Tag: investing in africa

  • Qu’est-ce que la diversification des investissements ?

    Qu’est-ce que la diversification des investissements ?

    En matière d’investissement, la diversification est un concept auquel les investisseurs chevronnés prêtent serment. Mais qu’est-ce que la diversification exactement, et pourquoi est-elle importante ?

    Dans ce blog, nous allons explorer l’importance de la diversification dans l’investissement, comprendre ses avantages et apprendre comment les investisseurs peuvent l’utiliser pour améliorer les rendements de leur portefeuille.

    Alors, attachez vos ceintures et préparez-vous à déployer vos ailes d’investissement !

    Qu’est-ce que la diversification ?

    La diversification est une stratégie de gestion des risques qui consiste à répartir votre argent (investissements) sur une variété d’actifs ou de classes d’actifs différents.

    En investissant dans une gamme d’actifs tels que des actions, des obligations, de l’immobilier et des matières premières, les investisseurs visent à réduire le risque global de leur portefeuille.

    L’idée derrière la diversification est d’éviter de mettre tous vos œufs dans le même panier, minimisant ainsi l’impact des performances médiocres d’un seul investissement sur votre richesse globale.

    Pourquoi la diversification est-elle importante ?

    Réduction du risque : La diversification est cruciale car elle contribue à réduire le risque associé à l’investissement. Les différentes classes d’actifs ont des profils de risque uniques, et en diversifiant, vous répartissez votre risque sur divers investissements. Si un investissement sous-performe, d’autres peuvent compenser la perte, protégeant potentiellement votre capital.

    Pendant la crise financière mondiale de 2008 qui a secoué les marchés du monde entier, par exemple, les investisseurs qui avaient diversifié leurs portefeuilles au-delà des actions et des obligations, en incluant des investissements dans l’immobilier, les matières premières ou d’autres actifs alternatifs, s’en sont mieux sortis. Ces investissements diversifiés ont contribué à compenser les pertes subies par les détenteurs traditionnels d’actions et d’obligations.

    Lissage des rendements : La diversification peut contribuer à lisser la volatilité ou l’instabilité de vos rendements d’investissement. Lorsqu’une classe d’actifs connaît une baisse, une autre peut prospérer. En ayant un mélange d’investissements, vous pouvez potentiellement équilibrer les hauts et les bas, visant des rendements plus stables et constants à long terme.

    Préservation du capital : La diversification est une stratégie efficace pour préserver votre capital. En diversifiant votre portefeuille, vous évitez le risque de tout perdre si un seul investissement échoue. Même si un investissement se comporte mal, les autres investissements peuvent maintenir ou augmenter leur valeur, préservant ainsi votre richesse globale.

    Comment appliquer la diversification dans l’investissement

    Allocation d’actifs : Déterminez une allocation d’actifs appropriée en fonction de vos objectifs d’investissement, de votre tolérance au risque et de votre horizon temporel. Allouez vos fonds dans différentes classes d’actifs, telles que les actions, les obligations et l’immobilier, en fonction de leurs performances historiques et de leur corrélation les uns avec les autres.

    Diversification géographique : Élargissez vos horizons en diversifiant géographiquement. Investissez à la fois sur les marchés nationaux et internationaux pour réduire l’exposition aux risques spécifiques à un pays. Par exemple, si votre portefeuille est fortement concentré dans un seul pays et que son économie souffre, vos investissements peuvent être gravement affectés. Cependant, en diversifiant dans différents pays, vous pouvez potentiellement atténuer l’impact des baisses régionales.

    Diversification sectorielle : Au sein de chaque classe d’actifs, diversifiez à travers différents secteurs. Les différents secteurs se comportent différemment dans diverses conditions économiques. En répartissant vos investissements dans des secteurs tels que la technologie, la santé, l’énergie et les biens de consommation, vous pouvez équilibrer le risque et le rendement potentiel associés à des industries spécifiques.

    Pendant la bulle Internet de la fin des années 1990, de nombreux investisseurs ont investi leur argent dans des actions liées à Internet. Cependant, lorsque la bulle a éclaté en 2000, de nombreuses entreprises se sont effondrées, entraînant d’énormes pertes. Ceux qui avaient diversifié leurs portefeuilles à travers différents secteurs et classes d’actifs étaient mieux préparés à affronter la tempête.

    Conclusion

    La diversification est un principe fondamental de l’investissement qui contribue à atténuer le risque, à lisser les rendements et à préserver le capital. En allouant des investissements dans différentes classes d’actifs, géographies et secteurs, les investisseurs peuvent améliorer leurs chances de succès à long terme.

    N’oubliez pas, la clé est de ne pas mettre tous vos œufs dans le même panier.

  • What is Investment Diversification?

    What is Investment Diversification?

    When it comes to investing, diversification is a concept that seasoned investors swear by. But what exactly is diversification, and why is it important? 

    In this blog, we will explore the significance of diversification in investing, understand its benefits, and learn how investors can leverage it to enhance their portfolio returns. 

    So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready to spread your investment wings!

    What is Diversification?

    Diversification is a risk management strategy that involves spreading your money (investments) across a variety of different assets or asset classes. 

    By investing in a range of assets, such as stocks, bonds, real estate, and commodities, investors aim to reduce the overall risk of their portfolio. 

    The idea behind diversification is to avoid putting all your eggs in one basket, minimizing the impact of any single investment’s poor performance on your overall wealth.

    Why is diversification important?

