Check our profile on the website of Engineers Without Borders Canada, one of our key partners. EWB Canada works with us on refining our investment approach in East Africa by supplying our team with Alex, a highly qualified fellow. He helps us to improve our financial due diligence process.
Last Tuesday and Wednesday our team took part in the Generation Agripreneur Expo organized by the American Chamber of Commerce Uganda. We talked to over 200 entrepreneurs and visitors, we met a number of potential clients interested in products made by our investees, and we established a couple of promising partnerships.
During the two days of the expo we had a pleasure to exhibit products of some of current clients. Our showcase included products of Bee House Products, producer of honey and beekeeping equipment, K-Roma, wine and juices, SEB Engineering, metal fabrication, Don de Dieu, apparel producer, and Definition Africa, apparel and souvenirs.
During the second day of the Generation Agripreneur event, Elisabeth Lindow, Director of the Mango Fund's Women Entrepreneurs Initiative, took part in the discussion panel "The Economics of Business". Liz emphasized that financial institutions working with entrepreneurs need to deliver flexible products that fit production and sales cycles – often different for farmers and manufacturers. – Debt is a long term commitment. Financial institutions and businesspeople need to learn how to work together not only when the business goes well but also when challenges occur – said Elizabet Lindow from Mango Fund.
This month we invested in two companies: Family Diet, a grain processing business new to our portfolio, and Teefe Plastics, a plastic recycling company which got already its second loan with Mango Fund.
Family Diet Ltd. is a grain processing business established in 2002 run by Isa Wamala. The business primarily process soy based products in 7 varieties and its supplies to over 100 outlets in Kampala and other districts. Moreover, the company also supplies soy-based animal feed. Mango Fund financed a purchase of 2 machines to expand the production capacity of the business.
Teefe Plastics Ltd. was established in 2009 by Christine and Robert Mawanda. Mango Fund gave them their first loan in 2012 to cover the purchase a second recycling machine to boost their production capacity. Now Christine and Robert came back to Mango Fund to finance another recycling machine.
We are happy to announce two new businesses in our portfolio: K-Roma, the largest local wine producer in Uganda, and Kabela Investments specializing in land tillage and crop farming.
K-Roma, operating since 2002, is the largest local 100% organic wine producer in Uganda. Their high-quality products are made from tropical fruits, grapes, and hibiscus. K-Roma’s major brand, Bella Wine, is sold in nearly every supermarket in Uganda and it is also exported to Rwanda, Tanzania, and Kenya. With Mango Fund K-Roma plans to expands its production capacity.
Kabela Investments Ltd. is a farming business that specializes in land tillage and crop farming in Northern Uganda. Mango Fund is financing a purchase of a new tractor to expand Kabela Investments’ ability to deliver high-quality tillage services.
Investment Fellow opportunity with Mango Fund and Engineers Without Borders Canada! We are looking for a young professional with experience in financial analysis, due diligence and marketing research. Apply by 6th of February directly though the Engineers Without Borders website.
Today we are pleased to announce the official launch of the new Mango Fund website. In addition to the new layout and more information on Mango Fund's operations in East Africa, we would like to introduce a few new features:
- “Investors and Donors” - Potential investors and donors will be able to get in touch with Mango Fund officials and receive more information on how to engage in supporting SMEs in East Africa.
- “Apply for Investment” - This feature is dedicated to our potential clients. Here you can get more information on our investment criteria and download the Loan Information Form which introduces yourself and your business to our analyst team.