exit times. According to Dealroom, only 17% of portfolio startups globally exit within the investment period of 10 years. Initial, tangible VC investments in Africa debuted around 2012. We believe that the pessimists are neither right nor wrong: they’re just pontificating too early.

    That being said, the past decade has drawn the contours of what can be improved and highlighted what has worked.

    # years it takes for portfolio startups to exit, along with exit size (Dealroom)

    The casino analogy

    Casinos constitute another pertinent venture capital analogy. Addiction and money laundering aside, a casino is a fascinating business. In a casino, a few people win exuberant amounts, while the many ‘losers’ subsidize the entire operation. In return for setting up the infrastructure, applying rules, and mediating disputes, the casino pockets a handsome amount of the proceeds as profits.

    Venture capital’s logic is similar to a casino’s. “Winners” are the top decile of skilled VC funds reaping outsized returns. “Losers” are the VC funds that don’t return the amount of money they promised their investors (LPs). The casino itself is the government, collecting tax revenue in return for organizing the game.

    Without casinos’ power law gains distribution, no one would play. It is by design that ‘returns’ are extremely skewed, enabling the casino economy to work. VC is similar: it is by design that most of the returns come from the top decile funds and companies because winning in venture capital is hard. It wouldn’t be possible without the entire ecosystem structure, and failing companies still provide tremendous value to the other players. 

    Mixing profitability and venture scale

    While far from a solely African problem, the confusion between these two terms may cause damage. In light of hostile, macroeconomic conditions, many Africa-focused VCs have started demanding that their startups reach “profitability” even if this means compromising on hyper-growth.

    This is partly a mistake: if investors want to invest in profitable African businesses, they can invest in African banks for example, which exhibit fantastic ROIs. Or switch to private equity. But that isn’t the VC game.

    VCs demanding that their portfolio companies, especially young ones (pre-seed and seed stages), become profitable quasi-eliminates any potential “home-run” companies. The latter can only emerge through market share dominance, a process facilitated by operating at a company-level loss when competitors can’t. Those home-run companies are the only way a VC can reach the outsized returns it promised its LPs.

    Herein lies the confusion between profitability as a whole and positive unit economics at the marginal level. VCs should be encouraging their portfolio companies to reach “venture scale”. Venture scale is the ability to grow at a decreasing and very efficient marginal cost. This implies tinkering and getting unit economics to a point where the revenue generated from each unit sold is superior to what it costs to make it. This metric is referred to as the “contribution margin”.

    A company with a positive contribution margin, which can be unprofitable as a whole because it has very high fixed costs (such as R&D), has a clear path to long-term profitability. This justifies pumping large amounts of money into it, enabling the company to reach the economies of scale it needs to win.

    Companies continuing their fundraising route, and even going public, with iffy contribution margins either speed-run their death (Airlift) or make their lives significantly harder (SWVL). Those are the business models VCs should be wary of. However, a blind focus on company-level profitability for the sake of profitability doesn’t make much sense in the VC context. There are very useful data points that companies can follow to see if they are on the right path, such as the “burn multiple” or the “magic number”. 

    VCs investing in African startups should be cognizant of this difference as they hit the brakes during the current funding winter.

    African VC: Expensive and risky, replete with singular challenges

    The early innings of the African venture capital ecosystem have made two things clear: venture capital in Africa is expensive and risky.

    It is expensive because lagging infrastructure might nudge startups to build out their own, which costs money, additional time, and expertise. If the infrastructure needed can’t be built in-house, such as public infrastructure (roads, etc…), the startup will have to contend with the higher prices resulting from the existing infrastructure’s inefficiencies. This is a salient problem for logistics startups, for example.

    Funding high-growth businesses in Africa can thus turn out to be an expensive endeavor, generating infrastructure costs that wouldn’t be necessary in other, more developed markets. 

    It is riskier if funded by international funds in international currencies (USD, Euros, GB Pounds, etc…). Take Nigeria for example, one of the continent’s venture capital darlings. Earlier last year, the Central Bank of Nigeria floated the local currency (the naira) away from its traditional peg to the USD, in a bid to liberalize the economy. The move led to the naira’s sharp and sudden devaluation, revealing overarching uncertainty about its strength. 

    This was a disaster for Nigerian startups, especially those that reported their revenue numbers in dollars (a given if foreign investors are on the cap table). The devaluation meant that similar revenue in naira from one month to another could render just half the value in dollars.

    If Nigerian startups had converted any USD from their funding rounds into naira, their buying power was also drastically slashed. From the investor’s point of view, the startup’s $USD valuation got trimmed almost overnight, due to factors outside the founders’ control. This also creates currency translation issues, making reporting of actual performance of ventures in local and USD currencies trickier and less reliable.

    This is not an issue in developed markets with stronger currencies and free capital flows, such as the US or Europe. It can be reasonably assumed that this issue has contributed to Nigeria’s drop in startup investment.

    To sum it all up: African venture capital is expensive because startups have to build out or deal with decrepit infrastructure hence requiring specific business models, and comparatively riskier since valuations are subject to currency-induced volatility.

    Source: Africa The Big Deal

    Fraud in African tech: an optical illusion?

    The past year was also punctuated by the downfall of some well-funded African startups, failures attributed to a nebulous mix of founder wrongdoing, financial mismanagement, and outright fraud. As is often the case, very few people will uncover the full story behind these crashes.

    Some observers were quick to generalize the trend, using these failures as proxies to gauge the integrity of all other African founders. Shady founders do and will always exist, regardless of the ecosystem’s maturity. There is an argument to be made that the safeguards against those founders are potentially lower in young ecosystems such as Africa, where governance standards have not yet been standardized and where investors are less aware of African markets’ specific features. That is a solvable problem.

    These are normal ecosystem growing pains that need to be rationally addressed but are no cause for doomsday rhetoric.

    What’s needed: liquidity

    Venture capital’s equation is simple: can you invest in startups that will exit, and will those exits return (much) more money than your LPs put in while creating economic value for the clients, suppliers, and all stakeholders?

    Exits, meaning a startup getting acquired or going public, are crucial to the venture capital ecosystem’s health. VCs are investing with the intention of outsized exits, but sometimes those turn out to be impossible. Adverse market conditions, a non-scalable business model, founder conflict… Exits can be jeopardized for various reasons.

    When such a situation arises, invested VCs will sometimes face the choice of either settling down for a smaller exit or losing their money outright. We believe that the importance of these small exits, such as “acquihires” should not be underestimated as they remain important for VCs required to distribute to their LPs. Typically, they will also provide cash-outs for angel investors, employees, public institutions, and founders. These cash-outs will hopefully convince these stakeholders to pour money back into the ecosystem, launching a virtuous flywheel.

    While the number of exits has been increasing on the continent, actual numbers of their combined value are hard to come through (many deals don’t disclose their terms). Briter Bridges also interestingly notes that the countries and sectors receiving the most amount of funding aren’t necessarily the ones with the most lucrative exit paths.

    Liquidity events are essential to Africa’s VC market. So far, most of the attention has gone toward fundraising numbers, a relevant proxy for market sentiment but not market viability or growth. More attention should be paid to the African exit market, its intricacies, its possibilities, and its obstacles.

    The future of African M&A

    An overwhelming majority of exits for African startups today entail a merger/acquisition (M&A). 

    Two African M&A trends are likely to materialize over the next couple of years.

    First is the consolidation of African startups operating in the same sector yet different geographies, and struggling to live up to the valuation they raised. The recent Wasoko-MaxAB merger announcement is an example of such.

    Second is the potential rise of “south-south” startup acquisitions. The socio-demographic similarities between emerging markets make the solution built in one place potentially applicable to another, even thousands of miles away. This seems to be truer for lesser regulated sectors, such as edtech or e-commerce, but harder for more supervised ones, like fintech. The recent Orcas-Baims acquisition is an example of such a deal.

    Players such as Brazil’s Ebanx, Estonia’s Bolt, and Russia’s Yango Delivery all operate in Africa and represent new competitors (and potential acquirers) for local African startups. This could stimulate the local M&A scene, but more importantly, entice other well-capitalized startups in emerging markets to expand to Africa.

    Conclusion

    Venture capital in Africa is a recent phenomenon, one whose success can’t yet be pronounced due to the sector’s long-term nature. These early years have highlighted the specificities of African venture capital, some of which aren’t relatable to more developed markets or even other emerging markets. This means copy-pasting Western frameworks in the African context is a faulty and lazy approach.

    Foreign and local VCs investing in African startups should seek to deeply understand the continent’s intricacies, and develop fresh strategies to deal with them.

    The ecosystem should give itself time. Adopting a longer-term view discounts short-term pessimism and allows one to rationally solve the challenges that arise. African venture capital can be a fantastic locomotive for African growth, but railroads don’t get built overnight. 

    As the Bambara saying puts it, munyu tè nimisa : one never regrets patience.

    This article was written for and exclusively published in the Realistic Optimist, a paid publication making sense of the recently globalized startup scene.

    About the Author

    Mathias Léopoldie is the co-founder of Julaya, an Ivory Coast-based startup that offers digital payment and lending accounts for African companies of all sizes. Julaya serves over 1,500 companies, processes $400M of transactions, and has raised $10M in funding.

    Julaya has offices in Benin, Senegal, France, and Ivory Coast.

    Mathias would like to thank Mohamed Diabi (CEO at AFRKN Ventures) and Hannah Subayi Kamuanga (Partner at Launch Africa Ventures) for their thorough advice on this piece.

  • Who is Fixing the Finance Gap in Africa?

    Who is Fixing the Finance Gap in Africa?

    Contributed by Yannick Deza, publisher of Data Bites.

    How data & technology are ushering a new era of business financing, from the lessons of M-Kopa to the success of Untapped Global.

    The Internet promised us a dematerialized society, where information, services, and money would travel through its digital rails at the speed of light.

    Software – with almost zero cost of replication and distribution – would be the new oil.

    The world would be a global village where prosperity & democracy would triumph.

    LMAO 😅

    There is some truth to this early 2000s tecno-optimism.

    I am writing this article from my bedroom. Thanks to LinkedIn, Substack, and Gmail, I can distribute my content for free and be part of global conversations.

    If I push hard on data analytics, I can learn how to better engage with my audience and eventually upsell a paid subscription (at best), or cross-sell healthy ginger drinks and productivity courses (at worst).

    How many gatekeepers have I avoided thanks to a bunch of geeks wearing pajamas, writing code in their dorms, and playing Dungeons & Dragons?

    And even if we zoom out and think about the continent, we can say the Internet Revolution has partly delivered on its promise. How many Africans have benefited from access to financial services, remote job opportunities, better & tailored education, and free entertainment? A whole lot!

    There is a problem with this story, though. The problem with the Digital Eden narrative is that it omits one crucial, underlying assumption: software is only useful when it sits “on top” of something.

    We don’t eat software, we don’t shelter with software, we don’t commute with software, we don’t irrigate our lands with software.

    Software enables, software improves. Software does not make.

