The Spark+ Africa Fund, created to catalyze investment in clean and modern cooking has managed to attract a number of private investors since its launch in March 2022. The companies that Spark+ invests in are not only able to grow their production capacity and technology, but their outreach as well proving that clean cooking is a sector that is developing rapidly and is in need of the continued support of public capital at a much larger scale.
Introduction :The Middle East (ME) and North Africa are among the regions with the lowest microfinance presence worldwide. Additionally, women and those living in rural communities are disproportionately affected by financial exclusion.
The EMF Microfinance Fund has achieved a significant milestone of USD 500m in Assets under Management (AuM) for the first time in its history, thanks to the support of our Partners and Investors and the hard work of the Enabling Qapital team! With this achievement, we can now impact the lives of more than 11 million micro-borrowers and help them achieve financial inclusion through microfinance, and for that, we thank you!
Gender equity and financial inclusion are closely related concepts that are critical for promoting sustainable economic growth and reducing poverty.
The most recent episode of the Enabling Qapital Moving Money to Meaning Podcast centers around EQ as a diverse and progressive company. In this episode, our marketing associate, Sharon Kimondo gets the opportunity to have an in-person sit-down chat with one of our founders and Managing Partners, Chuck Olson, who shares with us his first-hand experience in running a company as diverse and inclusive as EQ. Follow the link below to listen in on their very interesting and insightful conversation.
In Spring 2023 the Senior Management Team (SMT) traveled to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan where they had the opportunity to meet the regional team responsible for the EECCA region (Eastern Europe, Caucasus, Central Asia, and Mongolia).
Gopal is an Indian businessman who specializes in the art of weaving, a skill that he learned from his late father. His life changed when his friend referred him to one of the MFI’s in our EMF Microfinance fund in India. Watch the video below to get a first-hand account of his experience since borrowing the loan, as well as his plans for the future.
Why Enabling Qapital?
I have a passion for impact investment, and EQ’s mission and vision align with my aspirations.
Why Enabling Qapital?
Great team, great opportunity, and a great product- impact investing, a very meaningful task
Why Enabling Qapital?
For the opportunity to work in a diverse team and gain international experience
Imagine a world in which women had the same access to financial services as men. Financial services are a critical part of economic development and can have a huge impact on the lives of women and their families. Yet far too many women around the world are shut out of the financial system.
We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Spark+ team on their third investee! Bidhaa Sasa, which means ‘Products Now’ in Swahili, is a lean start-up based in Bungoma County in Kenya that focuses on goods and services that improve the quality of life for rural families.
Moving Money to Meaning is #Teamwork!
Our Regional Managers recently concluded their official trip to Zurich. This fruitful endeavor provided the senior management team an opportunity to sit down with the different team leaders from the various regions to reflect on the past year and develop the goals and strategies for the future.
We are excited to announce that Xavier Pierluca, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Enabling Qapital, together with Sistema.bio / Sistema Biobolsa Alexander Eaton, will be joining the CCAC Household Energy Hub’s ‘Insights Meeting’ tomorrow from 14:00 CET to 15:00 CET, to discuss the different ways we can scale up finance to transform clean cooking.
We are excited to announce that Xavier Pierluca, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Enabling Qapital, together with Sistema.bio / Sistema Biobolsa Alexander Eaton, will be joining the CCAC Household Energy Hub’s ‘Insights Meeting’ tomorrow from 14:00 CET to 15:00 CET, to discuss the different ways we can scale up finance to transform clean cooking.
Enabling Qapital AG is proud of the dedicated team in the Emerging Markets for going the extra mile for the EMF Microfinance Fund to find the best-positioned Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) with the most meaningful impact.
An article was published in the Handelszeitung Business Newspaper this Sunday morning, on the lessons that microfinance can teach us in dealing with crises.
Thank you Women In Sustainable Finance International for the great opportunity to be the host for the kick-off 2023 and talk about the often overlooked #SDG1 – #NoPoverty. We are happy to see such big interest sparking engaged conversations.
EQ finally has a fully-fledged branch in Nairobi, Kenya which will serve as a Hub for the whole of Africa. The opening of this new branch reflects the growing importance of Africa for Enabling Qapital. Not just for the EMF Microfinance Fund and Spark+ Africa Fund but also for future funds to be added to the EQ shelf.
Ali & Ali, Barristers and Corporate Consultants is a leading corporate and commercial law firm based in Lahore, Pakistan. The Firm, led by Managing Partner Syed Reza Ali advises microfinance banks and institutions, offshore investment funds, telecommunication companies, startups and fintech companies on corporate and commercial matters, banking law, debt and equity financing, mergers and acquisitions, competition law, and intellectual property law.
