devinitorg/iati-policy-markers huggingface dataset:
I&P Capital (II) Ltd I&P Capital II Ltd (I&P II or the Fund) is a private equity fund seeking to raise EUR 40 million for investment in high growth companies in the Indian Ocean region (Madagascar, Mauritius, Comoros and the Seychelles). Established in July 2007, the Fund is successor to I&P Capital Indian Ocean, a EUR 10 million private equity fund established in 2003. The Fund will make equity investments in 10 to 15 privately-held, small and medium-sized companies in a range of sectors including tourism, financial services, telecommunications, agribusiness, information and communication technology and infrastructure. The Fund is expected to deliver strong development impact by:  - Supporting fast-growing SMEs by providing risk capital and much-needed managerial and strategic support to improve portfolio companies competitiveness;  - Encouraging economic development in general, and private sector development in particular, in economies where the private sector is expected to play a key role in driving growth (e.g. developing innovative ventures and technologies in non-traditional sectors, promoting equity/capital mobility culture in the private sector); -  Stimulating job creation in investee companies;   - Improving companies corporate governance and environmental and social standards; and -  Supporting regional integration through cross border investments and trade in the Indian Ocean region.
Teylium Telecom The project consists of the build out of a GSM mobile telephone networks in Cape Verde sponsored by Teylium Telecom (TT), a West African GSM mobile holding company. TT is fully owned and controlled by Yerim Sow, a Senegalese national who has been active in telecoms in Francophone West Africa since 1994. TT purchased 70% of T Plus S.A. (T Plus) in 2006.   IFC has been asked to play a lead role in the $16 million equivalent projects financing by providing up to $5.55 million equivalent in the form of a senior A loan of up to $3.8 million and a C loan of up to $1.75 million.  T plus is a greenfield GSM operation in Cape Verde, which was issued the second GSM license (10-year term) by the Cape Verdean Communication Agency in January 2006 and expects to launch operations in late 2007.   In April 2006, TT acquired a 70% controlling stake in T Plus with the remaining shareholders being held by:   - Alexander Group Telecommunications (AGS Telecom) (15%); and  - Marco Bento (15%), a local Cape Verdian investor, who was the original founder of T Plus.    AGS Telecom, wholly-owned by its founder Mr. Alexander Yamandou, is a registered New York company, providing voice, internet and satellite services in the United States and Africa.    Total 2007-2008 project cost for T Plus is $15.0 million equivalent, to be financed with sponsor equity/shareholder loans, the IFC loans and an additional $5.0 million in debt to be mobilized by the sponsor. The project will have significant development impact by modernizing and expanding the telecommunications services in Cape Verde. The mobile market is currently a de facto monopoly. The entry of T Plus in the market will help promote competition in the market and contribute to increasing the availability of reliable and affordable communications services.  Greater availability and improvement in telecom services will increase business efficiency in the country, thereby encouraging investment in other sectors, promote economic growth and provide a greater array and quality of information sources to emerging commercial and social activities.
PRIVATIZATION FUND FOR AFRICA The objective of the Fund is advancing and completing privatization of companies in Africa.      IFC Role:      IFC''s involvement in the Fund is expected to provide credibility given its successful privatization track record in the continent.  IFC''s involvement is expected to act as a catalyst in attracting potential investors and strategic partners (when needed) for the privatized entity.  As the main sponsor, IFC''s role in structuring and placing the Fund is also crucial.  IFC''s reputation and knowledge of the African markets is expected to play a significant role in giving joint investors the comfort to invest in the Fund.     Development Impact:      The project has a number of developmental impacts.  These include: improving management of privatized companies, promoting local ownership       through public listing of shares, promoting capital markets'' development in the region and attracting foreign direct investment by improving investment climate in the region.
ETI Facility The project involves a comprehensive investment and advisory services program for Ecobank Transnational Inc. (ETI or the Group) and selected subsidiaries to support the Groups growth and diversification strategy in Sub-Saharan Africa over the next couple of years. IFCs investment would include equity, senior and subordinated loans, guarantees for trade confirmation lines and risk sharing facilities.  ETI is a regional financial services group head-quartered in Lome (Republic of Togo), currently serving wholesale and retail customers in 19 West and Central African countries.  The Group was created by visionary leaders from both public and private sectors not only as a vehicle for promoting regional integration, but also as an instrument for fostering African private sector development.  As of June 30, 2007, the Group had total assets and equity of over $4.2 billion and $532 million, respectively, and employed about 6,000 persons across over 400 branches and kiosks.   ETI is one of the leading financial services institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa which whom IFC is developing a long-term partnership aimed at strengthening the financial sector in the region by deepening and improving the quality of financial services provided. The project is expected to have several key development impacts:   - strengthening the banking sector, including in post-conflict and other very challenging markets; - increasing credit access to SME, micro and housing sub-sectors;  - fostering regional integration; and  - ultimately creating employment opportunities for more people in the Sub-Saharan region.