    Reduces risk: Diversification is crucial because it helps reduce the risk associated with investing. Different asset classes have unique risk profiles, and by diversifying, you spread your risk across various investments. If one investment underperforms, others may compensate for the loss, potentially safeguarding your capital. 

    During the Global Financial Crisis of 2008 which rocked markets worldwide, for instance, investors who had diversified their portfolios beyond just stocks and bonds, including investments in real estate, commodities, or alternative assets, fared better. These diverse investments helped offset the losses incurred by traditional stock and bond holdings.

    Smoothing out returns: Diversification can help smooth out the volatility or instability of your investment returns. When one asset class experiences a decline, another may be thriving. By having a mix of investments, you can potentially balance out the highs and lows, aiming for more stable and consistent returns over the long term.

    Capital preservation: Diversification is an effective strategy for preserving your capital. By diversifying your portfolio, you avoid the risk of losing everything if a single investment fails. Even if one investment does poorly, the other investments may hold or increase their value, preserving your overall wealth.

    How to apply diversification when investing

    Asset allocation: Determine an appropriate asset allocation based on your investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Allocate your funds across different asset classes, such as stocks, bonds, and real estate, based on their historical performance and correlation with each other.

    Geographic diversification: Expand your horizons by diversifying geographically. Invest in both domestic and international markets to reduce exposure to country-specific risks. For example, if your portfolio is heavily concentrated in one country and that economy suffers, your investments may be severely affected. However, by diversifying across different countries, you can potentially mitigate the impact of regional downturns.

    Sector diversification: Within each asset class, diversify across sectors. Different sectors perform differently in various economic conditions. By spreading your investments across sectors like technology, healthcare, energy, and consumer goods, you can balance the risk and potential return associated with specific industries.

    During the dot-com bubble of the late 1990s, many investors poured their money into internet-related stocks. However, when the bubble burst in 2000, countless companies collapsed, causing massive losses. Those who had diversified their portfolios across different sectors and asset classes were better positioned to weather the storm.

    Conclusion

    Diversification is a fundamental principle of investing that helps mitigate risk, smooth out returns, and preserve capital.

    By allocating investments across different asset classes, geographies, and sectors, investors can enhance their chances of long-term success.

    Remember, the key is not to put all your eggs in one basket.

    Disclaimer: This material has been presented for informational and educational purposes only. The views expressed in the articles above are generalized and may not be appropriate for all investors. The information contained in this article should not be construed as, and may not be used in connection with, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or hold, an interest in any security or investment product. There is no guarantee that past performance will recur or result in a positive outcome. Carefully consider your financial situation, including investment objective, time horizon, risk tolerance, and fees prior to making any investment decisions. No level of diversification or asset allocation can ensure profits or guarantee against losses. Articles do not reflect the views of DABA ADVISORS LLC and do not provide investment advice to Daba’s clients.

  • What are Bonds and Why Should You Invest in Them?

    What are Bonds and Why Should You Invest in Them?

    When it comes to investment options, bonds are often considered a fundamental component of a well-diversified portfolio. They offer stability, income, and a relatively lower level of risk compared to other investment avenues.

    In this blog, we delve into the world of bonds, exploring what they are, the different types of bonds available, how they work, and how investors can make money from them.

    What are bonds?

    Bonds are fixed-income securities that represent a loan made by an investor to a borrower, typically a corporation, municipality, or government entity.

    In essence, when you invest in a bond, you are lending money to the issuer for a specified period at a predetermined interest rate, called the coupon rate. 

    The issuer promises to repay the principal amount, also known as the face value or par value, at maturity.

    What are the types of bonds?

    Government bonds: These are issued by national governments to fund public spending and manage their fiscal policies. Treasury bonds, also known as T-bonds, are examples of government bonds. They are considered the safest form of bonds as they are backed by the full faith and credit of the government.

    Corporate bonds: Companies issue corporate bonds to raise capital for various purposes, such as expanding operations, acquiring assets, or refinancing existing debt. Corporate bonds offer higher yields compared to government bonds but also carry a higher level of risk. The creditworthiness of the company issuing the bond plays a significant role in determining its interest rate.

    Municipal bonds: Municipal bonds, or munis, are issued by state or local governments to finance public projects such as schools, hospitals, or infrastructure development. These bonds are often exempt from federal taxes and may also offer tax advantages at the state and local levels.

    How do bonds work?

    When you purchase a bond, you are essentially becoming a creditor to the issuer. The bond’s principal value represents the amount you will receive at maturity. The issuer pays periodic interest, usually semi-annually, based on the coupon rate. The interest payments are fixed, providing a predictable income stream.

    Let’s say you decide to invest in a government bond. You purchase a 5-year bond with a face value of $1,000 and a coupon rate of 3%. This means that the government issuer will pay you $30 annually (3% of $1,000) as interest income. The bond has a maturity date of 5 years.

    Every year, you receive an interest payment of $30, which is typically paid semi-annually ($15 every six months). At the end of the 5-year period, when the bond matures, the government issuer will repay you the face value of $1,000.

    So, in this example, over the 5-year period, you would receive a total of $150 in interest payments ($30 per year) and the $1,000 face value at maturity. By investing in this government bond, you earn a fixed income stream and will eventually get back the principal amount you initially invested.

    Bonds also have a secondary market where they can be bought and sold before maturity. The market price of a bond may fluctuate based on various factors such as changes in interest rates, creditworthiness of the issuer, and prevailing market conditions. If you sell a bond before its maturity date, you may receive more or less than the face value, depending on the prevailing market rates.