According to the UN, the global poverty rate increased from 8.3% in 2019 to 9.2% in 2020 due to the pandemic. Moreover, the current inflationary effects of the war may lead to an additional 75 to 95 million people in extreme poverty in 2022. While SDG 1 on eradicating extreme poverty is a crucial goal of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, it may sometimes be less addressed than other objectives.
As we count down to the end of 2022, a quote by Akilnathan Logeswaran comes to mind, “On New Year’s Eve, the whole world celebrates the fact that a date changes. Let us celebrate the dates on which we change the world.”
Enabling Qapital is looking back on a successful 3rd year of existence. The year 2022 was marked by various accomplishments.
An article was published last Sunday in the “NZZ am Sonntag, a well-renowned Swiss newspaper: “Der Kapitalismus ist gut” which loosely translates to “When Capitalism is good. The author, Mark van Huisseling narrates how he spent his days on the road with Managing Partner Roger R. Müller, traveling through India.
Enabling Qapital operates as a management board with each, and every Senior Management Team Member provided with the same level of authority, responsibility, and accountability vis-a-vis its peers, employees, and the board of the company.
Yesterday, at exactly 2pm CET, the entire EQ team logged into zoom for the company call. The call was led by Roger Muller, who introduced his fellow managing partners: Remo Oswald, Christoph Dreher, Xavier Pierluca and Chuck Olson as they all made their presentations. The senior management team thanked the team for all their hard work in the past and presented their future goals and plans for the company.
Why Enabling Qapital AG?
I believe in the power of investments to positively impact the society and EQ offers this platform.
The Middle East (ME) and North Africa are among the regions with the lowest microfinance presence worldwide. Additionally, women and those living in rural communities are disproportionately affected by financial exclusion. In order to curb this, EQ invests in MFIs that strategically lend to women, boasting a percentage of above 85% female borrowers. Additionally, these are institutions that not only offer mostly group lending but also where 40% of the total active borrowers are rural based.
Recently, an article was published in the Special Report Managing Climate Change section of the Financial Times and focuses on businesses that are developing alternatives to unsustainable, dirty and polluting cooking fuels. The article mentioned how the African Development Bank (AfDB) is supporting investment funds that invest in projects to replace firewood, charcoal and kerosene with clean biomass fuels, biogas, ethanol, electric stoves, and liquified petroleum gas (LPG), and our very own Spark+ Africa Fund was one of them.
This is an exciting time for all our investors and partners, as we will be hosting a breakfast event on 15th November, 2022 from 08:30 AM, at Mühlebachstrasse 164, in Zurich.
Why Enabling Qapital?
With its global focus and strong management team, it allows me to learn and contribute with my experience in microfinance at the same time.
We are proud to announce that our very own Managing Partner and Co-Founder, Xavier Pierluca will speak at the Clean Cooking Forum 2022 in Accra, Ghana. We are delighted that during his session tomorrow, Wednesday, 12.10.22, he will discuss the importance of “Perspective on Innovation: Finance at Scale”.
The devastation caused by floods due to the current monsoon in Pakistan is still ongoing. Millions of people have been displaced from their homes due to the catastrophic flooding, which has overwhelmed government relief efforts and claimed the lives of thousands. Many public health facilities, water systems and schools have been destroyed or damaged. Villages have been washed away leaving millions of children in need of immediate, lifesaving support, and at increased risk of waterborne diseases, drowning and malnutrition (UNICEF, 2022).
Why Enabling Qapital AG?
I strongly identify with EQ`s mission to move money to meaning and hope to contribute to its impact and environmental objectives and to promote positive change. I also enjoy working a multicultural environment.
We are happy to announce that Spark+ Africa Fund has made its second investment in Sumac Microfinance Bank Ltd, a fast-growing and profitable microfinance institution with branches throughout Kenya that take deposits and provide consumer credit.
Current fertilizer shortage and rising energy prices: How small farmers produce renewable energy and organic fertilizer
Gravel roads and long distances – in developing countries, most people walk. Yet, a simple resource can radically improve their lives: a simple, robust Bicycle.
EQ is an international company with offices in Quito, Bishkek, Karachi, Bangalore, Nairobi, and Switzerland. In our Day-to-Day Business, the teams work independently but regularly interact with team members from other nations.
The first investment of the Spark+ Fund is to BRUN – a Bloomberg Award-winning company placed in Nairobi, Kenya. Over the last 10 years, BURN has built a successful business while proving that cookstoves can deliver transformative social, financial, and environmental impacts. With innovative and affordable Clean Cooking stoves, BURN contributes to saving forests and lives in the developing world through improved cooking solutions.