Africa Investco The proposed investment is for IFC to acquire an equity interest in a newly-formed Africa-focused transport infrastructure development company alongside Al Qudra Holding, Hutchison Ports Development, and Grindrod Limited. The company is expected to become an important infrastructure developer in Africa and is advancing a select number of high-impact, large scale transport infrastructure projects in three to four African countries. The proposed investment is expected to generate substantial development impact by developing transport infrastructure projects which would enhance regional transportation, trade and economic development.  This would lead to (i) the creation of jobs in regions with few employment opportunities, (ii) improvement in infrastructure through upgrades to port facilities, investment in track infrastructure, rolling stock and regular maintenance, (iii) reduced deterioration on pre-existing transport systems, such as a decrease in heavy bulk traffic on roads, (iv) reduction in the project countries' fiscal burden, as responsibility for securing railway financing passes to the private sector, and (v) the enhancement of government resources through annual concession fee payments, which frees up public sector capital for investment in other priority sectors.
Ethos VI Project Ethos Private Equity Fund VI (Ethos VI or the Fund) is a private equity fund that will invest in high growth companies in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Fund, a follow-on fund of Ethos V (a $750m fund in which IFC invested $ 25million), is expected to make privately-negotiated equity and equity-related investments between $ 25-75 million in 10-12 African companies. Target companies may operate in a number of industries, including: financial services; infrastructure; telecommunication, media & technology; light manufacturing; and consumer products & retail. The Fund is expected to deliver strong development impact by:    -Encouraging economic development in general, and private sector development in particular, by investing in high-growth companies which is expected to lead to above-average rates of job creation; -Providing much needed growth and expansion capital and value-enhancing advice to companies located in Sub-Saharan Africa which are expected to feel the impact of financial crisis as GDP growth begins to slow; -Improving companies sustainable development by helping to implement best practice corporate governance and environmental and social standards; and -Facilitating regional integration by helping companies to expand their operations in neighboring countries and brokering partnerships and mergers & acquisitions among private sector players in the region.
BOA RSF II Project The proposed project entails the provision of a 8-year Risk Sharing Facility (RSF or the Facility) in the amount of US$77 million to cover ten Bank of Africa (BOA) subsidiaries in IDA and FCS countries  namely Bank of Africa Benin, Bank of Africa Burkina Faso, Bank of Africa Cote dIvoire, Bank of Africa Ghana, Bank of Africa Madagascar, Bank of Africa Mali, Bank of Africa Niger, Bank of Africa Senegal, Bank of Africa Tanzania, and Bank of Africa Togo, together the Beneficiaries for a target portfolio of SME loans in the amount of up to US$154 million equivalent. Under this project, IFC will be supporting the expansion of this regional banking groups SME lending across sub-Saharan Africa. The most significant expected project-level outcome is the expansion of access to finance for SMEs and WSMEs in ten SSA markets which are particularly challenging for SMEs. In markets that face high SME finance gaps, the combined outstanding SME loan portfolio of the 10 BOA subsidiaries is expected to increase by more than US$ 1 billion equivalent over the life of the Project. Beyond the Project, IFC anticipates a potential to promote greater competitiveness in the SME finance market by demonstrating the commercial viability of lending to SMEs and WSMEs.
RSE COVID WIOCC West Indian Ocean Cable Company Ltd. (WIOCC or the Company) was incorporated in 2007 and is an existing IFC client. The Company is a carrier of carriers, offering connectivity to over 20 countries in Africa. It provides telecommunication carriers with regional and international capacity within, into and out of Africa.  The IFC investment is expected to be used to fund the Companys working capital and capital expenditure requirements during FY20 to FY21 (the Project). The Project is expected to increase the capacity of broadband networks by upgrading its submarine and terrestrial cables in response to COVID-19. IFC expects the Project to help promote greater market resilience by enabling retail network operators maintain access to and quality of digital connectivity during the crisis. IFC is providing access to new long-term financing that is not readily available in today's market as a result of COVID. The pandemic induced large outflows of capital from emerging markets, including several African countries served by the Company, with delayed access to finance, particularly for the Company.