    To say with the Maslow Pyramid: pure software is useful at the top, not at the bottom.

    You can leapfrog landline internet because everyone has a mobile phone, fine.

    But you can’t leapfrog the two fundamental layers on top of which software can unlock its benefits: physical assets and business structures, to move atoms & transform raw stuff.

    Digital technology comes as a booster/equalizer. We might not eat software, but we can improve the productivity of agricultural land with software. Sure, once we have functioning water pipes and businesses taking care of them.

    It is hard to move backward

    In short, as much as we’d love to live in the metaverse, the economy needs physical, productive assets to deliver your food to the table, your 🍑 to the office, and even your email to the server. And it needs business structures that organize these assets, maintain them, and invest in them, from microscopes to trucks to refrigerators.

    And…. here we come to the ❤️ of this article:

    1. In Africa, most of these “business structures” are small-sized, informal businesses.
    2. They desperately need financing to buy, upgrade, and maintain these physical assets.
    3. They can’t get it (SMEs’ finance gap accounts for $136 billion 🥲)

    So let me raise the following question then: if software cannot replace tractors & sewing machines, can it at least make us better at funding them? Can technology help us respond to African businesses’ capital needs?

    Big Problems 🗻 x Old Incumbents 👴🏽 =New Opportunities 🦋

    When we think of financing, we instinctively think of banks.

    In Africa, they don’t always have a good reputation.

    To cite Kwamena Afful, co-founder of Microtraction in an episode of The Flip:

    “African banks mobilize deposits from big enterprises, governments, and high net worth individuals, and deploy these deposits in treasury bills and federal debt. That’s their business model. They are not interested in lending to consumers or small businesses”.

    It’s a punchline, but there is some truth to it.

    Private credit levels are pretty low in Africa, and when it comes to SMEs, things get even dryer. As the infamous report from Proparco highlights, banks’ loans devoted to small firms in Africa “represent half of that of their counterparts in developing economies” (5% vs 13%). On top of that, only 68.7 % of SME loan applications are approved by banks in Africa, against 81.4 % in other developing countries.

    But wait: SMEs in the continent account for 40% of GDP and 80% of employment.

    So what are banks even doing with their time? Why don’t they just go out there and finance these businesses?

    Of course, the answer is “complex”. But apart from banks’ problems with upstream access to capital (read: global investor shying away and crazy high interest rates), I think the main reason is:

    • ineffective due diligence: the methodology used to assess the credit risk of the borrower
    • lack of data: the data input needed for the risk management models to work

    Let me clarify.

    You generally have 3 macro-categories of lending practice:

    • collateral-based lending
    • cash flow-based lending
    • relationship-based lending

    Collateral-based lending relies on tangible assets, such as real estate or equipment, that the borrower pledges as security for the loan.

    This is an obstacle for many SMEs in the continent as:

    • they lack eligible assets to pledge as collateral;
    • the value of collateral assets can be required to be up to 80-100% of the value of the loan (IFC);
    • movable assets – like inventory and receivables – are not accepted as collateral;
    • assets’ appraisal is complex and can lead to operational overhead and increased risk

    This makes collateral-based lending complex, expensive, and often unfeasible.

    Cash flow-based lending focuses on the borrower’s ability to generate sufficient cash flow from operations to meet debt obligations.

    To do that, you usually need two things:

    • income statements & balance sheets: to assess the future cash flows of the borrower
    • market data & market intelligence: to assess the health of the sector the company operates in

    Guess what? Both things are very hard to find in the context of African SMEs.

    Many SMEs barely maintain the financial records needed for income statements.

    And and if you’ve ever tried to do some market research on the region you know that market intelligence is non-parvenu.

    So what?

    Lack of collaterals and hard-to-predict cash flows make these businesses 1) riskier according to banks’ current credit risk models, and 2) costly, in terms of due diligence costs, which are not justified by the size of the loan.

    This is why, ultimately, African banks prefer to finance large enterprises (who usually don’t face these problems) and resort to relationship-based lending practices, which stress the borrower’s history, character, and overall trustworthiness developed through previous interactions.

    #saaaad 😢

    If we could find a way to lighten lending operations, access data more easily, and upgrade risk-management models, would we be able to finance more physical assets?

    Is there a way technology can help us overcome these challenges?

    Welcome to the world of “smart” assets… 🧠🛠️

    During the past decade, several companies have come up with unique approaches to solve the finance drought of the “unbanked.

    An interesting case, making the headlines for its innovative approach to financing, is Kenya’s gemstone: M-Kopa.

    They have pioneered a new way to finance high-value consumer goods such as off-grid solar systems, smartphones, TVs, and refrigerators.

    How did M-Kopa solve for lowering operations costs and improving data availability? With the clever combination of 3 technologies: mobile money, IoT (SIM cards) embedded in their products, and remote locking technologies.

    If I borrow a smartphone with M-Kopa:

    • the loan is secured by the asset provided, i.e. the smartphone;
    • I pay daily installments with mobile money;
    • If I fail to pay, a remote trigger will lock my phone, so that I won’t be able to use it anymore (except for charging money to pay the amount due 😅)

    The same holds for a solar system and any other product. Transparent data on assets’ usage and repayments, coupled with remote control over the asset, has proved an effective instrument in establishing initial trust with borrowers.

    My repayment rates are then used for credit scoring, enabling me to access further cash loans once the smartphone is paid in full, with the phone resecured as collateral (again).

    As simple as it seems, this model alone unleashed a lot of money and a lot of impact. As the GSMA report says:

    “The explosive rise of pay-as-you-go (PAYG) in the off-grid energy sector, for example, has played a significant role in widening access to energy. Combining mobile money systems with machine-to-machine (M2M) communication and remote locking has made off-grid energy products more accessible and affordable to billions worldwide, bringing power for the first time to 25-30 million people worldwide between 2015 and 2020”

    The recipe for success: a mix of operational excellence, IoT technology, and digital payments.

    Great!

    While this model proved valuable for consumers, we must remember that we want to finance businesses!

    M-Kopa lends essentials with a relatively low price tag.

    Is there a way we can draw from the lessons of this model and apply them to finance physical, productive assets that cost more money?

    …& the world of Untapped’s smart financing 🧠✨

    Back in 2021, I tried to put money into an investing vehicle by the name of Untapped Global.

    I was intrigued by their model as it combined all the ingredients I was looking for at the time: a data-driven approach; a high-returns portfolio; and a tangible, positive social impact.

    It turned out that I wasn’t an accredited investor and I couldn’t invest with them (sigh 😞), so I eventually ended up switching to Daba (who I didn’t know yet at the time).

    However, I’ve kept an eye on them over the years, until I could finally sit down with Lundie Strom, Untapped’s Investor Relations & Partnerships Head, to chat and get a better overview of their model.

    The fascinating conversation that followed convinced me that they may be on the right track: taking the best of M-Kopa and adding their own twist to it.

    I’ll go through what I consider to be the four pillars of their model:

    • Revenue-share
    • Operating partners
    • Iterative approach
    • Real-time data

    1) Revenue-based financing 💸💸💸

    One of Africa’s most-funded startups, Moove, recently made the headlines as it received a 100M investment from Uber, valuing the company at 750M.

    Its main business model? Revenue-based vehicle financing.

    In a revenue-based financing (or revenue-share) agreement, a business receives funding in exchange for a percentage of its future revenue until a specified amount is repaid.

    Instead of a fixed amount of money (+ interest rate) to be paid at regular intervals, as with traditional loans, revenue-share repayments fluctuate with the business’s income, providing flexibility during low-revenue periods and faster repayment times during bonanza: investors’ returns are aligned with the company’s performance.

    In the case of Moove, they finance cars for Uber drivers. The loan is repaid with a share of the revenues the Uber driver makes: as simple as that.

    At a high level, Untapped does the same. It finances productive assets and gets paid back with the revenues these assets generate.

    What type of assets does Untapped finance? Cars? Motorbikes? Generators? Well, all of them. It doesn’t really matter.

    And here is what distinguishes Untapped from Moove, and what makes their model more interesting and more scalable.

    2) Operating partners ⛑️⛑️⛑️

    Moove is good at financing cars for Uber drivers. It is not a trivial task and they had to become good at it.

    Why? Two reasons.

    First ☝🏽, managing a fleet of vehicles demands domain expertise and operational overhead.

    Moove needs to develop proprietary tech & manage the integration with Uber to have visibility on how the vehicles are utilized, how much revenue is generated, and receive timely payments. It is a lot of plumbing.

    They also need to partner with car manufacturers for steady supply & support services, and create a system to onboard drivers and evaluate their creditworthiness and performance. Again, a lot of plumbing.

    Second ✌🏽, Moove itself is subject to credit risk. They don’t purchase the vehicles from their balance sheet money: it would be too capital-intensive. They have to take up loans/financing from creditors. And given they offer revenue-share deals to their drivers, they have to juggle between variable repayments from drivers vs fixed installments they owe their creditors.

    This is the main reason we don’t see many companies like Moove around. While revenue-share agreements are attractive to drivers, part of their business risk rolls up to the company borrowing them.

    Now, how does Untapped fit in this picture?

    “We don’t know how to manage a fleet of vehicles”, says Lundie.

    “We partner with the likes of Moove, who know the realities on the ground, and relieve them from part of their credit risk by striking a revenue-share agreement with them”.

    “We don’t want to replace Moove. We want to invest in dozens of the best Mooves across multiple industries, geographies, currencies – and be their complementary source of capital”.

    In this sense, an operating partner is a company focused on one vertical (like Moove with cars).

    No matter if, instead of cars, the company is financing electric bikes, solar-powered irrigation equipment, smart refrigerators, or thermal printers. As long as it:

    • knows how to manage operations on the ground, and
    • has the technical skills to collect & integrate data from the assets and the underlying businesses

    Untapped can invest in it!

    As a result, the interests of all the actors, from the drivers to the Mooves, to the ultimate investors in the physical assets, are aligned. Aligned along what? Well, the revenues the assets generate!

    A little sketch:

    Ok cool, so how does Untapped manage its own risk?

    3) Iterative approach 🌀🌀🌀

    “We always invest in two stages. No matter the size of the company, at the beginning every operating partner starts with a pilot”.

    This means $50-100k as a first check for a 4 to 6-month period: “We put money in your hands and see what you can do”.

    In practice, this helps the team tick some boxes: how many assets can you deploy? What is the quality of your data? Can you integrate data with our platform? Can you pay it back in time?

    If the results are good, the company enters a scaleup stage, where investments range from 500k to 5M.

    At this stage, the operating partner is expected to have already managed the data integration and be working on the payment integration, which is the hardest part (moving money from local wallets in Ghana to local wallets in the US, for example).

    Out of 59 companies, only 7 have entered the scaleup phase.

    “Our goal is to really pick up the best ones, those who need 5 million a year, and can achieve that scale and the impact”.

    This approach of spreading the seeds and harvesting the good ones allows Untapped to manage risk efficiently while gathering loads of data.

