Equity firm seeks local business investors for partnership

Fusion Capital, a UK and Kenyan-based equity firm is looking for local investors to partner with in the export sector.Luke Kinoti, CEO, Fusion Capital, told this newspaper that his company is ready and willing to partner with local investors interested in the export business given the vast investment opportunities not yet harnessed.“We want local investors to be part of us; we will help them finance them in exploiting business opportunities especially in the untapped opportunities the country provides.Partnership with local investors addresses the problem of management and lack of finance, while the local investors may have the knowledge on the local situation they need international partnerships to address the other challenges that may be outside their reach, including limited finance and technical knowhow.”Kinoti said.He further noted that Rwanda’s economic realities will be achieved faster when local investors embrace partnerships with private equity firms.He advised the Government to support private public partnerships and provide the crucial incentives needed by investors.“Economic sustainability thrives best when those with great business ideas partner with those with finances so as to bring to life excellent projects that will create employment, generate revenue for the country and ultimately drive economic development,” he added.Dr Phil Goodwin, the chairperson of Fusion Group, said that Rwanda presents an enormous investment opportunity for international firms given the regional markets it serves but most importantly the investment climate.He further called upon investors to embrace quality because it’s the only way Rwanda will compete on international markets.“Rwanda’s comparative advantage on the international scene is high when investors embrace quality and value addition. Working hard to address this challenge will transform the economy because it’s obvious that the given the small size of the country, investors have one chance to emphasise quality and stick to standards,” Goodwin said. He was speaking during the ground breaking ceremony of Kigali Height Complex—a $34million property being funded by Fusion Capital.He said that investors will come if they are assured of economic stability, security and market, ingredients that Rwanda has fought hard to put in place.John Safari, director Fusion investment Management called upon the private sector to take advantage of the business reforms government has put in place and drive home economic sustainability.“Rwanda has a chance to position itself towards becoming an investment hub for the entire region.”

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Equity firm seeks local business investors for partnership