Recently, Co-Founders and Managing Partners of EQ, Remo Oswald and Roger Müller, visited one of the microfinance institutions we collaborate with in Kenya, Premier Credit Limited. This is a credit-only microfinance institution that aims to build lasting relationships with its clients with a vision to see them achieve their aspirations. James Kinyanjui, the Regional Manager of the Nairobi North Region, and his team at the Kangemi branch described to us their day-to-day business activities and tasks, such as daily team meetings, target setting, strategic planning, and client updates.
Exactly two years after taking over the mandate for the EMF Microfinance Fund, we reached another milestone of!
Our Investment Officer from Kyrgyzstan Farida Abdulhafizova took us on a monitoring visit to the Central Branch Bank of InvesCore in Mongolia. She had an in-depth exchange with the Branch Director, Mr. Baljirjantsan, and a thorough review of loan files.
Our first EQ Week in Kenya was a tremendous success to strengthen our vision and mission. We are thrilled to have gotten the chance to finally meet our colleagues in person and birth new ideas.
Our local team from Kyrgyzstan Urmat Imankulov, Urmat Sarpekov, Kubanychbek Sapiianov, together with Managing Partner Chuck Olson participated at this year’s MFC Annual Conference 2022 in Istanbul, Turkey.
Spark+ has made its first investment in BURN to Accelerate its Multi-Country Expansion across Africa.
Why Enabling Qapital?
My main motivator to Join EQ having worked with investments and financial companies in the past is the ability to work in a multicultural environment, work with people from different countries with different backgrounds and be part of a multicultural, highly skilled and deeply knowledgeable team.
Why Enabling Qapital?
Working for EQ enables me to contribute to a dynamic, multicultural and highly competent team that is forging positive and sustainable impact in people’s lives.
Why Enabling Qapital?
Very excited to become a member of an international company and work with people all over the world.
Why Enabling Qapital?
I had a great learning experience while working as an intern in EQ. It inspired me to join the company that is growing and has multicultural environment. Working with experienced professionals of financial industry will help me to expand my knowledge and skills.
Spark+ Africa Fund raises over $40 million in a first close to invest in clean and modern cooking solutions in Africa
Why Enabling Qapital?
EQ’s mission of “Moving Money to Meaning” through impact investment in emerging economies supports the sustainable growth motto that the global economy is looking for. EQ also offers the opportunity to work along with experienced professionals belonging to different cultural backgrounds thus allowing me to expand my knowledge and skills within the financial industry.
Why Enabling Qapital?
After enjoying 8 years working with ADA I was looking for new challenges in the impact investment space. I decided to join EQ to be involved in a fast growing environment and to work on the deployment of innovative funds investing in new fields with flexible financial products to provide a broader support to MSMEs / financial institutions. Working in a multicultural team, with ambitious growth perspectives in Africa were also key drivers to my decision.
Duties of work?
Working with the team to source, underwrite and monitor investments in Africa. I will focus on companies operating in the clean cooking ecosystem (manufacturers, distributors, MFIs, and various renewable energy companies), as well as the microfinance sector more broadly.
We are excited that FMA Liechtenstein has approved the Article status of the EMF Microfinance Fund based on the SFDR regulation.
Why Enabling Qapital?
I have been working on extending my knowledge in investments and asset allocation. Enabling Qapital perfectly fits my plans as it is one of the best growing international financial institutions to work and develop with. I am expecting to receive my Master’s degree in Global management in December and I am preparing for the CFA examination at the moment.
Join our investment analyst BEGOÑA LEIVA in Quito, Ecuador and find out how #EnablingQapital contributes towards the #SDG6 – Clean water and sanitation.
We continue our #EnablingSDGs series. In this video our Investment Analyst Abdul Rehman Ijaz from #Karachi explains how #EQ is contributing towards the #SDG2 – zero hunger.
Muhammad Saleh is the owner of a small staple food store in Karachi, Pakistan. A few years ago he was introduced to the possibilities of expanding his business through a visit from a Loan Officer of the Microfinance Institution (MFI) ASA Pakistan.
Welcome to number four of our EnablingSDGs series. Managing Partner and Co-Founder Remo Oswald elaborates on how EQ is contributing to reach SDG4 – Quality Education
Today we want to share the inspiring story from Maryam, one of the many impressive MicroEntrepreneurs in Pakistan.
FARIDA ABDULHAFIZOVA explains how Enabling Qapital is contributing towards the SDG5 – Gender Equality and Women Empowermen.
