4G Capital is dedicated to bridging the finance gap to advance MSMEs and help informal traders transition to the formal economy on fair and equitable terms
NAIROBI, Kenya, November 18, 2022/APO Group/ —
Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are considered critical for driving economic development that will reduce unemployment and poverty across Africa.
These enterprises, of which there are around 40 million in the region, account for 60 per cent of Africa’s workforce and form an enormous part of many nations’ economies, generating over 50% of all wealth. However, these businesses, vital to uplifting living standards, are severely underfinanced. In Africa, the financing gap is thought to be around $330 billion annually. The key to bridging this is the microfinance sector, providing financial services to those who do not have access to traditional banking and credit services.
4G Capital offers a way to move faster and go deeper
In Kenya and Uganda, 4G Capital is dedicated to bridging the finance gap to advance MSMEs and help informal traders transition to the formal economy on fair and equitable terms.
The company, operating since 2013, provides unsecured working capital microloans alongside critical enterprise and financial literacy training via digital channels and in person through nationwide branches.
4G Capital, rather than blind-lending digitally, lends to individuals after a due diligence and onboarding process that identifies their needs and focuses on training them to sustainably and profitably grow their businesses. This ultimately means they can repay their loans and dramatically increases the chance of building viable businesses that can truly make a wider socioeconomic difference. Research shows 4G Capital’s customers grow their revenues by an average of 82% annually.
So far, 4G Capital has issued more than 2.27 million loans to over 307,000 clients, 53% of which are rural MSMEs and almost three-quarters run by women.
In-house technology and data science have been critical to this end. Credit reference bureaus (CRBs) across Africa face difficulty in including the informal sector, not least because they struggle to obtain complete financial profiles of individuals and their businesses.
4G Capital does not rely upon CRBs to assess whether a client can be served, with all risk assessment and due diligence activities being taken in-house. Similarly, 4G Capital does not report defaulters to the CRB, instead working with them to return to financial health.
The company addresses a problem that is bigger than you might think. Figures from 2018 show that just 11% of Africa’s population had their credit information recorded by private credit bureaus, a worryingly low figure when compared to comparable regions such as emerging Asia (17%) and Latin America (79%). And it is worrying because traditional banks rely on these consumer credit models to evaluate risk, meaning large cohorts of the African population are excluded from the world of credit.
4G Capital bypasses this outdated model. And where others attempt due diligence by mining information from phone bills and mobile money records, 4G Capital, by contrast, physically visits and interviews each customer and processes findings through its “EVA” (evaluation algorithm) AI platform. Customers are then given in-person and online financial literacy training alongside their loans.
In a global economic crisis, we need to energise small business earning power
Rewarding client loyalty
Given the small size of capital injections offered, clients typically take out several micro-loans consecutively as they seek to mature their businesses.
4G Capital has launched a loyalty programme to support their growth ambitions, whereby clients gain more favourable borrowing rates as they repay subsequent loans.
This, the company says, is in response to several factors. Not only does it demonstrate 4G Capital’s leadership in challenging market conditions, where clients tackle extreme increases in cost-of-living and cost-of-operating, but it also forms a vital part of its mission to use and protect client data responsibly.
“In a global economic crisis, we need to energise small business earning power,” affirmed 4G Capital CEO Wayne Hennessy-Barrett.
“By dropping our prices, we stand with mwananchi to help small traders grow their credit score and access discounting while retaining our award-winning blend of enterprise training and working capital loans. Digital financial service providers have a vital role in helping the informal economy transition to an integrated part of a modern nation”.
The move to reward loyalty and discount its “Upia” direct lending product is enshrined in 4G Capitals #HeroesoftheHustle campaign, which aims to recognise the growth and resilience of the grassroots economy in Kenya and Uganda.
All 4G Capital’s 300,000-plus clients will benefit from the scheme. There are four loyalty categories; Bronze, Silver, Gold and Diamond, with interest rates ranging from 0.9% to 0.75%, respectively.
Typically, 4G Capital sees its clients grow their revenues by an average of 82% yearly.
Jane Oyolo, for instance, runs a budding second-hand clothes business. She travels to Nairobi weekly in her Probox to purchase bales of clothes which she resells in Nyanza Province. When she was first introduced to 4G Capital, she received a loan of around $160. Since then, Jane has made her repayments within the minimum loan repayment period and has taken on numerous repeat loans.
“4G Capital has been of immense help,” she told us. “Through my business profits, I have bought a plot of land and have even built a foundation for a house.”
Indeed, as businesses such as Jane’s increase their earning power and creditworthiness, they can engage more traditional financial services and command larger working capital debt, propelling them into the formal economy and on to the next level of development and maturity. This will be critical to driving socio-economic development across the continent, the objective of 4G Capital’s mission ‘to grow business with capital and knowledge’.