    And it’s ultimately in the data that lies the core competitive advantage of this model.

    4) Real-time data 📈📈📈

    Imagine a world where, when you invest in an African entrepreneur, you can have visibility on where each asset is deployed and how much money it’s making, in real-time. This is the vision of the Smart Asset Financing platform developed by Untapped.

    How hard is it to integrate data from assets and businesses across different regions?

    “This is our real edge. We want to be tech-driven, so our data team is working to do what currently no one is doing”.

    What no one is doing is the following:

    • integrate data from physical assets
    • with data from underlying businesses using these assets (i.e. revenues),
    • from multiple operating partners who deployed them (i.e. tens of Moove, across business verticals);

    To do what?

    • Monitor your entire portfolio in real-time,
    • paying your investors as the money comes in,
    • develop proprietary risk management models

    To me, it sounds a bit like a command center, where you can say: “OK, we financed 10,000 entrepreneurs. What is happening on the ground? How well the money is moving around? How much are we making? Should we scale back on something?”

    It’s a pretty compelling vision.

    The question then is, how far are we from a world like this?

    “Data integration and especially payment integration, is still hard. We need to provide technical assistance to some of our earlier stage operating partners because not everyone has those capabilities yet”. Also, “moving money from local wallets to regional wallets to the US, is still a headache, and a problem that no one completely solved yet”.

    Smart Asset Financing is the first iteration aiming to deliver on this promise, and challenges of this kind can only be solved with tunnel vision.

    So what’s in it for us? 🤷🏽🤷🏽🤷🏽

    After the conversation I had with Lundie, my brain was like “There needs to be more of this”. If we take it back from where we started, it’s a no-brainer.

    SMEs are the lifeblood of the African economy.

    To continue delivering products and services each of us needs, they need capital to purchase and maintain physical assets.

    IoT, digital payments, and the smart distribution of risk & operational overhead have paved the way in solving the two major bottlenecks preventing traditional banks from helping them: credit risk modeling and data availability.

    Untapped has worked its way through novel ways of addressing this challenge. Others are doing that too. We need to learn from them, copy and iterate.

    How much more wealth would there be if there wasn’t just one Moove, but one hundred Mooves?

    How much more resilient our economies would be, if, instead of just cars, we could finance irrigation systems, trucks, and medical devices?

    I don’t know, but I definitely want to hear more stories like this.

  • SMB améliore ses résultats malgré une baisse des revenus

    SMB améliore ses résultats malgré une baisse des revenus

    Rapport d’activité de Société Multinationale de Bitumes (SMB) Côte d’Ivoire pour le premier trimestre 2024.

    Malgré une légère baisse des revenus due à la conclusion des projets liés à la Coupe d’Afrique des Nations (CAN) 2023, l’entreprise a montré sa résilience et une forte rentabilité.

    Dans ce qui suit, nous analysons la performance financière de SMB et son importance pour les investisseurs potentiels.

    Points financiers marquants

    Principaux indicateurs financiers :

    Chiffre d’affaires :

    • T1 2024 : 70 179
    • T1 2023 : 72 331
    • Variation : -3 % (2 152)

    Résultat des activités ordinaires :

    • T1 2024 : 4 447
    • T1 2023 : 3 502
    • Variation : +27 % (945)

    Résultat net :

    • T1 2024 : 2 922
    • T1 2023 : 2 553
    • Variation : +14,5 % (369)

    Principaux points à retenir

    Analyse des revenus

    Les revenus de SMB pour le T1 2024 ont diminué de 3 % par rapport au T1 2023, principalement en raison de la baisse des ventes de bitume sur le marché national suite à l’achèvement des projets liés à la CAN 2023.

    Cependant, le marché d’exportation a contribué à compenser cette baisse, réduisant ainsi l’impact global sur les revenus.

    Rentabilité

    Malgré la baisse des revenus, SMB a réalisé une augmentation impressionnante de 27 % du résultat des activités ordinaires, atteignant 4 447 millions de FCFA.

    Cette croissance significative est attribuée à un contexte économique plus favorable pour le raffinage, avec un indicateur de marge de 5,96 $ par baril contre 2,37 $ par baril au T1 2023.

    Le résultat net a également augmenté de 14,5 %, atteignant 2 922 millions de FCFA. Cette croissance reflète une gestion efficace des coûts et une amélioration de la rentabilité face à des conditions de marché difficiles.

    Perspectives stratégiques pour SMB

    Dynamique du marché

    La demande nationale de bitume a diminué au T1 2024 en raison de l’achèvement des projets liés à la CAN 2023. Cependant, la mise en œuvre du programme routier du gouvernement dans le cadre du Plan National de Développement (PND) 2020-2025 devrait stimuler la croissance de la demande dans les trimestres à venir.

    Efficacité opérationnelle

    Les marges de raffinage favorables ont considérablement boosté la marge brute et la rentabilité globale de SMB. La capacité de l’entreprise à capitaliser sur les opportunités d’exportation a atténué l’impact de la réduction des ventes nationales.

    Perspectives d’avenir

    SMB est bien positionnée pour bénéficier de l’augmentation anticipée de la demande nationale de bitume à mesure que les projets d’infrastructure du gouvernement prendront de l’ampleur. L’accent mis sur l’efficacité opérationnelle et l’expansion stratégique du marché soutiendra la croissance durable.

    Performance boursière de SMB

    SMB Côte d’Ivoire est actuellement la 21e action la plus valorisée de la BRVM avec une capitalisation boursière de 100 milliards de FCFA, soit environ 1,13 % du marché boursier.

    SMB a commencé l’année avec un prix de l’action de 10 530 FCFA et a depuis gagné 22 % sur cette valorisation, la classant neuvième sur la BRVM en termes de performance depuis le début de l’année.

    Il est important de noter que l’action a accumulé 7 % au cours des quatre dernières semaines, la septième meilleure performance sur cette période.

    Ce que cela signifie pour les investisseurs

    La performance de SMB au T1 2024 met en évidence la résilience et le potentiel de l’industrie du bitume en Côte d’Ivoire. La capacité de l’entreprise à réaliser une forte rentabilité malgré des défis en matière de revenus souligne son cadre opérationnel robuste et son sens stratégique.

    Pour les investisseurs potentiels, SMB présente une opportunité d’investissement convaincante. Les solides performances financières de l’entreprise, sa gestion efficace des coûts et son accent stratégique sur l’expansion du marché en font une option attrayante pour ceux qui cherchent à investir dans le secteur de la construction et des infrastructures en Afrique.

    Les investisseurs peuvent facilement acheter et négocier des actions de la BRVM telles que SMB en utilisant la plateforme mobile Daba. Elle offre un moyen pratique d’investir dans des actions performantes sur la BRVM, offrant un accès à des marchés dynamiques et en forte croissance.

    Avec Daba Pro, nos investisseurs repèrent des opportunités dans des actions comme celle-ci avant qu’elles ne montent en flèche, leur assurant de rester en avance sur le marché et de prendre des décisions d’investissement éclairées. Cliquez ici pour vous abonner maintenant.

    Conclusion

    Le rapport du T1 2024 de SMB reflète une solide santé financière avec une croissance significative du résultat des activités ordinaires et du résultat net. La gestion efficace des coûts de l’entreprise et son accent stratégique sur l’amélioration des marges de raffinage et la capitalisation sur les opportunités d’exportation la positionnent bien pour un succès continu.

    Pour les investisseurs, les performances impressionnantes de la société et ses initiatives stratégiques soulignent son potentiel de croissance et de rentabilité à long terme.

    Des plateformes comme Daba offrent un moyen pratique d’investir dans SMB et d’autres actions performantes de la BRVM, offrant un accès à des opportunités d’investissement prometteuses sur les marchés dynamiques de l’Afrique.

    Embrassez l’avenir de la croissance économique de l’Afrique et explorez les nombreuses opportunités d’investissement disponibles sur ce continent résilient et prometteur avec Daba.

  • SMB Improves Bottom Line Despite Dip in Revenue

    SMB Improves Bottom Line Despite Dip in Revenue

    Inside Société Multinationale de Bitumes (SMB) Côte d’Ivoire’s activity report for the first quarter of 2024.

    Despite facing a slight dip in revenue due to the conclusion of projects related to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON or CAN in French) 2023, the company showed resilience and strong profitability.

    In the following, we dive into SMB’s financial performance and its significance for potential investors.

    Financial Highlights

    Key Financial Metrics:

    Revenue (Chiffre d’affaires):

    • Q1 2024: 70,179
    • Q1 2023: 72,331
    • Change: -3% (2,152)

    Operating Income (Résultat des activités ordinaires):

    • Q1 2024: 4,447
    • Q1 2023: 3,502
    • Change: +27% (945)

    Net Income (Résultat net):

    • Q1 2024: 2,922
    • Q1 2023: 2,553
    • Change: +14.5% (369)

    Key Insights

    Revenue Analysis

    SMB’s revenue for Q1 2024 decreased by 3% compared to Q1 2023, primarily due to the decline in bitumen sales on the national market following the completion of AFCON 2023-related projects.

    However, the export market helped offset this decline, reducing the overall impact on revenue.

    Profitability

    Despite the drop in revenue, SMB achieved an impressive 27% increase in operating income, reaching 4,447 million FCFA.

    This significant growth is attributed to a more favorable economic context for refining, with a margin indicator of $5.96 per barrel compared to $2.37 per barrel in Q1 2023.

    Net income also rose by 14.5%, reaching 2,922 million FCFA. This growth reflects effective cost management and improved profitability in the face of challenging market conditions.

    Strategic Outlook for SMB

    Market Dynamics

    The national demand for bitumen decreased in Q1 2024 due to the completion of AFCON 2023 projects. However, the implementation of the government’s road program as part of the National Development Plan (PND) 2020-2025 is expected to drive demand growth in the upcoming quarters.

    Operational Efficiency

    The favorable refining margins have significantly boosted SMB’s gross margin and overall profitability. The company’s ability to capitalize on export opportunities has mitigated the impact of reduced national sales.

    Future Prospects

    SMB remains well-positioned to benefit from the anticipated increase in national bitumen demand as the government’s infrastructure projects gain momentum. The focus on operational efficiency and strategic market expansion will support sustained growth.

    SMB CI Stock Performance

    SMB Côte d’Ivoire is currently the 21st most valuable stock on the BRVM with a market capitalization of XOF 100 billion, which is about 1.13% of the stock market.

    SMB began the year with a share price of 10,530 XOF and has since gained 22% on that price valuation, ranking it ninth on the BRVM in terms of year-to-date performance.

    Important to note that the stock has accrued 7% over the past four-week period, the seventh best over that period.

    What This Means For Investors

    SMB’s performance in Q1 2024 highlights the resilience and potential of the bitumen industry in Côte d’Ivoire. The company’s ability to achieve strong profitability despite revenue challenges underscores its robust operational framework and strategic acumen.