    How to make money from bonds

    Coupon payments: As a bondholder, you earn income through the periodic coupon payments made by the issuer. The coupon rate, expressed as a percentage of the bond’s face value, determines the amount you will receive. For example, if you hold a $10,000 bond with a 5% coupon rate, you would receive $500 annually.

    Capital appreciation: If interest rates decrease after you purchase a bond, its value in the secondary market may increase. Investors are willing to pay a premium for higher-yielding bonds, driving up their prices. In such a scenario, you can sell the bond at a higher price than you initially paid, earning a capital gain.

    Bond laddering: By investing in bonds with different maturities, you can create a bond ladder. This strategy helps manage interest rate risk and provides regular cash flows. As each bond matures, you reinvest the principal into a new bond with a longer maturity, potentially benefiting from higher interest rates.

    Conclusion

    For an investor, bonds work by providing a fixed income stream through periodic interest payments and returning the principal amount at maturity. You can earn money from bonds through coupon payments, capital appreciation if the bond’s market value increases, and various strategies such as bond laddering. 

    Generally, bonds offer stability and can be an attractive investment option for those seeking regular income and lower risk compared to other investments.

    Disclaimer: This material has been presented for informational and educational purposes only. The views expressed in the articles above are generalized and may not be appropriate for all investors. The information contained in this article should not be construed as, and may not be used in connection with, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or hold, an interest in any security or investment product. There is no guarantee that past performance will recur or result in a positive outcome. Carefully consider your financial situation, including investment objective, time horizon, risk tolerance, and fees prior to making any investment decisions. No level of diversification or asset allocation can ensure profits or guarantee against losses. Articles do not reflect the views of DABA ADVISORS LLC and do not provide investment advice to Daba’s clients.

  • Why Should You Invest in Africa?

    Why Should You Invest in Africa?

    Africa is not only rich in cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes but also offers incredible investment opportunities. 

    But investing in the continent requires patience as strategies that succeed in one country may not work in others. 

    In this post, we explore five compelling reasons why you should consider investing in Africa, even if you reside outside the continent.

    A young and fast-growing market

    Africa has over 1.3 billion people and is the world’s youngest region, with almost 60% of its population under 25 years old while the median age is 19.

    The continent also boasts a rapidly growing population and an expanding middle class. According to the World Economic Forum, by 2030, over 40% of Africans will belong to the middle or upper classes, and there will be a higher demand for goods and services. 

    By that time, household consumption is expected to reach $2.5 trillion, more than double that of 2015 at $1.1 trillion.

    With increasing urbanization and rising disposable incomes, it presents an untapped market ready for investors to tap into a vast consumer base, which offers tremendous growth potential across various sectors.

    Innovation and entrepreneurship

    Africa is witnessing a remarkable surge in innovation and entrepreneurship. From fintech startups to renewable energy solutions, African entrepreneurs are harnessing technology to solve local challenges and create scalable businesses.

    The continent has produced at least seven unicorns—private companies worth $1 billion or more. 

    One such startup is Flutterwave, a Nigerian fintech unicorn revolutionizing digital payments across the continent. Another standout is Andela, a pan-African company connecting skilled software developers with global companies.

    These innovative startups demonstrate Africa’s increasing prominence in the global tech landscape, fueling economic growth and driving technological advancements across the continent.

    By investing in African startups and venture capital funds, you can support these innovative minds while potentially benefiting from their future successes.

    Rapid digital transformation

    Africa has witnessed a rapid digital transformation in recent years, revolutionizing various sectors. 

    With increasing internet penetration, mobile connectivity, and innovative solutions, the continent has embraced technology in all facets of life.

    According to GSMA, Africa will add nearly 100 million new subscribers by 2025, bringing the total number of subscribers to 613 million – almost half of the region’s population. 

    More so, the contribution of the mobile industry to its GDP will grow to almost $155 billion.

    From mobile banking to e-commerce platforms, Africa’s digital revolution is empowering individuals, bridging the digital divide, and creating opportunities for socio-economic development across the continent.

    The abundance of natural resources

    Africa is blessed with an abundance of natural resources that contribute significantly to its economic potential. 

    With vast mineral deposits, the continent holds a substantial share of the world’s reserves of gold, diamonds, platinum, and other precious metals. It is also rich in oil and gas resources, with countries like Nigeria, Angola, and Algeria being major producers. 

    Additionally, Africa possesses extensive reserves of timber, fertile agricultural land, and a diverse range of flora and fauna. 

    These resources present immense opportunities for economic growth, industrial development, and foreign investment. 

    With the right investment strategy, you can benefit from the continent’s rich resources and contribute to its sustainable development.

    Stronger and more dynamic economies

    Africa is experiencing a remarkable shift towards diverse and stronger economies. With a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development, several African nations are making significant strides. 

    The continent has witnessed a surge in technological advancements, fostering digital transformation and leapfrogging traditional infrastructure barriers.

    Countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa have emerged as tech hubs, attracting global investments and nurturing homegrown startups. African governments are also supporting sectors like agriculture, renewable energy, and manufacturing to stimulate economic growth and reduce dependency on commodities.

    Regional collaborations, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), are promoting intra-African trade, opening up new markets, and encouraging economic integration. 

    Africa’s total exports are projected to reach approximately $952 billion by 2035, driven by the growth of regional trade and enhanced connectivity, according to a new report by Standard Chartered.

    This momentum towards diverse and stronger economies is poised to unleash Africa’s immense potential, empowering its people and offering investors exciting opportunities across the continent.

    Investing in Africa presents a world of opportunities for those outside the continent. 

