Advising a global investment group on the small and growing business sector in Africa

Situation

A global investment group was looking to allocate a portion of their portfolio into funds serving the small and growing business sector in Africa. Dalberg was retained to evaluate fund managers and select those that provide the most attractive financial returns and the strongest economic impact on small and growing businesses.

Dalberg Approach

Dalberg acted as an advisor/gatekeeper leading the marketing to potential funds and investors, the development of the call for proposals, the analysis and due diligence of fund managers, and the selection of a range of specialist funds targeting innovative small and growing business investment in Africa. Dalberg led the due diligence process across Africa and leveraged its network and knowledge of local markets and investors.

Results

Dalberg's due diligence led to the selection of four funds with total investment of over $150M for new capital flows into Africa.

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Launching a network to support developing country businesses

Situation

Building businesses that meet the needs of the poor can stimulate long-term economic growth and reduce poverty, but the sector that invests in 'small and growing businesses' faces special challenges. Dalberg received funding from two large foundations to build the Aspen Network for Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE), a network of leading players in the small and growing business sector, in order to overcome these challenges and spur growth.

Dalberg Approach

Dalberg joined the Aspen Institute and other experts to develop a theory of change and business plan for ANDE. Dalberg identified the current barriers to scale in the sector, supported the development of ANDE's institutional model, and helped to generate a set of pro-growth initiatives. Dalberg also helped to bring together investors and entrepreneurs to adopt the ANDE business plan and launch these initiatives.

Results

More than 45 leading intermediaries, funders, investors and other sector stakeholders came together in July 2008 to launch ANDE.

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Developing a business plan to enter the microinsurance market

Situation

A leading global network of microfinance institutions (MFIs) was seeking products and services to help their clients manage the life, health, and property risks that could result in extreme poverty. The client recognized that its range of product options - from underwriting to direct distribution - would require new organizational capabilities and resources.

Dalberg Approach

Dalberg developed a corporate strategy for the network of MFIs to become a leading provider of global microinsurance products. Dalberg identified variations in market demand across regions and the cost-effectiveness of microinsurance products. These fed into a global microinsurance business plan containing an extensive product portfolio matched to consumer attributes; delivery strategy; distribution model; internal financial, operational and staffing implications; and implementation plans.

Results

Approval of five-year strategy by senior management and creation of a microinsurance portfolio to serve three million clients.

To learn more about our Access to Finance practice area, click here.