    For potential investors, SMB presents a compelling investment opportunity. The company’s solid financial performance, effective cost management, and strategic focus on market expansion make it an attractive option for those looking to invest in the African construction and infrastructure sector.

    Investors can easily buy and trade BRVM stocks like SMB using the Daba mobile platform. It offers a convenient way to invest in high-performing stocks on the BRVM, providing access to dynamic and rapidly growing markets.

    With Daba Pro, our investors spot opportunities in stocks like this before they rally, ensuring they stay ahead of the market and make informed investment decisions. Tap here to subscribe now.

    Conclusion

    SMB’s Q1 2024 report reflects strong financial health with significant growth in operating and net income. The company’s effective cost management and strategic focus on enhancing refining margins and capitalizing on export opportunities position it well for continued success.

    For investors, the company’s impressive stock performance and strategic initiatives highlight its potential for long-term growth and profitability.

    Platforms like Daba offer a convenient way to invest in SMB and other high-performing BRVM stocks, providing access to promising investment opportunities in Africa’s dynamic markets.

    Embrace the future of Africa’s economic growth and explore the myriad investment opportunities available in this resilient and promising continent with Daba.

  • SIBC au T1 2024 : Une solide performance dans un marché dynamique

    SIBC au T1 2024 : Une solide performance dans un marché dynamique

    La Société Ivoirienne de Banque (SIBC) a publié son rapport d’activité pour le premier trimestre 2024.

    Malgré des conditions économiques difficiles, la banque a démontré sa résilience avec des indicateurs clés de rentabilité en croissance par rapport au premier trimestre 2023.

    Cette analyse offre un regard approfondi sur la performance financière de la SIBC et ses perspectives stratégiques pour les investisseurs potentiels.

    Points financiers marquants

    Principaux indicateurs financiers :

    Produit Net Bancaire :

    • T1 2024 : 24,0
    • T1 2023 : 23,7
    • Variation : +2 % (0,6)

    Résultat avant impôts :

    • T1 2024 : 14,0
    • T1 2023 : 14,3
    • Variation : -2 % (0,3)

    Résultat net :

    • T1 2024 : 12,0
    • T1 2023 : 11,6
    • Variation : +6 % (0,7)

    Les valeurs sont en milliards de FCFA.

    Principaux points à retenir

    Croissance des revenus :

    SIBC a atteint un Produit Net Bancaire de 24 milliards FCFA au T1 2024, reflétant une augmentation de 2 % par rapport au T1 2023. Cette croissance est principalement due à la solide performance de la marge d’intérêt client et des commissions de service.

    Rentabilité :

    Le résultat net de la banque a atteint 12 milliards FCFA, marquant une augmentation de 6 % par rapport au T1 2023. Cette amélioration est attribuée à une gestion efficace des coûts et à une gestion robuste des risques.

    Gestion des coûts :

    La légère baisse du résultat avant impôts (-2 %) indique des défis dans le maintien de la rentabilité avant impôts. Cependant, la croissance positive du résultat net global suggère que la banque a bien géré ses dépenses opérationnelles et maintenu une structure de coûts solide.

    Perspectives stratégiques

    Dynamique commerciale :

    La SIBC continue de montrer un fort dynamisme commercial, comme en témoigne la croissance régulière du Produit Net Bancaire. L’accent mis sur l’amélioration des marges d’intérêt client et des commissions de service a été un facteur clé de ce succès.

    Gestion des risques :

    Une gestion efficace des coûts opérationnels et le maintien d’un coût du risque stable ont contribué de manière significative à la rentabilité de la banque. Cela démontre la capacité de la SIBC à naviguer efficacement dans des conditions économiques difficiles.

    Perspectives d’avenir :

    Les équipes de la SIBC restent déterminées à atteindre les objectifs financiers pour l’exercice en cours. Le maintien de la croissance des revenus, la gestion des coûts et le contrôle des risques positionnent bien la banque pour une rentabilité durable.

    Performance boursière de la SIBC

    La Société Ivoirienne de Banque (SIBC) est actuellement la cinquième action la plus valorisée de la BRVM avec une capitalisation boursière de 336 milliards FCFA, soit environ 3,79 % de l’ensemble du marché.

    SIBC a commencé l’année avec un prix de l’action de 5 350 FCFA et a depuis gagné 25,6 % sur cette valorisation, la classant huitième sur la BRVM en termes de performance depuis le début de l’année.

    Cette performance boursière impressionnante reflète les solides résultats financiers de la banque. Les actionnaires peuvent être optimistes quant aux perspectives futures de la SIBC compte tenu de sa trajectoire de croissance solide.

    Société Ivoirienne de Banque (SIBC) is currently the fifth most valuable stock on the BRVM with a market capitalization of XOF 336 billion

    Ce que cela signifie pour les investisseurs potentiels

    La solide performance de la SIBC au T1 2024 souligne la résilience et le potentiel du secteur bancaire ivoirien.

    La capacité de la banque à réaliser une croissance des revenus et à améliorer sa rentabilité malgré des défis économiques met en évidence son cadre opérationnel solide et son sens stratégique.

    Pour les investisseurs potentiels, la SIBC présente une opportunité d’investissement prometteuse. Les solides performances financières de la banque, sa gestion efficace des coûts et son accent stratégique sur l’amélioration des revenus en font une option attrayante pour ceux qui cherchent à investir dans le secteur bancaire africain.

    Les investisseurs peuvent facilement acheter et négocier des actions de la BRVM telles que la SIBC en utilisant la plateforme mobile Daba. Daba offre un moyen pratique d’investir dans des actions performantes sur la BRVM, offrant un accès à des marchés dynamiques et en forte croissance.

    Alors que certains investisseurs ont peut-être manqué ce rallye, Daba Pro est conçu pour vous aider à repérer des opportunités comme celle-ci à l’avance, vous assurant de rester en avance sur le marché et de prendre des décisions d’investissement éclairées.

    Conclusion

    Le rapport du T1 2024 de la SIBC reflète une solide santé financière avec une croissance significative du résultat net et une expansion régulière des revenus. La gestion efficace des coûts de la banque et son accent stratégique sur l’amélioration des marges client et des commissions de service la positionnent bien pour un succès continu.

    Pour les investisseurs, les performances impressionnantes de la société et ses initiatives stratégiques soulignent son potentiel de croissance et de rentabilité à long terme. Des plateformes comme Daba offrent un moyen pratique d’investir dans la SIBC et d’autres actions performantes de la BRVM, offrant un accès à des opportunités d’investissement prometteuses sur les marchés dynamiques de l’Afrique.

    Embrassez l’avenir de la croissance économique de l’Afrique et explorez les nombreuses opportunités d’investissement disponibles sur ce continent résilient et prometteur avec Daba.

  • SIBC in Q1 2024: Strong Showing in a Dynamic Market

    SIBC in Q1 2024: Strong Showing in a Dynamic Market

    Société Ivoirienne de Banque (SIBC) has published its activity report for the first quarter of 2024.

    Despite challenging economic conditions, the bank has demonstrated resilience with key profitability indicators showing growth compared to the first quarter of 2023.

    This analysis provides an in-depth look at SIBC’s financial performance and strategic outlook for potential investors.

    Financial Highlights

    Key Financial Metrics:

    Net Banking Income (Produit Net Bancaire):

    • Q1 2024: 24.0
    • Q1 2023: 23.7
    • Change: +2% (0.6)

    Pre-Tax Income (Résultat avant impôts):

    • Q1 2024: 14.0
    • Q1 2023: 14.3
    • Change: -2% (0.3)

    Net Income (Résultat net):

    • Q1 2024: 12.0
    • Q1 2023: 11.6
    • Change: +6% (0.7)

    Values are in billions of FCFA.

    Key Insights

    Revenue Growth:

    SIBC achieved a Net Banking Income of 24 billion FCFA in Q1 2024, reflecting a 2% increase compared to Q1 2023. This growth is primarily driven by the strong performance of the client interest margin and service commissions.

    Profitability:

    The bank’s net income reached 12 billion FCFA, marking a 6% increase over Q1 2023. This improvement is attributed to effective cost control and robust risk management.

    Cost Management:

    The slight decline in pre-tax income (-2%) indicates challenges in maintaining pre-tax profitability. However, the overall positive net income growth suggests that the bank managed its operating expenses well and maintained a strong cost structure.

    Strategic Outlook

    Commercial Dynamics:

    SIBC continues to exhibit strong commercial momentum, as evidenced by the steady growth in Net Banking Income. The focus on enhancing client interest margins and service commissions has been a key driver of this success.

    Risk Management:

    Effective management of operating costs and maintaining a stable risk cost have contributed significantly to the bank’s profitability. This demonstrates SIBC’s capability to navigate challenging economic conditions effectively.

    Future Prospects:

    SIBC’s teams remain committed to achieving the financial objectives for the ongoing fiscal year. The continued focus on revenue growth, cost management, and risk control positions the bank well for sustained profitability.

    SIBC Stock Performance

    Société Ivoirienne de Banque (SIBC) is currently the fifth most valuable stock on the BRVM with a market capitalization of XOF 336 billion, which is about 3.79% of the entire market.

    SIBC began the year with a share price of 5,350 XOF and has since gained 25.6% on that price valuation, ranking it eighth on the BRVM in terms of year-to-date performance.

    This impressive stock performance mirrors the bank’s strong financial results. Shareholders can be optimistic about SIBC’s future prospects given its solid growth trajectory.

    What This Means for Potential Investors

    SIBC’s robust performance in Q1 2024 underscores the resilience and potential of the Ivorian banking sector.

    The bank’s ability to achieve revenue growth and improve profitability despite economic challenges highlights its strong operational framework and strategic acumen.

    For potential investors, SIBC presents a promising investment opportunity. The bank’s solid financial performance, effective cost management, and strategic focus on revenue enhancement make it an attractive option for those looking to invest in the African banking sector.

    Investors can easily buy and trade BRVM stocks like SIBC using the Daba mobile platform. Daba offers a convenient way to invest in high-performing stocks on the BRVM, providing access to dynamic and rapidly growing markets.

    While some investors may have missed out on this rally, Daba Pro is designed to help you spot opportunities like this beforehand, ensuring you stay ahead of the market and make informed investment decisions.

    Conclusion

    SIBC’s Q1 2024 report reflects strong financial health with significant growth in net income and steady revenue expansion. The bank’s effective cost management and strategic focus on enhancing client margins and service commissions position it well for continued success.

    For investors, the company’s impressive performance and strategic initiatives highlight its potential for long-term growth and profitability. Platforms like Daba offer a convenient way to invest in SIBC and other high-performing BRVM stocks, providing access to promising investment opportunities in Africa’s dynamic markets.

    Embrace the future of Africa’s economic growth and explore the myriad investment opportunities available in this resilient and promising continent with Daba.