    With an untapped market, abundant resources, growing infrastructure, a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, and favorable policies, Africa is poised for economic growth and development.

    Disclaimer: This material has been presented for informational and educational purposes only. The views expressed in the articles above are generalized and may not be appropriate for all investors. The information contained in this article should not be construed as, and may not be used in connection with, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or hold, an interest in any security or investment product. There is no guarantee that past performance will recur or result in a positive outcome. Carefully consider your financial situation, including investment objective, time horizon, risk tolerance, and fees prior to making any investment decisions. No level of diversification or asset allocation can ensure profits or guarantee against losses. Articles do not reflect the views of DABA ADVISORS LLC and do not provide investment advice to Daba’s clients.

  • Sustainable Investing I: What are Social Bonds?

    Sustainable Investing I: What are Social Bonds?

    In an era marked by growing concerns about environmental and social issues, sustainable investing has gained significant traction in the global investment community. 

    Investors worldwide are increasingly looking for opportunities to align their portfolios with their ethical values and contribute to a more sustainable future. 

    One instrument that has gained prominence in this regard is the social bond, which plays a pivotal role in sustainable investing.

    Understanding Social Bonds: What are they?

    Social bonds are a subset of sustainable bonds designed to raise capital for projects that have a positive impact on society. 

    These projects typically address critical social issues such as power/electricity, healthcare, education, affordable housing, and poverty alleviation. 

    The primary goal of social bonds is to channel funds towards initiatives that improve the well-being and quality of life for individuals and communities.

    Unlike traditional bonds, which focus solely on financial returns, social bonds are characterized by their dual objectives of generating financial returns for investors while delivering measurable social benefits. 

    This makes them a powerful tool for investors who want to make a positive impact on society without sacrificing their financial goals.

    Also Read: What are stocks and why should you invest in them?

    The Role of Social Bonds in Sustainable Investing

    Social bonds play a crucial role in sustainable investing for several reasons:

    1. Measurable Impact: Social bonds require issuers to set specific social performance targets, ensuring that the funds raised are directed towards projects that can be quantifiably measured for their social impact. This transparency is a key factor for investors who want assurance that their money is making a real difference.
    1. Diversification: Investing in social bonds allows investors to diversify their portfolios across different sectors and geographies. This diversification can help manage risk while still aligning with sustainability goals.
    1. Market Growth: The market for social bonds has experienced significant growth in recent years. According to data from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the market for social bonds reached $247 billion in 2020, a more than tenfold increase from 2016. This growth reflects the increasing demand for sustainable investment options.

    Social Bonds in Developing Countries

    Developing countries often face pressing socio-economic challenges, making social bonds particularly relevant in these regions. Here are a couple of real-life examples illustrating the impact of social bonds:

    1. COVID-19 Response in Latin America: In 2020, the Inter-American Development Bank issued a sustainable development bond aimed at providing financial support to Latin American and Caribbean countries grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic. The bond raised $2 billion and supported healthcare infrastructure, social protection programs, and economic recovery efforts in the region.
    1. Affordable Housing in India: India’s National Housing Bank issues bonds to fund affordable housing projects for low-income individuals and families. The bond not only attracted socially conscious investors but also contributed to addressing India’s housing shortage, a critical social issue.

    Also Read: How to invest in African stock markets

    Why Investors Should Consider Social Bonds

    Investors should consider social bonds for a variety of reasons:

    1. Alignment with Values: Social bonds allow investors to align their investments with their social and environmental values, fostering a sense of purpose in their financial endeavors.
    1. Risk Management: Diversifying into social bonds, like traditional ones, can help spread risk and potentially provide a cushion during equities market downturns.
    1. Positive Impact: By investing in social bonds, individuals and institutions can directly contribute to projects that improve lives and communities.

    Social bonds are a potent tool in sustainable investing, offering both financial returns and measurable social impact. 

    As the market for social bonds continues to grow, investors have the opportunity to make a difference while achieving their financial goals. 

    Whether it’s supporting healthcare initiatives in Latin America, electricity infrastructure in Cote d’Ivoire, or affordable housing in India, social bonds have the power to transform lives and build a more sustainable future.

    Disclaimer: This material has been presented for informational and educational purposes only. The views expressed in the articles above are generalized and may not be appropriate for all investors. The information contained in this article should not be construed as, and may not be used in connection with, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or hold, an interest in any security or investment product. There is no guarantee that past performance will recur or result in a positive outcome. Carefully consider your financial situation, including investment objective, time horizon, risk tolerance, and fees prior to making any investment decisions. No level of diversification or asset allocation can ensure profits or guarantee against losses. Articles do not reflect the views of DABA ADVISORS LLC and do not provide investment advice to Daba’s clients.

  • Daba soutient Lengo AI au Sénégal dans la levée de fonds pré-amorçage

    Daba soutient Lengo AI au Sénégal dans la levée de fonds pré-amorçage

    Les investisseurs institutionnels et individuels ont pu participer via la nouvelle plateforme d’investissement unifiée de Daba pour soutenir le premier système d’exploitation IA pour les biens de consommation courante en Afrique.

    Credit image : Lengo AI

    Daba Finance, une start-up qui permet d’investir de manière transparente dans les meilleures entreprises privées et publiques d’Afrique, a participé récemment à une levée de fonds pré-amorçage menée par la start-up sénégalaise d’intelligence artificielle (IA), Lengo. Les investisseurs institutionnels et individuels ont pu participer via la nouvelle plateforme d’investissement unifiée de Daba.