Global Parametrics and Enabling Qapital launch the Climate Resilience Enhanced Debt product with Chamroeun Microfinance Plc. in Cambodia
Rustam Buriev started his farming business many years ago.
In 2013 he applied for his first loan at Finca Tajikistan, with the purpose to help finance the expansion of his garden.
The enlargement was much needed for him to be able to grow more fruits, rice and wheat.
Subsequently he managed to grow his business and payback the loan amount.
Rustam decided to apply for a second loan and even a third one, which enabled him to also purchase livestock and thereby grow his farm further.
Roger R. Müller, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Enabling Qapital AG, explains our contribution to the Sustainable Development Goal Number 1 – no poverty.
The company Freshpro, which was established in 2016 initially delivered fresh products from different localities to urban areas in Nairobi. In 2018, they transitioned to dairy processing by setting up a bigger facility in Githunguri (Kiambu County, Kenya). The company began operations in 2019 and expanded its presence shortly afterwards to four cities: Keringet, Chogoria, Embu and Njoro.
Interesting read! Clean Cooking Alliance released their Industry Snapshot & our Spark+ Africa Fund is nicely portrayed.
We invite you to celebrate #earthday2021 together with our Investment Officer from #Ecuador, Carolina Ordoñez and the whole EQ Team!
Why Enabling Qapital?
Because of its commitment to creating and supporting companies and institutions that empower the poor and provide environmental and financial solutions to some of the world’s problems.
Why Enabling Qapital?
I believe in impact finance but not all financing is in the best interest of the client. I am glad to be part of an organization that values client impact and is willing to say no when the client’s interests are not served.
MRS LUCIA RICO SUCCESS STORY
Growing up with her two siblings in the town of Trento in the rural province of Agusan del Sur in the south of the Philippines, Mrs. Lucia always dreamt of running her own business. She started her business with a tiny stall to sell her handmade baskets and figures made from rattan palms. After struggling with bankruptcy in 2015, she moved her business and began to look for capital. This was only the start of a long and hard journey for this microentrepreneur to fulfill her dreams and be independent.
In the beginning, Muhammad Shoiab’s mobile textile business generated only a very little revenue. It was so little that he was not able to send his children to school. Nonetheless, Muhammad believed in himself and his business and decided to apply for a loan at ASA Pakistan limited.
Why is it that Microfinance funds remain comparably stable throughout international crisis or economic downturns? Where does the low correlation with the financial markets come from?
Why Enabling Qapital?
I was excited to be part of something new with a group of talented individuals with a renowned name in the impact investing industry. We all share a common goal as we plan to implement innovative initiatives that can help the most vulnerable people in the world.
Why Enabling Qapital?
As I have been part of the impactinvesting community for over 10 years, I can say that EQ is truly delivering microfinance in its purest form and therefore enabling real social impact. I am truly excited working with such highly qualified and especially dedicated team.
#ENABLINGINSIGHTS >>Remo Oswald, Managing Partner informiert Sie über die wichtigsten Mikrofinanz Insights in Zeiten einer globalen Krise.
We are very happy to announce our partnership with Microserfin. Microserfin is a leading microfinance institution in Panama, looking after low-income entrepreneurs and is fully owned by the Fundación Microfinanzas BBVA.
OUR PARTNER-MFI SUMAC
In 2020 Enabling Qapital provided USD 1.5mn to Sumac, a microfinance bank based in Kenya. The bank specializes in providing finance to both individuals and companies in the MSME segment by offering a variety of financial services. They have a large clientele within the agribusiness sector, who can profit from the Kilimo Biashara (agribusiness) loans. Through those, Sumac can disburse loans of up to ~USD 3,000 within 48 hours. Sumac also offers customers the Kawi loan product, targeting the provision of clean energy solutions to its customers.
Why Enabling Qapital/Woodman?
An inspiring group of people doing inspiring work – who wouldn’t want to work for company like that?
Mühlebachstrasse 164
8008 Zurich
Switzerland
Branch Geneva
Rue Hugo-De-Senger 7
1205 Geneva
Switzerland
Merchant Square Block B
2nd Floor, Riverside Drive
Nairobi
Kenya
Industriering 20,
9491 Ruggell
Liechtenstein
16, rue Robert Stümper,
2557 Luxembourg
Luxembourg
Mühlebachstrasse 164
8008 Zurich
Switzerland
Branch Geneva
Rue Hugo-De-Senger 7
1205 Geneva
Switzerland
Merchant Square Block B
2nd Floor, Riverside Drive
Nairobi
Kenya
Industriering 20,
9491 Ruggell
Liechtenstein
16, rue Robert Stümper,
2557 Luxembourg
Luxembourg
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