Speaking at the 8^th annual meeting of the CEOs of APPO NOCs at African Energy Week (AEW) on Monday, Ghezali emphasized that NOCs are no longer just oil companies, but vital platforms for national energy security and economic sovereignty.

“We have moved to how much value Africa can create from the energy it produces,” he stated, highlighting that NOCs must play a decisive role in reversing this imbalance. “To build a competitive sector, African NOCs must strengthen internal partnerships across critical areas, including refining technology, gas infrastructure, petrochemicals, and project financing.”

He urged African NOCs to combine domestic capacities, assets, and off-take agreements to de-risk projects and build a robust pipeline of bankable energy initiatives. The Secretary General highlighted the African Energy Bank as a crucial mechanism to ensure NOCs can finance strategic projects which they cooperate own to enhance regional energy sovereignty.

To ensure long-term impact, the Secretary General challenged delegates to focus on practical outcomes, asking: Which projects can our NOCs develop together? Where can we create integrated value chains? Which projects are we prepared to execute right now?

“Africa does not need an architecture of good intentions, but an architecture of delivery,” the Secretary General concluded, stressing that the true success of industry forums will be measured not by the conversations held, but by the tangible investments, implemented projects, and economic opportunities delivered to African citizens.

DCC is a leading South African distributor of ICT products and solutions, offering a comprehensive portfolio of products across personal computing, printing, enterprise infrastructure and software. The business distributes products from leading global technology manufacturers, including HP, Dell and Lenovo, to an extensive network of resellers, system integrators and retailers across Southern Africa.

Founded in 1988, DCC has grown into an established participant in the Southern African ICT distribution market, with a distribution network and logistics infrastructure serving customers across the region. The business plays an important role in the ICT supply chain, connecting international technology manufacturers with local resellers and retailers.

Mokgome Mogoba, Managing Partner and Founder of Kholo Capital, commented:  “We are delighted to support DCC’s highly experienced management team as the business enters its next phase of growth. The business is backed by Kleoss Capital, a highly competent private equity investor. This transaction demonstrates how structured mezzanine debt capital can be used to optimise a company’s capital structure, refinance existing debt and provide the financial flexibility required to support sustainable growth. DCC has established itself as one of South Africa’s leading ICT distributors, with a strong market position underpinned by longstanding relationships with leading global technology manufacturers, an extensive reseller network and well-established logistics and distribution capabilities.”

Zaheer Cassim, Managing Partner and Founder of Kholo Capital, added: “Over nearly four decades, DCC has built a formidable distribution platform, combining extensive market reach, strong logistics capabilities and a deep understanding of its channel partners’ needs. Beyond its commercial strengths, DCC’s investment in youth employment, support for learners with disabilities and SME reseller development reflects a commitment to inclusive growth. Its adoption of solar energy and water-saving measures further demonstrates a practical approach to responsible business. We believe DCC is well positioned to capitalise on opportunities across the Southern African ICT market, and we are pleased to partner with management in advancing growth that delivers both commercial value and meaningful social impact.”

Hale Matsipa, Managing Partner of Kleoss, said: “Kleoss Capital has valued the opportunity to work with Kholo Capital on this transaction, which positions DCC for its next phase of growth. It also reflects the positive momentum in South Africa’s private markets and marks another successful collaboration between Kleoss Capital and a fellow private markets investor. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Kholo Capital team.”

Carlos Ferreira, CEO of DCC, added: “DCC’s shareholders, comprising senior management and Kleoss Capital, are pleased to introduce Kholo Capital into the capital structure of the DCC group. DCC has been growing steadily over the years with the addition of certain key brands and the expansion of our existing footprint within our established vendor relationships. Together with our capital partners, we look forward to the next chapter in the evolution of the business with continued optimism.”

Deneys acted as legal counsel to Kholo Capital.

Webber Wentzel acted as legal counsel to DCC.

In 2025, the Fund took an important step towards strengthening its impact measurement approach by commissioning 60 Decibels (https://apo-opa.co/4dAqYdi) to build an industry-standard impact management framework and conduct independent impact measurement across its investment portfolio. Job creation is Verdant Capital Hybrid Fund’s primary impact objective, and the studies were designed to strengthen the Fund’s understanding of how its investments contribute to employment and broader economic opportunities.

As part of this process, VCHF developed an impact thesis for each investee, and commissioned baseline studies to understand who its investees reach, how their services influence the lives of their customers and, most importantly, their contribution to job creation.

The findings provide an important baseline for tracking impact over time, combining investee-level data with insights from end customers on how access to finance is influencing their businesses and households.

“Our conviction has always been that the right capital, combined with hands-on technical support, can help African financial service providers reach underserved businesses, create jobs and improve livelihoods.” said Edmund Higgenbottam, Chief Executive Officer of Verdant Capital. “Our first impact studies provide encouraging evidence of this, but this is only the beginning. We are committed to using the data and insights from these studies to strengthen our approach and deepen our impact measurement”.

Key Impact Highlights as of 31 December 2025

•  USD 39.5 million deployed across six investments.
• 179,000+ MSMEs reached.
• 316,000+ jobs created across the portfolio, with an additional 1,066,000+ jobs supported.
• 24 Technical Assistance projects delivered for investees, supported by KfW on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
• Six investees operating across 12 African countries, mainly low income and lower-middle income countries.

VCHF has made six investments in inclusive financial institutions to date: WATU, Mogo, LOLC Africa, Zeepay, UsPlus and Bfree. Through these investments, the Fund helps expand access to financial solutions that enable individuals and small businesses to grow their enterprises, strengthen their incomes and contribute to employment generation. The highlights above are drawn from independent 60 Decibels studies with over 850 customers across four investees.

Looking ahead, VCHF has USD 51 million in AUM and plans to grow its portfolio through additional investments and expansion into new markets over the coming years. The Fund is also seeking to mobilise additional capital from investors who share its commitment to delivering commercial returns alongside measurable impact.

Beyond the numbers are the stories of individuals accessing financial services, entrepreneurs expanding their businesses, households strengthening their livelihoods and businesses contributing to more resilient value chains.

This report marks an important milestone in VCHF’s impact journey. It strengthens the Fund’s understanding of the outcomes associated with its investments and reinforces its commitment to measuring not only the scale of its reach, but also the changes experienced by the people and businesses behind the numbers.

Verdant Capital extends its sincere appreciation to its partner, KfW Development Bank, for its continued support, and to its investees for their commitment and collaboration throughout this process.

Verdant Capital also extends its appreciation to 60 Decibels for its valuable partnership as the impact measurement advisor, as well as to the entire Verdant Capital Hybrid Fund team for its dedication and contribution to this important milestone.

Together with its partners, VCHF continues to demonstrate that commercial returns and meaningful impact can go hand in hand.

Read the full report here: Click Here (https://apo-opa.co/4B26qV8)