    Daba a été lancée en 2021 avec une mission simple : démocratiser l’investissement en Afrique en offrant aux investisseurs de tous niveaux un moyen sans obstacle d’accéder à des stratégies d’investissement sélectionnées et de construire leur patrimoine en investissant dans les marchés africains privés et publics, grâce à sa plateforme tout-en-un.

    Qu’est-ce que Lengo ?

    Fondée en 2021, Lengo est une plateforme d’IA qui offre une base de données étendue et des informations sur les biens de consommation courante pour les entreprises du secteur des biens de consommation courante en Afrique.

    Lengo exploite le vaste réseau de boutiques de quartier qui représentent 90 % des achats sur le continent, en fonctionnant comme une solution logicielle en tant que service (SaaS) et en combinant les efforts des agents de terrain appelés “Lengo Eagles” et de l’IA pour fournir des données en temps réel sur les performances de vente de produits, en connectant les détaillants et les entreprises du secteur des biens de consommation courante.

    La start-up fournit actuellement des informations sur plus de 2 000 produits, a cartographié près de 30 000 boutiques, et plus de 25 entreprises de biens de consommation courante utilisent sa plateforme mensuelle pour “arrêter de deviner en Afrique” et savoir où gagner sur le continent.

    Pourquoi avons-nous soutenu Lengo ?

    L’Afrique devrait représenter jusqu’à 40 % de la population humaine d’ici la fin du 21e siècle, le marché des biens de consommation courante étant positionné pour devenir son premier secteur industriel d’importance mondiale.

    Alors que la demande de produits alimentaires emballés, de boissons, de produits de soins personnels et d’articles ménagers explose, les entreprises multinationales étendent leur présence et des acteurs locaux émergent. Mais ils ont besoin d’aide en raison des limitations de l’infrastructure et du manque de données sur les préférences des consommateurs, les tendances du marché et la dynamique de la chaîne d’approvisionnement.

    Credit image : Lengo AI

    Lengo résout ce dernier problème en tirant parti de l’IA et est bien placé pour capturer une part de marché importante dans un secteur qui représentait les deux tiers des dépenses de détail de 1,4 billion de dollars en Afrique en 2016 et devrait encore croître, grâce à l’augmentation des revenus de la classe moyenne et de l’urbanisation.

    L’équipe fondatrice comprend Max Smith (PDG), avec une expérience étendue des ventes et de la recherche de marché en Afrique, Roger Xavier Macia (CCO), ancien CCO chez Jumia au Sénégal, et Ismaila Seck (CTO), un vétéran de la communauté de l’IA au Sénégal titulaire d’un doctorat en apprentissage automatique et en apprentissage profond.

    “Daba est fier de s’associer à Lengo pour étendre davantage sa solution robuste qui répond aux besoins cruciaux du marché en croissance rapide des biens de consommation courante”, a déclaré Boum III Jr., co-fondateur et PDG de Daba. “Nous sommes encore plus déterminés à aider un plus grand nombre d’investisseurs à soutenir de telles entreprises et des start-ups viables pour surmonter les obstacles et sécuriser des capitaux.”

    Autres investisseurs participants

    La levée de fonds pré-amorçage a été co-dirigée par Ventures Platform et Acasia et a également vu la participation d’autres investisseurs de premier plan en Afrique, notamment P1 Ventures, Launch Africa, Voltron Capital, Super Capital et Atlantis Ventures.

    Et ensuite ?

    Avec la clôture de la levée de fonds pré-amorçage, Lengo prévoit d’utiliser les nouveaux financements pour développer la partie IA de son produit afin de se connecter avec les magasins à grande échelle, améliorer l’expérience utilisateur et les analyses en temps réel sur sa plateforme pour les entreprises du secteur des biens de consommation courante, et étendre sa couverture à plusieurs nouvelles villes en Afrique.

    Pour concrétiser cette ambition, la start-up prévoit de recruter davantage de talents, avec une priorité pour les ingénieurs en IA/logiciels et les gestionnaires de produits prêts à contribuer en Afrique.

    Ne manquez pas l’occasion d’investir dans les meilleures opportunités du marché public et privé en Afrique. Tapez ICI pour télécharger l’application Daba dès maintenant.

    Clause de non-responsabilité : Toutes les communications, tous les documents et toutes les communications fournis par Daba, y compris, mais sans s’y limiter, les communiqués de presse, les mémos d’investissement, les rapports, les bulletins d’information et le contenu du site Web, sont destinés à des fins d’information uniquement. Ils ne constituent pas un conseil en investissement ni une offre d’achat ou de vente d’un instrument financier.

  • Daba Backs Senegal’s Lengo AI in Pre-Seed Round

    Daba Backs Senegal’s Lengo AI in Pre-Seed Round

    Both institutional and retail investors were able to participate via Daba’s novel unified investment platform to support Africa’s first AI operating system for FMCGs.

    Daba Finance, a startup that enables investing in Africa’s best private and public companies seamlessly, has participated in a recently closed pre-seed fundraising round by Senegal-based artificial intelligence (AI) startup Lengo. Both institutional and retail investors were able to participate via Daba’s novel unified investment platform.

    Daba was launched in 2021 with a simple mission—to democratize investing in Africa by providing a barrier-free way for investors (of every level) to access curated investment strategies and build wealth by investing in the African private and public capital markets, through its all-in-one platform.

    What is Lengo?

    Founded in 2021, Lengo is an AI platform that offers an extensive database and insights on consumer goods for companies in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector in Africa.