  • Les plus grandes entreprises de la BRVM : À l’intérieur des leaders du marché boursier d’Afrique de l’Ouest

    Les plus grandes entreprises de la BRVM : À l’intérieur des leaders du marché boursier d’Afrique de l’Ouest

    La BRVM de l’Afrique de l’Ouest présente des leaders du marché diversifiés, avec des géants des télécommunications et des banques dominant le top 10 par capitalisation boursière à travers plusieurs pays.

    La Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières (BRVM) est la bourse régionale de l’Afrique de l’Ouest, desservant huit pays de la zone UEMOA francophone.

    Au 11 juillet 2024, la bourse héberge une gamme diversifiée d’entreprises dans divers secteurs. Cet article explore les 10 principales entreprises par capitalisation boursière, offrant un aperçu des secteurs diversifiés qui stimulent la croissance économique en Afrique de l’Ouest.

    Avant de plonger dans la liste, il convient de noter que les investisseurs du monde entier peuvent désormais facilement accéder à ces actions de la BRVM via la plateforme de Daba, ouvrant ainsi des opportunités passionnantes sur ce marché dynamique.

    De plus, voici quelques points clés à noter :

    Dominance du marché : Les deux premières entreprises dépassent de manière significative les autres en termes de capitalisation boursière.

    Diversité sectorielle : La liste comprend des entreprises de télécommunications, des banques et de biens de consommation.

    Répartition géographique : Bien que la Côte d’Ivoire domine, des entreprises du Sénégal, du Burkina Faso et du Togo sont également représentées.

    A lire aussi : Les meilleures actions de la BRVM : Récapitulatif du marché au premier semestre 2024

    Maintenant, explorons ces leaders du marché en détail :

    1. Sonatel SN (SNTS) – 1,98T FCFA

    Sonatel SA (Sonatel) est un fournisseur de solutions de télécommunications. L’entreprise fournit des services mobiles, Internet, télévision, argent mobile, large bande, orange money et données pour les particuliers et les entreprises. Elle propose également des services mobiles comprenant la voix, les données, l’accès et les VPN.

    Sonatel Sénégal est actuellement l’action la plus précieuse avec une capitalisation boursière de 1,98 trillion FCFA, soit environ 22,9 % du marché boursier de la BRVM. L’action a commencé l’année à un prix de 17 980 FCFA et a depuis gagné 10,1 %, se classant 20e par croissance du prix des actions depuis le début de l’année.

    2. Orange CI (ORAC) – 1,82T FCFA

    Orange Côte d’Ivoire est actuellement la deuxième entreprise la plus précieuse avec une capitalisation boursière de 1,82 trillion FCFA, soit environ 21 % du marché des actions.

    Le Groupe Orange Côte d’Ivoire (Groupe OCI) est une entreprise de télécommunications intégrée qui offre des solutions dans les domaines de l’Internet fixe et mobile, des services de paiement mobile et des données pour les particuliers et les entreprises.

    Le Groupe OCI est sous l’égide d’Orange, la multinationale française des télécommunications présente dans 28 pays, qui détient la majorité des actions, soit 74 %, via ses deux filiales.

    Son prix en janvier de 10 900 FCFA a depuis gagné 11 % cette année, se classant 19e sur la BRVM par appréciation du prix. De plus, l’action a accru de 8 % au cours des quatre dernières semaines, se classant septième sur la BRVM.

    3. Société Générale CI (SGBC) – 614B FCFA

    SGB Côte d’Ivoire se classe troisième sur la BRVM avec une capitalisation boursière de 614 milliards FCFA, représentant 7,1 % de la bourse. Son prix de l’action a augmenté de 23 % cette année, passant de 16 050 FCFA, la plaçant septième en termes de performance annuelle.

    Société Générale offre des produits et services bancaires et financiers aux particuliers et aux institutions corporatives. Le portefeuille de la banque comprend des comptes courants et d’épargne, des polices d’assurance, des prêts à la consommation, des facilités de crédit, des cartes de crédit ainsi que des solutions de banque électronique.

    4. Ecobank CI (ECOC) – 380B FCFA

    Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire occupe la quatrième place, avec une valeur de 380 milliards FCFA ou 4,39 % de la BRVM. Partant de 6 800 FCFA, ses actions ont gagné 1,47 %, se classant 25e en termes de croissance annuelle.

    Ecobank fournit des services bancaires commerciaux, privés et de gros. La banque a été fondée en 1989 et est basée à Abidjan, en Côte d’Ivoire. Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire opère en tant que filiale d’Ecobank Transnational Incorporated.

    5. Coris Bank International BF (CBIBF) – 333B FCFA

    Coris Bank International est cinquième, avec une valeur de 333 milliards FCFA ou 3,85 % du marché. Ses actions ont grimpé de 11,8 % par rapport à 9 300 FCFA, la plaçant 18e en termes de performance annuelle.

    Coris Bank fournit des produits et services bancaires aux particuliers, entreprises et ONG/associations au Burkina Faso. Elle a été fondée en 2008 et est basée à Ouagadougou.

    L’entreprise offre des comptes courants, d’épargne et de liquidités ; des obligations ; des cartes bancaires ; des services de banque par SMS ; des prêts en espèces ; des crédits immobiliers, d’exploitation et d’investissement ; et des transactions de change, des transferts et des services de relevé électronique, ainsi que l’exploitation d’E-CORIS.

    6. Société Ivoirienne De Banque CI (SIBC) – 328B FCFA

    La Société Ivoirienne de Banque est sixième avec 328 milliards FCFA, soit environ 3,79 % de la BRVM. Son action est passée de 5 350 FCFA à une hausse de 22,6 %, se classant huitième en termes de gains annuels.

    La Société Ivoirienne De Banque Côte d’Ivoire est un prestataire de services bancaires. Ses principales activités commerciales incluent la fourniture de services bancaires et financiers aux particuliers, professionnels, PME et entreprises.

    7. Ecobank Transnational Incorporated TG (ETIT) – 307B FCFA

    Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, avec ses filiales, fournit des services bancaires de détail, d’entreprise et d’investissement en Afrique et à l’international. La société opère à travers les segments Corporate & Investment Bank, Commercial Banking et Consumer.

    Ecobank Transnational Inc occupe la septième position sur la BRVM, avec une valeur marchande de 307 milliards FCFA. Cela représente environ 3,55 % du total du marché de la BRVM.

    L’action de la société a commencé l’année à 19 FCFA par action mais a depuis diminué de 10,5 %. Cette performance la place 38e sur la BRVM en termes de mouvement annuel des actions.

    8. Onatel BF (ONTBF) – 196B FCFA

    Onatel Burkina Faso est huitième, avec une valeur de 196 milliards FCFA ou 2,26 % de la bourse. Ses actions ont bondi de 26,3 %, passant de 2 280 FCFA, la plaçant cinquième en termes de croissance annuelle.

    Onatel propose des services de communication vocale, de réseau de revendeurs, de services adaptés et de communications de données tels que l’hébergement de sites web, les e-mails, la maintenance et les réseaux d’équipements.

    9. Bici CI (BICC) – 165B FCFA

    La Banque Internationale pour le Commerce et l’Industrie de Côte d’Ivoire SA, anciennement connue sous le nom de Banque Internationale pour le Commerce et l’Industrie de la Côte d’Ivoire (BICICI), est une banque basée en Côte d’Ivoire. Elle offre des produits et services bancaires et financiers aux particuliers et aux institutions corporatives.

    BICI Côte d’Ivoire se classe neuvième avec une capitalisation boursière de 165 milliards FCFA, soit 1,9 % de la BRVM. Partant de 7 490 FCFA, son action a grimpé de 32 %, la deuxième meilleure performance annuelle.

    A lire aussi : BICICI au premier trimestre 2024 : Des points positifs pour les investisseurs du secteur bancaire

    10. Nestle CI (NTLC) – 163B FCFA

    Nestlé SA est une entreprise de nutrition, de santé et de bien-être, qui s’engage dans la fabrication, la fourniture et la production de plats préparés et d’aides culinaires, de produits à base de lait, de produits pharmaceutiques et ophtalmiques, d’aliments pour bébés et de céréales.

    Nestlé Côte d’Ivoire complète le top 10 avec 163 milliards FCFA, représentant 1,89 % de la valeur totale de la BRVM.

    Pour les investisseurs souhaitant capitaliser sur le potentiel de croissance de ces leaders du marché ouest-africain, Daba permet aux investisseurs du monde entier d’acheter et de négocier des actions de la BRVM, offrant ainsi un accès à ce marché dynamique.

    Analyse sectorielle des plus grandes entreprises de la BRVM

    La domination bancaire

    Un examen plus attentif de la liste des 10 premières révèle la forte présence des institutions bancaires. Cette domination sectorielle reflète le rôle crucial des services financiers dans la stimulation de la croissance économique dans la région.

    Les investisseurs intéressés par l’exposition au secteur bancaire de l’Afrique de l’Ouest peuvent utiliser la plateforme de Daba pour construire un portefeuille diversifié de ces principales institutions.

    Télécommunications : un moteur de croissance clé

    La présence de grands acteurs des télécommunications comme Sonatel, Orange CI et Onatel BF dans le top 10 souligne l’importance de ce secteur dans l’économie de la région. Alors que la transformation numérique continue de s’accélérer en Afrique de l’Ouest, ces entreprises sont bien positionnées pour une croissance future.

    Biens de consommation : la forte présence de Nestlé

    L’inclusion de Nestlé CI dans le top 10 met en évidence le potentiel du secteur des biens de consommation en Afrique de l’Ouest. Avec une classe moyenne en croissance et une urbanisation croissante, les entreprises répondant aux besoins des consommateurs devraient continuer à croître.

    Aperçus géographiques

    Alors que les entreprises basées en Côte d’Ivoire dominent la liste, la présence de sociétés du Sénégal, du Burkina Faso et du Togo démontre la nature véritablement régionale de la BRVM. Cette diversité offre aux investisseurs la possibilité d’obtenir une exposition à plusieurs économies ouest-africaines par le biais d’une seule bourse.

    Pour les investisseurs recherchant des informations et des analyses plus approfondies pour éclairer leurs décisions d’investissement à la BRVM, Daba Pro offre un service premium. Cela inclut des recommandations d’actions hebdomadaires, permettant aux utilisateurs d’investir avec une plus grande confiance sur ce marché émergent.

    Répartition de la capitalisation boursière

    Les chiffres de la capitalisation boursière révèlent un écart significatif entre les deux premières entreprises et le reste de la liste.

    Cette concentration de la valeur du marché dans les géants des télécommunications Sonatel et Orange CI suggère que ces entreprises jouent un rôle disproportionné dans la performance globale de la BRVM.

    Considérations sur la monnaie

    Toutes les capitalisations boursières sont fournies en FCFA (franc CFA), la monnaie commune utilisée par les entreprises cotées à la BRVM, qui est également indexée sur l’euro français.

    Cette stabilité monétaire à travers plusieurs pays est une caractéristique unique de l’investissement à la BRVM, réduisant potentiellement le risque de change pour les investisseurs internationaux.