African Bank Holdings, LLC The companys investment objective is capital appreciation achieved through dividends and premium returns based on the value realized through bank restructuring activities.  IFC will invest in a fund that will look to obtain controlling positions (at least 50.1%) in banks located in Sub-Saharan Africa and place them under the management of commercial bankers with experience in meeting the return requirements of sophisticated investors.  Once acquired on realistic investment terms and conditions, that correctly value the franchise, relatively straightforward turnaround techniques will be applied.  After the franchises potential for profitable growth as a full service commercial bank, including retail banking, has been demonstrated, the banks will be sold or refinanced through a private placement or public sale either singly or in combination.  
The company will seek to achieve a development impact by improving access to financial services.  IFCs participation as a core investor supports the projects development goals.   
Commitment to Branch Networks and Retail Banking
The company is based on the central premise that large commercial bank franchises with extensive branch networks in sub-Saharan Africa can be profitably managed to provide retail financial services.  In other words, banks can go down-market and still be profitable.  In addition, this provision of services will have positive macro-economic consequences by contributing to economic growth and social welfare, enhancing the companys appeal to government sellers.
Commitment to Microfinance and Small Scale Lending
The company is committed to developing a retail loan product by leveraging lessons learned in microfinance and generate substantial expected impact on economic development.  ABH will partner with CGAP, recognized experts in designing and managing retail consumer loan programs in developing countries.  CGAP will be closely involved in the design of the retail loan product and the management of the portfolio banks.  

IFC is planning to hold a seat on the Investment Committee and will provide ongoing support in the areas of market and bank analysis and environmental issues.
Abraaj Africa Fund III The proposed project entails an IFC equity investment of up to US$50.0 million, not to exceed 20% of total commitments, in Abraaj Africa III, LP (AAF III or the Fund), a 10 year closed-end fund seeking to raise US$800.0 million. The key objective of AAF III is to construct a portfolio of investments diversified by sector, country and deal type, which collectively capture the attractive mid-market growth opportunity in Sub-Saharan Africa.   The Funds investment strategy is to focus on well-managed mid-size companies with established business models that are poised for national or regional expansion. The Fund will seek to partner with companies that have the capability to create value through a combination of organic expansion, acquisitions, strategic repositioning and consolidation strategies, thus enabling such companies to become regional champions. The Abraaj Groups network of offices and experience with executing regional growth strategies provides it with the platform to execute these strategies. Abraaj Africa Fund III is expected to deliver strong development impact in the following areas:   (i) Job Creation: The growth of the Fund's portfolio companies is expected to result in strong job creation. Mid-cap growth equity investments, which the Fund is focusing on, have significant reach to SMEs, the largest development impact on job creation, and the potential for IFC to develop direct relationships with the underlying companies. IFC's portfolio experience has been that non-SME's in the growth equity space create more jobs than SMEs at a lower capital commitment per job created.  (ii) IDA countries:  The Fund will predominantly cover companies located in IDA/frontier countries. Most of the investee companies in the Aureos family of funds were in IDA countries.  (iii) Private sector development: The Fund will employ hands-on management in its portfolio companies. The Fund Mananger's structuring know-how, and the wider Abraaj network, will be leveraged on, and value-add and growth strategies incorporated by investee companies, leading to improved competitiveness and sustainability.
Actis ARE Fund 3 The proposed project involves a $40 million equity investment in Actis Africa Real Estate Fund 3 LP (AREF3 or the Fund) managed by Actis LLP (Actis or the Sponsor), a leading private equity investor in emerging markets. AARE3, a limited partnership organized under the laws of the United Kingdom, is a projected $400 million, 8-year closed-end private equity fund dedicated to investments in real estate companies and projects in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Fund is a 3rd generation follow up fund to (a) Actis Africa Real Estate Fund, a $154 million  fund closed in 2006; and (b) Actis Africa Real Estate Fund 2, a 2012 vintage $268 million fund, in which IFC invested $35 million (project ##29906, 32899). AREF3 will help address the short supply of quality commercial real estate and provide increased access to quality business infrastructure critical for economic growth in SSA. In addition, the fund will, through its investee companies, enable the introduction and the implementation of best practices in terms of environmental and life and safety standards, construction technologies, project management, as well as the quality of completed facilities, thus contributing to the improvement of overall quality standards of business and retail infrastructure in key markets of SSA.  Further, AREF3 will foster, through its investee companies, the creation of direct and indirect jobs both during construction and operation of the commercial properties in the target markets, as well as enable the expansion of essential retail infrastructure in SSA thus improving access to quality products and services for the consumers through the introduction of higher standards and more efficient operations, as well as improved supply chains.