    Image credit: Lengo AI

    Lengo taps into the vast network of corner shops that account for 90% of purchases across the continent, operating as a software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution and combines the efforts of field agents known as Lengo Eagles and AI to deliver real-time product sales performance data, connecting retailers and FMCG companies.

    The startup currently provides insights on more than 2,000 products, has mapped close to 30,000 shops, and more than 25 CPG companies use its monthly platform to “stop guessing Africa” and know where to win on the continent.

    Why we backed Lengo

    Africa is expected to account for up to 40% of the human population by the end of the 21st century with the FMCG market positioned to emerge as its first globally relevant industrial sector.

    As the demand for packaged food, beverages, personal care products, and household items surges, multinational companies are expanding their presence and local players are emerging. But they need help with infrastructure limitations and a dearth of data on consumer preferences, market trends, and supply chain dynamics.

    Lengo solves the latter problem by leveraging AI and is poised to capture a major market share in an industry that accounted for two-thirds of Africa’s $1.4 trillion retail spending in 2016 and is expected to grow even further—driven by rising middle-class incomes and urbanization.

    Image credit: Lengo AI

    The founding team includes Max Smith (CEO), with extensive experience in sales and market research across Africa, Roger Xavier Macia (CCO), former CCO at Jumia in Senegal, and Ismaila Seck (CTO), a veteran of Senegal’s AI community with a PhD in machine and deep learning.

    “Daba is proud to partner with Lengo on further scaling its robust solution that caters to the crucial needs of the fast-growing consumer goods market,” said Boum III Jr., co-founder and CEO of Daba. “We are even more determined to assist a greater number of investors in supporting such companies and viable startups in overcoming obstacles to secure capital.”

    Other participating investors

    The pre-seed round was co-led by Ventures Platform and Acasia and also saw participation from other leading VCs in Africa including P1 Ventures, Launch Africa, Voltron Capital, Super Capital, and Atlantis Ventures.

    What next?

    With the pre-seed round closed, Lengo plans to use the new funding to develop the AI portion of its product to connect with stores at scale, improve user experience and real-time analytics on its platform for CPGs, and grow its coverage across several new cities in Africa.

    To drive this ambition, the startup plans to recruit more talent, with a priority on AI/software engineers and product managers ready to build in Africa.

    Don’t miss the opportunity to invest in Africa’s best public and private market opportunities. TAP HERE to DOWNLOAD the Daba application now.


    Disclaimer: All communications, documents, and communications provided by Daba, including but not limited to press releases, investment memos, reports, newsletters, and website content, are intended for informational purposes only. They do not constitute investment advice or an offer to buy or sell any financial instrument.

  • How to Invest in African Stock Markets

    How to Invest in African Stock Markets

    In Sub-Saharan Africa, there are 29 stock exchanges with an estimated combined market capitalization of around $1.6 trillion, across 38 countries.

    These include two regional exchanges—the Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières SA (BRVM) and the Bourse des Valeurs Mobilières de l’Afrique Centrale (BVMAC).

    However, these exchanges vary significantly in size and trading activity.

    While some prominent exchanges—including the Nigerian Exchange and Johannesburg Stock Exchange—exist on the continent, there are also numerous smaller exchanges with limited trading volumes and a small number of listed stocks. 

    To enhance the performance of these exchanges, countries are actively working to improve investor education and confidence, facilitate access to funds, and establish transparent and standardized procedures.

    How to invest in African stocks

    There are primarily two ways to invest in African stocks: directly and through funds, either exchange-traded (ETFs) or mutual funds.

    Direct investing

    You can invest directly in African stocks, but it carries extra risks. Retail investors outside the continent can buy foreign stocks as depositary receipts on exchanges, which represent stocks in a foreign company.

    Mobile applications like Daba are also springing up, empowering foreign investors from across the world seeking opportunities in Africa’s stock markets. 

    With support for multiple countries, Daba provides a seamless and user-friendly platform for global investors to explore and invest in diverse African stock markets while enjoying the benefits of real-time market data, insightful analytics, and intuitive trading features.

    However, trading international stocks has drawbacks. Investors may encounter more risks in foreign stock markets, and foreign securities are often priced in a different currency, which carries additional risk in the form of foreign exchange losses.

    Exchange-Traded Funds

    For retail investors, especially those based outside the continent, who want to invest in Sub-Saharan Africa’s economies, it’s often a smarter choice to invest through a mutual fund or exchange-traded fund (ETF). These funds track a diverse group of companies operating in the region, instead of relying on individual stocks or ventures.

    Investing in ETFs and mutual funds has several advantages, such as being easy to trade (some are traded on U.S. exchanges), offering diversification, and being professionally managed. Some notable options include: 

    • VanEck Africa Index ETF (AFK), which tracks large and liquid stocks in Africa and holds about 75 stocks and has its top three country allocations to South Africa, Morocco, and Nigeria.
    • iShares South Africa Index Fund (EZA, which primarily invests in mid-sized and large South African companies in the financial, consumer discretionary, and telecommunication services sectors.
    • Market Vectors Egypt Index Fund (EGPT), which provides exposure to Egypt, the third-largest economy in Africa, with an allocation of around 85%. The remaining allocation is spread across Luxembourg, Canada, and Ireland for geographical diversification.