    Perspectives d’avenir : potentiel de croissance

    Les entreprises figurant sur cette liste représentent certaines des entreprises les plus établies et les plus prospères d’Afrique de l’Ouest. Cependant, le potentiel économique de la région suggère qu’il pourrait y avoir des opportunités de croissance significatives à venir.

    Alors que les économies ouest-africaines continuent de se développer et de se moderniser, ces leaders du marché sont bien positionnés pour bénéficier de l’augmentation des dépenses des consommateurs, du développement des infrastructures et des initiatives d’inclusion financière.

    La BRVM offre une fenêtre unique sur le paysage économique de l’Afrique de l’Ouest francophone. Des géants des télécommunications aux puissances bancaires en passant par les leaders des biens de consommation, les principales entreprises de la bourse reflètent les diverses opportunités de cette région dynamique.

    A lire aussi : BRVM : la porte d’entrée vers le potentiel de l’Afrique de l’Ouest

    Pour les investisseurs cherchant à tirer parti de ce potentiel, Daba supprime les barrières, permettant un accès sans faille aux actions de la BRVM. Que vous soyez un investisseur chevronné ou que vous commenciez à explorer les marchés ouest-africains, notre interface conviviale et les analyses avancées de Daba Pro peuvent vous aider à naviguer avec confiance dans ce paysage d’investissement passionnant.

    Comme toujours, les investisseurs potentiels doivent mener des recherches approfondies et envisager de demander des conseils professionnels avant de prendre des décisions d’investissement. Le marché ouest-africain, bien que plein de potentiel, comporte son propre ensemble unique de risques et de défis qui doivent être soigneusement évalués.

  • The Largest Companies on the BRVM: Inside West Africa Stock Market Leaders

    The Largest Companies on the BRVM: Inside West Africa Stock Market Leaders

    West Africa’s BRVM showcases diverse market leaders, with telecom and banking giants dominating the top 10 by market cap across multiple countries.

    The Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières (BRVM) is West Africa’s regional stock exchange, serving eight countries in the French-speaking WAEMU zone.

    As of July 11, 2024, the exchange hosts a diverse range of companies across various sectors. This article explores the top 10 companies by market capitalization, offering insights into the diverse sectors driving economic growth in West Africa.

    Before we dive into the list, it’s worth noting that investors from anywhere can now easily access these BRVM stocks through Daba’s platform, opening up exciting opportunities in this dynamic market.

    In addition, let’s set the stage with some brief key insights:

    Market Dominance: The top two companies significantly outpace the rest in terms of market capitalization.

    Sector Diversity: The list includes telecommunications, banking, and consumer goods companies.

    Geographic Spread: While Côte d’Ivoire dominates, companies from Senegal, Burkina Faso, and Togo are also represented.

    Also Read: Best Performing Stocks on BRVM: H1 2024 Market Recap

    Now, let’s explore these market leaders in detail:

    1. Sonatel SN (SNTS) – 1.98T FCFA

    Sonatel SA (Sonatel) is a provider of telecommunications solutions. The company provides mobile, Internet, television, mobile money, broadband, orange money, and data sectors for individual and business use. It also provides mobile services, which consist of voice, data, access and VPN.

    Sonatel Senegal is currently the most valuable stock with a market capitalization of 1.98 trillion FCFA, about 22.9% of the BRVM Stock Exchange equity market. The stock began the year at a share price of 17,980 FCFA and has since gained 10.1%, ranking 20th by year-to-date share price growth.

    2. Orange CI (ORAC) – 1.82T FCFA

    Orange Côte d’Ivoire is currently the second most valuable company with a market capitalization of 1.82 trillion FCFA, about 21% of the equity market.

    The Orange Côte d’Ivoire Group (OCI Group) is an integrated telecommunications company that offers solutions in the areas of fixed and mobile internet, mobile payment services, and data to individuals and businesses.

    The OCI Group is under the umbrella of Orange, the French multinational telecommunications company present in 28 countries, which holds the majority of shares, 74%, through its two subsidiaries.

    Its January share price of 10,900 FCFA has since gained 11% so far this year, ranking it 19th on the BRVM by price appreciation. More so, the stock has accrued 8% over the past four-week period—seventh best on BRVM.

    3. Societe Generale CI (SGBC) – 614B FCFA

    SGB Côte d’Ivoire ranks third on the BRVM with a market cap of 614 billion FCFA, representing 7.1% of the exchange. Its share price rose 23% this year from 16,050 FCFA, placing it seventh in year-to-date performance.

    Societe Generale offers banking and financial products and services to individuals and corporate institutions. The Bank’s portfolio includes current and saving accounts, insurance policies, consumer loans, credit facilities, credit cards, as well as electronic banking solutions.

    4. Ecobank CI (ECOC) – 380B FCFA

    Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire holds the fourth spot, valued at 380 billion FCFA or 4.39% of the BRVM. Starting at 6,800 FCFA, its shares gained 1.47%, ranking 25th in year-to-date growth.

    Ecobank provides commercial, private, and wholesale banking services. The bank was founded in 1989 and is based in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire operates as a subsidiary of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated.

    5. Coris Bank International BF (CBIBF) – 333B FCFA

    Coris Bank International is fifth, worth 333 billion FCFA or 3.85% of the market. Its shares climbed 11.8% from 9,300 FCFA, putting it 18th in yearly performance.

    Coris Bank International SA provides banking products and services to individual, business, and NGO/association customers in Burkina Faso. It was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Ouagadougou.

    The company offers checking, savings, and money accounts; bonds; bank cards; SMS banking services; cash loans; real estate, operating, and investment credits; and foreign exchange transactions, transfers, and e-statement services, as well as operates E-CORIS.

    6. Societe Ivoirienne De Banque CI (SIBC) – 328B FCFA

    Societe Ivoirienne de Banque sits sixth at 328 billion FCFA, about 3.79% of the BRVM. From 5,350 FCFA, its stock rose 22.6%, ranking eighth in year-to-date gains.

    Societe Ivoirienne De Banque Cote d’Ivoire is a banking service provider. Its principal business activities include providing banking and financial services to individuals, professionals, SMEs, and enterprises.

    7. Ecobank Transnational Incorporated TG (ETIT) – 307B FCFA

    Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, together with its subsidiaries, provides retail, corporate, and investment banking services in Africa and internationally. The company operates through Corporate & Investment Bank, Commercial Banking, and Consumer segments.

    Ecobank Transnational Inc holds the seventh position on the BRVM, with a market value of 307 billion FCFA. This represents about 3.55% of the total BRVM market.

    The company’s stock began the year at 19 FCFA per share but has since declined by 10.5%. This performance places it 38th on the BRVM in terms of year-to-date stock movement.

    8. Onatel BF (ONTBF) – 196B FCFA

    Onatel Burkina Faso is eighth, valued at 196 billion FCFA or 2.26% of the exchange. Its shares surged 26.3% from 2,280 FCFA, placing fifth in yearly growth.

    Onatel offers voice, dealer network, services adapted, and data communications services such as website hosting, email, maintenance, and equipment networks.

    9. Bici CI (BICC) – 165B FCFA

    Banque Internationale pour le Commerce et l Industrie de Cote d Ivoire SA, formerly known as Banque Internationale Pour le Commerce et l’Industrie De la Cote d’Ivoire (BICICI) is an Ivory Coast-based bank. It offers banking and financial products and services to individuals and corporate institutions.

    BICI Côte d’Ivoire ranks ninth with a 165 billion FCFA market cap, 1.9% of the BRVM. Starting at 7,490 FCFA, its stock jumped 32%, second-best in year-to-date performance.

    Also Read: BICICI in Q1 2024: Positives for Banking Sector Investors

    10. Nestle CI (NTLC) – 163B FCFA

    Nestlé SA is a nutrition, health, and wellness company, which engages in the manufacture, supply, and production of prepared dishes and cooking aids, milk-based products, pharmaceuticals and ophthalmic goods, baby foods, and cereals.

    Nestle Côte d’Ivoire rounds out the top 10 at 163 billion FCFA, comprising 1.89% of the BRVM’s total value.

    For investors looking to capitalize on the growth potential of these West African market leaders, Daba enables investors from anywhere to buy and trade BRVM stocks, providing access to this dynamic market.

    Sector Analysis of BRVM’s Largest Companies

    Banking Dominance

    A closer look at the top 10 list reveals the strong presence of banking institutions. This sector’s dominance reflects the crucial role of financial services in driving economic growth across the region.

    Investors interested in gaining exposure to West Africa’s banking sector can leverage Daba’s platform to build a diversified portfolio of these leading institutions.

    Telecommunications: A Key Growth Driver

    The presence of major telecom players like Sonatel, Orange CI, and Onatel BF in the top 10 underscores the importance of this sector in the region’s economy. As digital transformation continues to accelerate across West Africa, these companies are well-positioned for future growth.

    Consumer Goods: Nestle’s Strong Presence

    Nestle CI’s inclusion in the top 10 highlights the potential of the consumer goods sector in West Africa. With a growing middle class and increasing urbanization, companies catering to consumer needs are likely to see continued growth.

    Geographical Insights

    While Côte d’Ivoire-based companies dominate the list, the presence of firms from Senegal, Burkina Faso, and Togo demonstrates the truly regional nature of the BRVM. This diversity offers investors the opportunity to gain exposure to multiple West African economies through a single exchange.

    For investors seeking deeper insights and analysis to inform their BRVM investment decisions, Daba Pro offers a premium service. This includes weekly stock recommendations, empowering users to invest with greater confidence in this emerging market.

    Market Capitalization Spread

    The market capitalization figures reveal a significant gap between the top two companies and the rest of the list.

    This concentration of market value in telecommunications giants Sonatel and Orange CI suggests these companies play an outsized role in the BRVM’s overall performance.

    Currency Considerations

    All market capitalization figures are provided in FCFA (CFA Franc), the common currency used by BRVM-listed companies which is also pegged to the French Euro.

    This currency stability across multiple countries is a unique feature of investing in the BRVM, potentially reducing currency risk for international investors.

    Looking Ahead: Growth Potential

    The companies featured in this list represent some of the most established and successful businesses in West Africa. However, the region’s economic potential suggests there may be significant growth opportunities ahead.

    As West African economies continue to develop and modernize, these market leaders are well-positioned to benefit from increased consumer spending, infrastructure development, and financial inclusion initiatives.

    The BRVM offers a unique window into the economic landscape of francophone West Africa. From telecommunications giants to banking powerhouses and consumer goods leaders, the exchange’s top companies reflect the diverse opportunities in this dynamic region.

    Also Read: BRVM: The Gateway to West Africa’s Potential

    For investors looking to tap into this potential, Daba breaks down barriers, allowing seamless access to BRVM stocks. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting to explore West African markets, our user-friendly interface and Daba Pro’s advanced insights can help you navigate this exciting investment landscape with confidence.

    As always, potential investors should conduct thorough research and consider seeking professional advice before making investment decisions. The West African market, while full of potential, comes with its own unique set of risks and challenges that should be carefully evaluated.