Ecobank RSF Ecobank Transnational Inc. (ETI or the Group) is the leading pan-African full service banking group, active in 36 African countries with a licensed operation in Paris and representative offices in Beijing, Dubai, Johannesburg, London and Luanda. As at December 31, 2013, the Groups 19,546 staff served more than 10.4 million customers across Ecobanks 1,284 branches.  Under the proposed project, IFC will be supporting ETIs commitment to SME banking by providing risk mitigation and guarantee tools to multiple affiliates in fragile and conflict afflicted situations (FCS). This would enhance the participating banks SME lending capacity and contribute to prudently growing the Groups SME banking business. The project entails the provision of a Risk Sharing Facility (RSF or the Facility) in the amount of US$55 million to cover eight ETI affiliates in FCS  Burundi, Chad, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cote dIvoire, Guinea, Mali and Togo, together the Participating Affiliates (PAs) for a target portfolio of SME loans in the amount of US$110 million. The project includes resources mobilization from the IFCs Global SME Facility (SME Facility). Increasing of Access to finance: The project will make the risk/return profile of SMEs in the designated FCS more attractive to the participating ETI subsidiaries, thereby reducing financing constraints for SMEs in the targeted countries. This in turn would increase financing volumes to existing and new SME clients, ultimately contributing to bridging the wider financial access gap in FCS countries. Strengthening of Financial Sector in FCS: Given the relatively small size of the real sectors in several FCS markets, the financial sector is usually highly exposed to government. Through the eligibility criteria, the RSF would support better allocation of resources across vital segments of the economy and help the banks diversify their loan portfolios. This would strengthen the financial sector in FCS. Private Sector Development: SMEs are the engine of private sector growth in developing countries, and more so in FCS. By facilitating access to finance for SMEs, the project would support entrepreneurship, encourage investment in existing or new businesses, and promote international best practices among eligible SMEs. The medium term result would be a more vibrant private sector. Job Creation: This RSF project will help generate private sector growth which in turn would create and/or maintain employment opportunities in FCS.
GroFin Africa Fund GroFin Africa Fund (GAF or the Fund) is a $130  150 million fund that will invest in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) companies in sub-Saharan Africa.  The objectives of the Fund are:

- Providing financing and active management oversight to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that demonstrate potential for profitable growth in sub-Saharan Africa, starting out with seven countries, namely, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa, and then identifying and expanding to more countries using the same transferable business model;
- Providing returns to investors through dividends and capital gains from these investments in small businesses.  The Manager plans to reach more than 500 companies, in contrast to a typical private equity fund that invests in 10-15 companies. The Fund will deliver strong development impact by: 

- Providing access to financing for up to 500 SMEs in Africa which lack risk financing.  The Fund will make investments ranging from $50,000 to $1 million in target companies.
- Improving management capacity of these SMEs to make them regionally and globally more competitive and therefore more attractive to potential buyers, lenders, etc.  Through GroFins value-added investment approach, the Funds management teams will provide hands-on monitoring and guidance on management issues to these SMEs.
- Providing financing in the form of equity and debt to investee companies.  The annual private equity survey of Price Waterhouse Coopers in South Africa identifies the lack of financing on attractive terms as a major problem for local companies. 
- Contribution to regional and pan-African economic development by supporting investments across countries in East, West and South Africa.  
- Development of local management teams by promoting adoption of international standards of management and corporate governance as well as developing a culture of management ownership through management buyouts.
Seacom Debt The proposed project involves a senior debt package of up to USD260 million to Seacom Limited (Seacom or the Company), a leading diversified, integrated digital infrastructure company with extensive broadband infrastructure across Africa. Seacom seeks to diversify from its subsea cable operations into the enterprise service provider market across the continent and refinance its short term debt with new longer-term debt (the Project). Through the Project, IFC will help one of the important digital infrastructure companies to increase its enterprise services capabilities to SMEs, medium and large corporates in South Africa, East Africa, and West Africa; leveraging its fiber network spanning 21,000 km (including 17,000 km on its submarine cable) as well as its strategic alliances on the 2Africa Cable and Equiano Cable. Seacoms growth strategy will be achieved through strategic acquisitions and organic growth initiatives across its markets. The Project will contribute to the increased capacity of broadband networks and increased access,  to IT services for businesses, potentially resulting in improved quality of broadband internet for end-users and enhanced productivity growth for businesses. The Project will also lead to increased competitiveness of the broadband market in selected countries, e.g., Ghana, via competition channels, and stronger economic integration in selected countries, e.g., South Africa and Kenya, by improving connectivity across value chains via the development of cloud/IT services. A successful expansion of submarine or terrestrial cable capacity under open access principles is expected to drop the wholesale price and level the playing field among retail   operators, thereby improving the competitiveness of retail markets with a market-wide  improvement in affordability and quality of connectivity in the relevant target countries.