    Mutual Funds

    Mutual funds are investment vehicles that pool money from multiple investors to invest in a diverse range of securities. They can focus on specific economic sectors or regions. Some that focus on Africa are:

    • T. Rowe Price Africa and Middle East Fund (TRAMX), which primarily invests in banks, companies, and a few European businesses operating in Africa, the Middle East, and South Africa.
    • Commonwealth Africa Fund (CAFRX), launched in 2011, is part of the Commonwealth International Series Trust and mainly invests in African manufacturing and mining companies’ equity and debt securities.

    In conclusion, investing in African stock markets presents a promising opportunity for those seeking to diversify their investment portfolios and tap into the continent’s growing economic potential. 

    Albeit, this requires careful research, strategic planning, and a long-term perspective. With the right approach and a commitment to understanding the unique dynamics of each market, investors can capitalize on the opportunities presented by Africa’s evolving economic landscape and potentially reap significant rewards.

    Disclaimer: This material has been presented for informational and educational purposes only. The views expressed in the articles above are generalized and may not be appropriate for all investors. The information contained in this article should not be construed as, and may not be used in connection with, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or hold, an interest in any security or investment product. There is no guarantee that past performance will recur or result in a positive outcome. Carefully consider your financial situation, including investment objective, time horizon, risk tolerance, and fees prior to making any investment decisions. No level of diversification or asset allocation can ensure profits or guarantee against losses. Articles do not reflect the views of DABA ADVISORS LLC and do not provide investment advice to Daba’s clients.

  • Why Big Tech is Building Data Centers in Africa

    Why Big Tech is Building Data Centers in Africa

    A rapidly growing digital economy in Africa is drawing investments from the world’s biggest tech companies into the continent’s data center market, which is largely untapped.

    For over a decade, Africa has been experiencing a massive boom in mobile internet adoption, outpacing other regions globally.

    This fast-growing mobile economy has enabled the emergence of several mobile-led tech solutions on the continent, such as mobile money and online shopping.

    And the startups providing these services have drawn attention, and billions of dollars in venture funding, from the world’s biggest tech companies and investors.

    In 2022 alone, African startups secured $6.5 billion in venture funding, an 8% increase from the previous year, while global VC investments declined -35%.

    But it’s not just startups and software solutions pulling investments in Africa’s digital economy.

    Foreign capital has also flown into digital, hardware infrastructure, especially data centers.

    Oracle, Microsoft, Amazon, Equinix, and Huawei are some big names building or buying data centers across Africa.

    Regional operators such as MainOne, Africa Data Centers, Raxio, Icolo.Io (Digital Realty), and IXAfrica as well as the likes of Telecom Egypt, NTT Global Data Centers, Paratus Namibia, Rack Centre, Teraco Data Environments (Digital Realty), and Wingu are also big players in the space.

    In 2022, the market also witnessed the entry of investors like Vantage Data Centers, Airtel Nigeria, Cloudoon, Open Access Data Centres, and Kasi Cloud.

    For instance, Open Access Data Centres opened more than 20 data center facilities in South Africa and Nigeria.

    Together, they’ve invested well over $4 billion in data center projects across Africa since 2021 at least.

    But, what exactly are data centers, and why are big tech players racing to build them in Africa?

    US-based Equinix acquired West African data center and connectivity solutions provider, MainOne, for $320 million in 2022. Image credit: The Guardian Nigeria

    The backbone of the digital world

    The first things that come to mind when we hear words like “online”, “digital”, “digital world” or “technology” are probably the internet, social media, mobile apps, business software, etc.

    But have you ever wondered where all the information on the internet we access through smartphones or computers is stored? 

    Well, data centers are like giant warehouses that store and protect all the data we see online.

    They’re super crucial for the internet to work smoothly and are the major enablers of online services—think digital banking, social media, streaming services, video calls, and about everything we do online.

    Just as a library stores and organizes books for easy access, data centers store and manage an immense amount of digital information. 

    And with the increasing amount of information and data to store as the digital economy continues to grow rapidly, they have become even more critical.

    How does this concern Africa?

    There’s a massive opportunity to build these data centers on the continent and make lots of money from it!

    Nairobi-based East Africa data center, a subsidiary of Liquid Telecom Kenya. Image credit: ESI Africa

    The data center opportunity in Africa

    Emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, or cloud computing are not new in Africa.

    But there has been a recent surge in the adoption of such enterprise digital solutions, especially among mid-to-large businesses across several sectors—a trend mainly induced by the Covid-19 pandemic.

    In South Africa alone, the use of cloud computing is expected to grow 25%, generating up to $1.5 billion by 2024.

    And seeing this growth, global cloud services providers such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, IBM, and Oracle are expanding their presence in Africa with new cloud regions being set up.

    Be it enabling consumers to buy food or clothes online or make money transfers via mobile apps, these activities generate huge volumes of data that need to be stored adequately.

    This, in turn, creates a higher demand for data centers.

    For investors, this presents a great opportunity to fill significant gaps, as most of Africa’s data is currently stored outside the continent.

    That leads to slower connections and data privacy concerns.

    Messages sent from the continent’s southern tip to Europe and back can take as long as 180 milliseconds, causing frustration for individuals trading stocks or playing video games, per The Economist.

    But significant multi-billion dollar investments in data centers are set to change this scenario. 

    These investments will significantly reduce internet latency and bring it much closer to African users, paving the way for a remarkable advancement in the continent’s digital economy.

    More so, African governments are keen to build their data centers to ensure data sovereignty and stay competitive in the increasingly AI-powered world.

    How a data center looks from the inside. Image credit: CIO

    Investments in data centers skyrocket

    As investors increasingly realize the opportunity in Africa’s data center market, the continent has seen a flurry of activities in the space over the last few years.