  • De Lagos à Lilongwe : Le chemin rocailleux de Starlink pour connecter l’Afrique

    De Lagos à Lilongwe : Le chemin rocailleux de Starlink pour connecter l’Afrique

    Starlink se développe rapidement à travers l’Afrique pour connecter des millions de personnes. Cependant, l’entreprise doit naviguer à travers un labyrinthe complexe d’obstacles réglementaires.

    Dans l’immensité de l’Afrique, où l’infrastructure Internet traditionnelle a longtemps eu du mal à suivre les normes mondiales de connectivité, un nouvel acteur fait sensation.

    Starlink, le fournisseur de large bande par satellite opéré par SpaceX d’Elon Musk, étend rapidement son empreinte sur le continent africain, promettant de combler le fossé numérique qui a empêché des millions de personnes de participer pleinement à l’économie numérique mondiale.

    L’Afrique a le taux de pénétration Internet le plus bas avec 39 % de la population, contre une moyenne mondiale de près de 60 %.

    Il existe également de grandes différences d’accès à Internet entre les zones rurales et urbaines ; l’utilisation des smartphones dans les zones urbaines dépasse celle des zones rurales de près de 200 % dans certains pays.

    En mai 2024, les services de Starlink étaient opérationnels dans huit pays africains, avec des plans ambitieux pour atteindre beaucoup d’autres dans les mois à venir. Ce développement marque une étape importante dans le parcours de l’Afrique vers une couverture Internet complète et pourrait potentiellement redéfinir le paysage numérique du continent.

    Crédit image : The Unconnected.

    La révolution Starlink : comprendre la technologie

    Avant de plonger dans l’expansion africaine de Starlink, il est crucial de comprendre ce qui rend cette technologie si révolutionnaire :

    Satellites en orbite basse : le changeur de jeu

    Le système de Starlink repose sur une constellation de satellites en orbite basse (LEO). Contrairement aux satellites géostationnaires traditionnels, qui orbitent à des altitudes beaucoup plus élevées, les satellites LEO offrent plusieurs avantages :

    Faible latence : La proximité plus proche de la Terre entraîne une réduction significative du temps de transit du signal, offrant une expérience Internet plus réactive.

    Couverture plus large : La possibilité de déployer de nombreux satellites permet une couverture plus large et plus cohérente, même dans les zones reculées.

    Vitesses plus élevées : Les satellites LEO peuvent fournir des vitesses comparables ou supérieures à de nombreuses options de large bande terrestre.

    La croissance du réseau satellite de Starlink

    Depuis le lancement de son premier lot de 60 satellites en mai 2019, Starlink a rapidement étendu son réseau :

    Au 15 mai 2024, il y avait 6 017 satellites Starlink en orbite.
    Plus de 5 200 de ces satellites sont opérationnels.
    SpaceX a des licences pour déployer environ 12 000 satellites.
    Des rapports suggèrent un potentiel d’expansion à plus de 34 000 satellites à l’avenir.
    Ce réseau en expansion a permis à Starlink d’atteindre des étapes importantes :

    Décembre 2022 : 1 million d’abonnés dans le monde
    Décembre 2023 : Environ 2,3 millions d’utilisateurs
    Mai 2024 : Services disponibles dans plus de 75 pays dans le monde

    Où Starlink est-il disponible en Afrique ? Du lancement à l’expansion

    Nigeria : la porte d’entrée de l’Afrique

    L’aventure africaine de Starlink a commencé au Nigeria, marquant une étape importante dans la stratégie d’expansion mondiale de l’entreprise :

    Mai 2022 : Obtention des licences de passerelle internationale et de fournisseur de services Internet de la Commission des communications du Nigeria.
    Février 2023 : Lancement officiel des services au Nigeria.
    Structure de tarification initiale au Nigeria :

    Abonnement mensuel : NGN38,000 (25 $)
    Coûts matériels uniques : NGN440,000 (290 $)
    Remarque : Les coûts matériels ont été réduits par rapport à un coût initial de NGN800,000 (528 $) en avril 2024.
    Lire aussi : Starlink réduit les prix pour attirer les utilisateurs nigérians

    Rwanda : Pionnier de la connectivité éducative

    Peu après le Nigeria, le Rwanda est devenu le deuxième pays africain à accueillir Starlink :

    Mars 2023 : Lancement commercial au Rwanda.
    Projet pilote avant le lancement : Couverture pour 500 écoles.
    Fin 2023 : 3 448 abonnements enregistrés par l’Autorité de régulation des services publics du Rwanda.

    L’expansion rapide à travers l’Afrique

    Tout au long de 2023, la présence de Starlink en Afrique a considérablement augmenté, avec des lancements dans six pays supplémentaires :

    Mozambique
    Kenya
    Malawi
    Zambie
    Bénin
    Eswatini

    Cette expansion rapide a démontré l’engagement de Starlink envers le marché africain et son potentiel pour transformer la connectivité à travers le continent.

    Starlink a soit déjà lancé soit a prévu des dates de déploiement dans 44 des 54 pays africains reconnus par les Nations Unies – mais l’Afrique du Sud ne figure toujours pas sur la liste des disponibilités futures.

    Partenariats stratégiques : amplifier la portée et l’impact

    Collaboration avec Africa Mobile Networks (AMN)

    En juillet 2023, Starlink a franchi une étape importante en signant un accord avec Africa Mobile Networks (AMN). Ce partenariat met en évidence le potentiel de Starlink non seulement pour servir les consommateurs individuels, mais aussi pour améliorer l’infrastructure de télécommunications existante :

    AMN construit des stations de base mobiles pour les communautés éloignées.
    L’entreprise exploite plus de 1 500 stations de base à travers le Nigeria.
    Les terminaux Starlink sont utilisés pour fournir une connectivité de données dans les zones dépourvues d’accès à la fibre.

    Accord de revendeur avec Paratus Group

    En septembre 2023, Starlink a réalisé un autre mouvement stratégique en signant un accord de revente avec l’opérateur télécom namibien Paratus Group :

    Couverture initiale : Mozambique, Kenya, Rwanda et Nigeria.
    Plans de déploiement dans d’autres pays.
    Ce partenariat permet à Paratus d’offrir les services de large bande par satellite de Starlink à ses clients à travers l’Afrique.

    Défis et obstacles réglementaires : naviguer dans le paysage africain

    Bien que l’expansion de Starlink en Afrique ait été impressionnante, elle n’a pas été sans défis. L’entreprise a rencontré divers obstacles réglementaires et considérations juridiques dans différents pays africains :

    Angola : Lancement retardé

    Plan initial : Lancement au quatrième trimestre 2023
    Nouvelle échéance : troisième trimestre 2024
    Raison : Délai pour obtenir les concessions d’exploitation nécessaires de l’Institut angolais des communications.

    Zimbabwe : Avertissements et blocages réglementaires

    Janvier 2024 : L’Autorité de régulation des postes et télécommunications du Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) a averti que Starlink n’était pas encore licencié.
    POTRAZ a ordonné à Starlink de bloquer la connectivité à l’intérieur des frontières du Zimbabwe.
    Avril 2024 : Starlink a demandé une licence à POTRAZ.
    Mai 2024 : Starlink reçoit une licence au Zimbabwe

    Des défis similaires sont apparus dans plusieurs autres pays africains où Starlink n’est pas encore licencié, notamment :

    République démocratique du Congo
    Guinée
    Botswana (récemment licencié)
    Afrique du Sud
    Cameroun
    Soudan

    Ces défis réglementaires soulignent le paysage complexe que Starlink doit naviguer à mesure qu’il s’étend à travers l’Afrique, équilibrant la croissance rapide avec la conformité aux lois et règlements locaux.

    L’impact de Starlink sur le paysage numérique africain

    À mesure que Starlink continue d’étendre sa présence en Afrique, son impact sur le paysage Internet du continent devient de plus en plus évident :

    Réduire la fracture numérique

    L’un des impacts les plus significatifs de l’expansion de Starlink est son potentiel à combler la fracture numérique qui a longtemps frappé de nombreux pays africains :

    Connectivité rurale : La technologie par satellite de Starlink peut atteindre des zones où l’infrastructure Internet traditionnelle est insuffisante ou inexistante.
    Amélioration de l’accès à l’éducation : Avec une meilleure connectivité Internet, les étudiants des zones reculées peuvent accéder à des ressources d’apprentissage en ligne et participer à des programmes d’enseignement à distance.
    Progrès en santé : La télémédecine devient une option viable dans les zones auparavant coupées de l’accès Internet fiable.

    Stimuler la croissance économique

    L’amélioration de la connectivité Internet a le potentiel de stimuler la croissance économique à travers le continent :

    Expansion du commerce électronique : Un Internet fiable permet aux entreprises d’atteindre de nouveaux marchés et clients.
    Opportunités de travail à distance : Les professionnels africains peuvent participer à l’économie mondiale du travail indépendant et aux tendances du travail à distance.
    Progrès agricoles : Les agriculteurs peuvent accéder à des données météorologiques en temps réel, des prix du marché et des meilleures pratiques agricoles.

    Améliorer la réponse aux catastrophes et la résilience

    La technologie de Starlink offre une solution robuste pour maintenir la connectivité lors de catastrophes naturelles ou d’autres urgences :

    Réseau de secours : En cas de défaillance des réseaux terrestres, Starlink peut fournir des liens de communication cruciaux.
    Déploiement rapide : Les terminaux Starlink peuvent être rapidement installés dans les zones touchées par des catastrophes pour faciliter les efforts de secours.

    Défis et considérations pour l’avenir

    Bien que l’expansion de Starlink en Afrique soit prometteuse, plusieurs défis et considérations doivent être pris en compte :

    Problèmes d’accessibilité financière

    Bien que les prix de Starlink aient diminué depuis son lancement initial, le service reste relativement coûteux pour de nombreux consommateurs africains :

    Besoin de modèles de tarification innovants pour rendre le service plus accessible.
    Potentiel de subventions gouvernementales ou de partenariats public-privé pour étendre l’accès.

    Conformité réglementaire

    Comme l’ont montré les expériences de Starlink dans divers pays africains, naviguer dans le paysage réglementaire peut être difficile :

    Besoin d’un engagement proactif avec les régulateurs de chaque pays.
    Importance de comprendre et de respecter les lois et réglementations locales.

    Concurrence avec les fournisseurs existants

    L’entrée de Starlink sur le marché africain peut perturber les fournisseurs de services Internet existants :

    Potentiel d’augmentation de la concurrence pour faire baisser les prix et améliorer la qualité du service.
    Besoin pour les fournisseurs existants d’innover et de s’adapter pour rester compétitifs.

    Préoccupations environnementales

    La prolifération des satellites en orbite basse a soulevé des inquiétudes concernant les débris spatiaux et leur impact sur les observations astronomiques :

    Importance d’un déploiement et d’une gestion responsables des satellites.
    Besoin de recherches continues sur les impacts environnementaux à long terme des constellations de satellites.