The LI7070SAC can capture full-HD video even in low-illumination environments measuring 0.08 lux, whereas the LI7070SAM operates at a minimum of 0.04 lux
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, November 25, 2024/APO Group/ —
Canon Inc. (Canon-CNA.com) and Canon Marketing Japan Inc. announced today the release of two new 1/1.8-inch CMOS sensors, the LI7070SAC (color) and LI7070SAM (monochrome), with approximately 2.12 (1,936 x 1,096) effective megapixels, for security, industrial, and medical uses. They boast enhanced near-infrared shooting capability, which is increasingly in demand, in addition to a high-dynamic-range capturing function for operating in environments with significant contrasts between light and dark, and high-sensitivity shooting capability under low-illumination environments.
In recent years, there has been growing demand for near-infrared imaging capabilities applied to surveillance cameras and industrial cameras. Accordingly, there has been an increase in uses for CMOS sensors with near-infrared capability including monitoring traffic and industrial applications. The near-infrared sensitivity of the LI7070SAC has been increased by roughly 2.4 times [1] in comparison to the LI7050 [2] (released in October 2020) which similarly measures 1/1.8 inches and features approximately 2.12 effective megapixels. This enables monitoring in dark environments which cannot be performed by the naked eye. The sensors can also be applied for industrial usages such as inspections in dark areas and medical uses such as fluorescein angiography.
In addition to the aforementioned near-infrared capability, both sensors feature an HDR drive mode that extends 120dB through a double exposure method which layers two images with differing exposure times. This makes it possible to capture images in high quality while restricting overexposure and crushed shadows in conditions where there is a large difference in brightness, such as when illuminating a light for inspections within tunnels. The sensor achieves a range of 75dB even when operating during normal drive operation.
The outstanding low-illumination shooting capability of these sensors further enhances their applicability. Although the sensor size is compact, the pixel composition has been engineered to enable high sensitivity, while suppressing noise level. The LI7070SAC can capture full-HD video even in low-illumination environments measuring 0.08 lux, whereas the LI7070SAM operates at a minimum of 0.04 lux [3], making them particularly suitable for nighttime surveillance of public facilities, roads, and transportation facilities, etc., in addition to cameras equipped to underwater drones and cameras used in microscopes, which require compact image sensors with a high degree of sensitivity.
[1] The quantum efficiency of the LI7070SAC at a wavelength of 850 nm (near-infrared wavelength) is 33%, whereas that of LI7050 is 14%.
[2] Colour sensor only
[3] The estimated illumination level from a full moon is 0.3 lux, while that of a crescent moon is 0.01 lux.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).
Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) Leads Key Discussions on Sustainable Development and Green Finance at Conference of the Parties (COP29)
On November 18, ICD organized a session on financing women and youth-led businesses in post-conflict regions
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 25, 2024/APO Group/ —
The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) (www.ICD-ps.org), part of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, hosted several high-level sessions at COP29 in Baku, focusing on sustainable economic development, climate finance, and the private sector’s role in green growth.
On November 18, ICD organized a session on financing women and youth-led businesses in post-conflict regions. Eng. Hani Sani Sonbol, Acting CEO of ICD, emphasized the importance of inclusive financing for long-term peace. Remarks were also made by Ms. Nigar Arpadarai, COP29 High-Level Champion, and Dr. Emin Huseynov, Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan. The panel featured experts such as Dr. Sahar Nasr, Executive Director of the Zakat Fund, Ms. Jhale Hajiyeva, Executive Director of AMFA Azerbaijan, Dr Elvin Afandi, Division Manager of ICD and Mr. Dayanat Sadullayev, President of AMCHAM addressing the barriers women and youth face in accessing finance.
ICD also hosted two other key sessions. On November 16, a panel discussed leveraging multilateral climate funds to support sustainable projects through public-private partnerships, featuring experts like Dr. Mohammed Alyami, General Manager of the Development Effectiveness Office at ICD, and David A. Dodd, CEO of the International Sustainability Resilience Center. On November 19, a session explored how financial institutions can promote green finance, with participants including Dr. Fatih Yilmaz, Senior Fellow at KAPSAR,Mr. Shahin Mahmudzade, Executive Director at the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, Dr Elvin Afandi , Division Manager of ICD and Mr Nabil Kadri, Managing Director of BNDES.
ICD’s participation at COP29 highlights its commitment to advancing sustainable development, green finance to private sector, and empowering marginalized business communities. Through collaborative initiatives, ICD continues to drive the role of the private sector in achieving global sustainability goals.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD).
Company Expands Regional Footprint, Hosts 40 Regional Partners at Exclusive Distributors’ Conference in Dubai
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, November 22, 2024/APO Group/ —
HELI (www.HELIChina.net), China’s leading forklift manufacturer and a global player in the material handling industry, has unveiled three new forklift models at the opening of its UAE distributor Hala’s state-of-the-art showroom and workshop in Dubai Industrial City.