    This ranges from the launch of new or expansion of data centers to millions of foreign investments pouring into operators.

    Data from ReportLinker, an AI-driven market intelligence platform, indicate the sector recorded up to $2.6 billion in investments in 2021, including $200 million in debt and equity raised by WIOCC.

    Around $5.4 billion is expected to be invested in the next four to five years alone but going by investment trends last year, the continent might smash those estimates!

    In 2022, Vantage launched a $1 billion campus in Johannesburg to house three data centers.

    Khazna Data Centers is entering Egypt with a $250 million hyper-scale data center.

    And in April, Raxio Data Centres secured up to $170 million—from Proparco and the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund—for data center projects across multiple African countries.

    Acquisitions are also growing…

    Alongside huge capital raises, Africa’s data center market has also been seeing major investments in the form of mergers and acquisitions.

    One such example is the $320 million acquisition of West Africa operator MainOne by US-based Equinix in 2021.

    In the same year, Digital Realty bought Nigeria-based Medallion Data Centers and South Africa’s Teraco Data Environments.

    Meanwhile, African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM), a private equity firm, acquired Ngoya Etix Data Centers, all for undisclosed sums.

    Most of these deals go unnoticed as digital infrastructure such as submarine cables, fiber optics, telecom towers, and data centers belong in the not-so-shiny segment of the tech ecosystem.

    But they’re crucial to the continued functioning of the digital world as most people know it. 

    Impressive figures, but not nearly enough

    Despite the investment deals and figures, Africa still needs way more data centers to match other continents than is currently being built.

    Currently, Africa has 17% of the global population but only about 2% of all colocation data centers globally—quite a gap!

    For a better perspective, the continent has only 0.1 data centers per million internet users, far behind the global average of 0.9.

    And as of last year, it only had five more data centers than the Indian city of Mumbai alone.

    To reach the global average, Africa needs around 450 more data centers and 1,500 more to match North America or Europe.

    In addition to the growing demand for cloud-based services among businesses, more of these facilities are needed to support Africa’s growing digital population.

    The existing data centers on the continent are also very much concentrated in a few African countries. 

    For instance, Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa together host about 60% of sub-Saharan Africa’s commercial data centers.

    The latter alone has the most data centers in the region and is expected to account for the bulk of Africa’s $5 billion data center market by 2026.

    The major data center markets will continue to attract the lion’s share of investment into the sector.

    But the good news is that smaller economies such as Ethiopia, Morocco, Algeria, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Zambia, DRC, Namibia, and Rwanda are starting to attract noticeable funding.

    They’ve received up to $700 million of capital investment annually for two years now, per research firm Xalam Analytics, which closely monitors the industry.

    Big tech’s increasing investments in Africa’s data center capacity expansions indicate significant growth potential for the market. 

    And it comes as Africa’s digital revolution needs more capacity to support its growing smartphone and internet users, 4G expansion, and 5G rollout.

    The increasing number of data centers across the continent also creates new opportunities for telecom players.

    It’s a huge opportunity for investors that big tech companies are moving fast to capture, as the numbers show.

    An exciting future

    Amid a rapidly growing digital economy, we can expect more data center capacity expansion across various countries in Africa.

    And as large numbers of data centers along with large power capacities come up, Africa can be called—and rightly so—the next frontier of the data center industry.

  • Orange CI IPO: A Lucrative Opportunity Through Daba

    Orange CI IPO: A Lucrative Opportunity Through Daba

    Daba, a ground-breaking mobile investment app in Africa, has changed the African investment landscape, particularly for retail investors. Its recent achievement of enabling individuals to participate in the December 2022 initial public offering (IPO) of Orange CI underscores Daba’s commitment to democratizing access to African investment opportunities.

    The Orange IPO, a milestone in the African telecommunications sector, seemed initially exclusive to institutional investors. However, Daba, a leading African investment platform, bridged this gap. Through our user-friendly mobile investment app, retail investors effortlessly connected with the IPO. This access to private company investing in Africa promises rewarding dividends from the renowned telecom operator.

    Users found navigating the IPO process on Daba’s mobile investment app a breeze. From registering interest to purchasing Orange shares, the simplified process negated complexities usually linked with such investments. As such, investing in African companies, particularly tech and fintech companies, has become more accessible.

    “I couldn’t have participated in the Orange Cote d’Ivoire IPO if it weren’t for Daba. They offer unique African investment strategies and opportunities, and I am excited for more,” one user said. Another added, “As an Ivorian, Daba allowed me to invest safely and easily in one of my favorite companies before it went public.”

    Now, with the announcement of dividends, retail investors who trusted Daba’s solution are anticipating substantial African investment returns. After realizing a profit dividend of 153.485 billion FCFA in 2022, Orange CI decided to offer 126 billion FCFA to shareholders. This allocation represents 82% of the group’s profit, promising each Orange CI share a net dividend of 752.76 FCFA. Given the share price of 9,575 FCFA on May 31, that’s a yield of 7.86%.

    Daba’s transformative impact on the African investment landscape is significant. By democratizing access to IPOs, this innovative startup has leveled the playing field in African capital markets. It’s broken down barriers and opened a world of opportunities for those previously excluded from such ventures.

    As dividends roll in, Daba continues to pave the way for retail investors in emerging African markets. Our platform allows anyone with a smartphone to capitalize on lucrative African investment trends and secure a brighter financial future.


    Ready to join the future of investing in Africa? Download Daba, your gateway to investment opportunities in Africa, and start your investment journey today!