    Une nouvelle ère de connectivité pour l’Afrique

    À mesure que Starlink continue son expansion à travers l’Afrique, avec des plans de lancement dans plus de 15 nouveaux pays en 2024, le continent se trouve au bord d’une révolution de la connectivité. Les avantages potentiels sont immenses, de l’amélioration de l’éducation et des soins de santé à la croissance économique et à la résilience accrue face aux catastrophes.

    Cependant, réaliser ce potentiel nécessitera une navigation attentive des défis réglementaires, l’abordabilité des préoccupations et l’équilibre entre l’expansion rapide et les pratiques responsables.

    À mesure que l’Afrique embrasse cette nouvelle ère de connectivité, les années à venir verront probablement une transformation de la façon dont des millions d’Africains accèdent et utilisent Internet. Pour les entreprises, les gouvernements et les individus à travers le continent, rester informé de l’expansion de Starlink et comprendre ses implications sera crucial.

    À mesure que le paysage numérique de l’Afrique évolue, ceux qui peuvent s’adapter et tirer parti de ces nouvelles options de connectivité seront bien positionnés pour prospérer dans un monde de plus en plus connecté. Rester informé et prendre des décisions d’investissement stratégiques est essentiel.

    Pour ceux qui cherchent à capitaliser sur le paysage technologique en évolution de l’Afrique, abonnez-vous à la newsletter hebdomadaire de Daba pour un récapitulatif des principales nouvelles dans le paysage économique et d’investissement de l’Afrique.

    Plongez plus profondément avec notre newsletter Pulse54 pour des informations bi-hebdomadaires sur les affaires, l’économie, la finance et la technologie en Afrique.

    Pour des mises à jour en temps réel, suivez notre chaîne WhatsApp, et pour des conseils d’investissement premium, passez à Daba Pro.

    Visitez la plateforme de Daba aujourd’hui pour explorer ces ressources et plus encore.

  • From Lagos to Lilongwe: Starlink Rocky Road to Connecting Africa

    From Lagos to Lilongwe: Starlink Rocky Road to Connecting Africa

    Starlink is rapidly expanding across Africa to bring millions online. Yet the company finds itself navigating a complex maze of regulatory hurdles.

    In the vast expanse of Africa, where traditional internet infrastructure has long struggled to keep pace with global connectivity standards, a new player is making waves.

    Starlink, the satellite broadband provider operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, is rapidly expanding its footprint across the African continent, promising to bridge the digital divide that has held back millions from fully participating in the global digital economy.

    Africa has the lowest internet penetration rate at 39% of the population, compared to a global average of nearly 60%. 

    There are also large differences in internet access between rural and urban areas; smartphone usage in urban areas exceeds that of rural areas by almost 200% in some countries. 

    As of May 2024, Starlink’s services have gone live in eight African countries, with ambitious plans to reach many more in the coming months. This development marks a significant milestone in Africa’s journey towards comprehensive internet coverage and could potentially reshape the continent’s digital landscape.

    Image credit: The Unconnected.

    The Starlink Revolution: Understanding the Technology

    Before delving into Starlink’s African expansion, it’s crucial to understand what makes this technology so revolutionary:

    Low Earth Orbit Satellites: The Game-Changer

    Starlink’s system relies on a constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Unlike traditional geostationary satellites, which orbit at much higher altitudes, LEO satellites offer several advantages:

    Lower Latency: The closer proximity to Earth results in significantly reduced signal travel time, leading to a more responsive internet experience.

    Wider Coverage: The ability to deploy numerous satellites allows for broader and more consistent coverage, even in remote areas.

    Higher Speeds: LEO satellites can provide speeds comparable to or exceeding many terrestrial broadband options.

    The Growth of Starlink’s Satellite Network

    Since launching its first batch of 60 satellites in May 2019, Starlink has rapidly expanded its network:

    • As of May 15, 2024, there were 6,017 Starlink satellites in orbit.
    • Over 5,200 of these satellites are operational.
    • SpaceX has licenses to deploy around 12,000 satellites.
    • Reports suggest the potential for expansion to over 34,000 satellites in the future.

    This growing network has allowed Starlink to reach significant milestones:

    • December 2022: 1 million subscribers globally
    • December 2023: Approximately 2.3 million users
    • May 2024: Services available in more than 75 countries worldwide

    Where is Starlink Available in Africa? From Launch to Expansion

    Nigeria: The Gateway to Africa

    Starlink’s African adventure began in Nigeria, marking a significant step in the company’s global expansion strategy:

    • May 2022: Secured international gateway and ISP licenses from the Nigerian Communications Commission.
    • February 2023: Official launch of services in Nigeria.

    Initial Pricing Structure in Nigeria:

    • Monthly subscription: NGN38,000 ($25)
    • One-off hardware costs: NGN440,000 ($290)
    • Note: Hardware costs were reduced from an initial NGN800,000 ($528) in April 2024.

    Also Read: Starlink slashes price in move to lure Nigerian users

    Rwanda: Pioneering Educational Connectivity

    Following closely on Nigeria’s heels, Rwanda became the second African nation to welcome Starlink:

    • March 2023: Commercial launch in Rwanda.
    • Pre-launch pilot: Coverage for 500 schools.
    • End of 2023: 3,448 subscriptions recorded by the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority.

    The Rapid Expansion Across Africa

    Throughout 2023, Starlink’s presence in Africa grew significantly, with launches in six additional countries:

    1. Mozambique
    2. Kenya
    3. Malawi
    4. Zambia
    5. Benin
    6. Eswatini

    This rapid expansion demonstrated Starlink’s commitment to the African market and its potential to transform connectivity across the continent.

    Starlink has either already launched or has planned rollout dates in 44 of Africa’s 54 United Nations-recognised countries — but South Africa is still not on its list for future availability.

    Strategic Partnerships: Amplifying Reach and Impact

    Africa Mobile Networks (AMN) Collaboration

    In July 2023, Starlink took a significant step by signing an agreement with Africa Mobile Networks (AMN). This partnership highlights the potential for Starlink to not only serve individual consumers but also to enhance existing telecommunications infrastructure:

    • AMN builds mobile base stations for remote communities.
    • The company operates over 1,500 base stations across Nigeria.
    • Starlink terminals are used to provide data connectivity in areas lacking fiber backbone access.

    Paratus Group Reseller Agreement

    September 2023 saw another strategic move with Starlink signing a reseller agreement with Namibia-based telco Paratus Group:

    • Initial coverage: Mozambique, Kenya, Rwanda, and Nigeria.
    • Plans for rollout to additional countries.
    • This partnership allows Paratus to offer Starlink’s satellite broadband services to its clients across Africa.

    Challenges and Regulatory Hurdles: Navigating the African Landscape

    While Starlink’s expansion in Africa has been impressive, it hasn’t been without its challenges. The company has faced various regulatory hurdles and legal considerations across different African nations:

    Angola: Delayed Launch

    • Original plan: Launch in Q4 2023
    • New timeline: Q3 2024
    • Reason: Delay in obtaining necessary operating concessions from the Angolan Institute of Communications.

    Zimbabwe: Regulatory Warnings and Blockages

    • January 2024: The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) warned that Starlink was not yet licensed.
    • POTRAZ ordered Starlink to block connectivity within Zimbabwe’s borders.
    • April 2024: Starlink applied for a license from POTRAZ.
    • May 2024: Starlink receives a license in Zimbabwe

    Similar challenges have emerged in several other African countries where Starlink is not yet licensed, including:

    • Democratic Republic of Congo
    • Guinea
    • Botswana (recently licensed)
    • South Africa
    • Cameroon
    • Sudan

    These regulatory challenges highlight the complex landscape Starlink must navigate as it expands across Africa, balancing rapid growth with compliance with local laws and regulations.

    The Impact of Starlink on African Digital Landscape

    As Starlink continues to expand its presence in Africa, its impact on the continent’s internet landscape is becoming increasingly apparent:

    Bridging the Digital Divide

    One of the most significant impacts of Starlink’s expansion is its potential to bridge the digital divide that has long plagued many African nations:

    • Rural Connectivity: Starlink’s satellite technology can reach areas where traditional internet infrastructure is lacking or non-existent.
    • Improved Access to Education: With better internet connectivity, students in remote areas can access online learning resources and participate in distance education programs.
    • Healthcare Advancements: Telemedicine becomes a viable option in areas previously cut off from reliable internet access.

    Boosting Economic Growth

    Improved internet connectivity has the potential to drive economic growth across the continent:

    • E-commerce Expansion: Reliable internet allows businesses to reach new markets and customers.
    • Remote Work Opportunities: African professionals can participate in the global gig economy and remote work trends.
    • Agricultural Advancements: Farmers can access real-time weather data, market prices, and agricultural best practices.

    Enhancing Disaster Response and Resilience

    Starlink’s technology offers a robust solution for maintaining connectivity during natural disasters or other emergencies:

    • Backup Network: In the event of terrestrial network failures, Starlink can provide crucial communication links.
    • Rapid Deployment: Starlink terminals can be quickly set up in disaster-affected areas to facilitate relief efforts.

    Challenges and Considerations for the Future

    While Starlink’s expansion in Africa holds great promise, there are several challenges and considerations to keep in mind:

    Affordability Concerns

    While Starlink’s prices have decreased since its initial launch, the service remains relatively expensive for many African consumers:

    • Need for innovative pricing models to make the service more accessible.
    • Potential for government subsidies or public-private partnerships to expand access.

    Regulatory Compliance

    As Starlink’s experiences in various African countries have shown, navigating the regulatory landscape can be challenging:

    • Need for proactive engagement with regulators in each country.
    • Importance of understanding and respecting local laws and regulations.

    Competition with Existing Providers

    Starlink’s entry into the African market may disrupt existing internet service providers:

    • Potential for increased competition to drive down prices and improve service quality.
    • Need for existing providers to innovate and adapt to remain competitive.

    Environmental Concerns

    The proliferation of satellites in low Earth orbit has raised concerns about space debris and its impact on astronomical observations:

    • Importance of responsible satellite deployment and management.
    • Need for ongoing research into the long-term environmental impacts of satellite constellations.

    A New Era of Connectivity for Africa

    As Starlink continues its expansion across Africa, with plans to launch in over 15 new countries in 2024, the continent stands on the brink of a connectivity revolution. The potential benefits are immense, from improved education and healthcare to economic growth and enhanced disaster resilience.

    However, realizing this potential will require careful navigation of regulatory challenges, addressing affordability concerns, and balancing rapid expansion with responsible practices.

    As Africa embraces this new era of connectivity, the coming years will likely see a transformation in how millions of Africans access and utilize the internet. For businesses, governments, and individuals across the continent, staying informed about Starlink’s expansion and understanding its implications will be crucial.

    As the digital landscape of Africa evolves, those who can adapt and leverage these new connectivity options will be well-positioned to thrive in an increasingly connected world. Staying informed and making strategic investment decisions is essential.

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