This launch marks another significant step in HELI’s ongoing expansion in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, as the company continues its drive to become the leading forklift brand across the region.
HELI’s mission, Lifting the Future, is driven by a vision to become a global leader, and a singular aim to be ranked among the world’s Top 5 forklift manufacturers. Founded in 1958, HELI has consistently delivered innovative, intelligent logistics solutions, establishing itself as a global first-class integrator of industrial vehicles and intelligent logistics systems. With a people-oriented approach and a commitment to repaying society through high-quality products, HELI’s brand proposition—Empower the World—reflects the company’s dedication to empowering industries worldwide.
Ranked among the top ten forklift manufacturers globally since 2006, HELI’s streamlined strategies in capital, industrial, and innovation chains have fueled rapid growth. Today, HELI’s products are sold in over 150 countries, and in the MEA region, the company has already secured the leading position in 15 African countries, with an expanding presence in the Middle East. With continued investment in new product launches and strategic partnerships, HELI is on track to achieve its ambitious goal of becoming the leading forklift brand across the region.
The new HELI G Series 2.0-ton lithium battery forklift, specifically engineered for the beverage industry, was also introduced at the event. Building on the proven reliability and advanced technology of HELI’s G Series, this model incorporates several innovative features tailored to the unique demands of beverage logistics. These include a flexible adjustable cab height for enhanced operator visibility and safety, an intelligent steering system that prevents sharp turns for smoother operations, and an active safety protection system that decelerates or brakes when personnel approach danger zones, reducing workplace risks. Designed with beverage industry needs in mind, it includes features like single/double pallet forks and a 360-degree vision optimization system for better maneuverability.
The G3 Series forklifts, available in 2-3.5 Ton and 5-10 Ton models, offer key shared advantages that enhance efficiency, safety, and performance. Both models are energy-efficient, with the 2-3.5 Ton version reducing consumption by 15% and the 5-10 Ton featuring a low-noise system. They incorporate advanced safety features, such as pedestrian detection, AI-powered collision warnings, and an optional reversing camera, ensuring a safer work environment. Designed for high performance and reliability, both models require minimal maintenance and are built to handle demanding industrial tasks. The 2-3.5 Ton version offers an enhanced load capacity up to 4.5 meters, while the 5-10 Ton excels in climbing performance. Additionally, ergonomic features like reduced steering effort and low-noise operation improve operator comfort and productivity.
With the increasing focus on electrification, we are providing customers with clean energy alternatives that align with global sustainability goals
Together, the G3 Series forklifts deliver a reliable, cost-effective solution for businesses seeking safety, efficiency, and durability in their material handling equipment.
“These new models reflect HELI’s commitment to addressing the growing demand for sustainable and efficient material handling solutions in the region. With the increasing focus on electrification, we are providing customers with clean energy alternatives that align with global sustainability goals and empowering our partners to achieve #1 status in their respective markets,” said Guan Lei, General Manager of HELI Middle East FZCO.
During the showroom opening, Mathew Abraham, Managing Director of Hala, HELI’s UAE distributor, emphasized the potential of the partnership, noting, “With HELI’s world-class technology and our deep understanding of the regional market, we are well-positioned to offer comprehensive solutions, ensuring the highest standards of after-sales support and sustainability.”
HELI’s growth in the region is underscored by its ongoing investment in infrastructure. The company is currently leasing between 6,000 and 8,000 square meters of space in the Middle East to expand its service capabilities and provide quicker, localized support. These efforts are aligned with HELI’s strategic goals and reinforce its position as a key player in the material handling and logistics sectors.
At a closed-door distributors conference held this week, 40 partners from across the region gathered to discuss HELI’s product innovations and regional growth strategies. The conference highlighted the company’s vision for the future and its strong partnerships with regional distributors. The theme of the conference, “Together We Thrive, Limits We Defy,” reflected the shared ambition to work harder with determination, pushing past boundaries and striving for excellence.
Recent industry data from the World Industrial Truck Statistics (WITS) shows HELI’s growing presence in the UAE, where it is now the second-largest forklift brand. This growth, coupled with a rising shift toward electrification, further positions HELI as a leader in the MEA region. The company’s success in Africa, where it holds the #1 position in 15 countries, demonstrates the strength of its offering and its ability to meet local market needs.
Chen Xianyou, Vice General Manager of Anhui HELI Co., Ltd, emphasized, “Our continued investment in the MEA region is a testament to our long-term vision. We are focused on achieving sustainable growth, backed by our strong after-sales service network, and building lasting relationships with our regional partners.”
With its leadership position in China for 33 consecutive years and a growing footprint in the Middle East and Africa, HELI is poised to become a globally recognized brand in the material handling industry.
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