UNITED CAPITAL'S SUPPORT FOR SIERRA LEONE'S FIRST CORPORATE BOND
1. Corporate Bond Issuance:
- Issuance Details: United Capital Group led the issuance of Sierra Leone’s first local currency corporate bond, valued at SLE32 million (approximately US$1.4 million). This marks a significant milestone in Sierra Leone's financial market.
- Bond Issuer: The bond was issued by LAPO SL, a microfinance institution that supports micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Sierra Leone, with a focus on providing affordable loans to women from low-income households.
2. Role of United Capital:
- Advisory and Structuring: United Capital’s investment banking arm served as the Financial Adviser, providing expert structuring, financial advisory, and fundraising services for the bond issuance.
- Statements from Leadership:
- Gbadebo Adenrele (Managing Director of Investment Banking) expressed pride in the successful transaction, emphasizing its role in strengthening the corporate bond framework and deepening the Sierra Leonean capital market.
- Peter Ashade (Group CEO of United Capital) highlighted the bond issuance as part of the company's broader strategy to expand its influence across African capital markets. He emphasized the role of United Capital in unlocking new opportunities and driving economic growth in Africa.
3. Investment and Market Impact:
- Anchor Investor: The Africa Local Currency Bond Fund was the anchor investor, contributing approximately SLE27 million to the bond issuance.
- Economic Implications: The successful issuance reflects strong investor interest in Sierra Leone’s emerging economy. United Capital’s track record includes leading major listings, such as the Transcorp Power IPO on the Nigerian Exchange, indicating their significant role in the African financial landscape.
1. Corporate Bond Issuance:
- Issuance Details: United Capital Group led the issuance of Sierra Leone’s first local currency corporate bond, valued at SLE32 million (approximately US$1.4 million). This marks a significant milestone in Sierra Leone's financial market.
- Bond Issuer: The bond was issued by LAPO SL, a microfinance institution that supports micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Sierra Leone, with a focus on providing affordable loans to women from low-income households.
2. Role of United Capital:
- Advisory and Structuring: United Capital’s investment banking arm served as the Financial Adviser, providing expert structuring, financial advisory, and fundraising services for the bond issuance.
- Statements from Leadership:
- Gbadebo Adenrele (Managing Director of Investment Banking) expressed pride in the successful transaction, emphasizing its role in strengthening the corporate bond framework and deepening the Sierra Leonean capital market.
- Peter Ashade (Group CEO of United Capital) highlighted the bond issuance as part of the company's broader strategy to expand its influence across African capital markets. He emphasized the role of United Capital in unlocking new opportunities and driving economic growth in Africa.
3. Investment and Market Impact:
- Anchor Investor: The Africa Local Currency Bond Fund was the anchor investor, contributing approximately SLE27 million to the bond issuance.
- Economic Implications: The successful issuance reflects strong investor interest in Sierra Leone’s emerging economy. United Capital’s track record includes leading major listings, such as the Transcorp Power IPO on the Nigerian Exchange, indicating their significant role in the African financial landscape.