Capital investment firm, Aavishkaar, secures $40 million to broaden lending opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

In a significant move towards advancing inclusive finance and sustainable growth across emerging markets in Asia and Africa, Aavishkaar Capital has secured an investment of $40 million from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The investment, made through Aavishkaar Capital's Global Supply Chain Support Fund (GSCF), will be used for future expansions in emerging markets across Africa, India, and other parts of emerging Asia.

The GSCF, managed by Mumbai-headquartered Aavishkaar Capital, the impact investment arm of the Aavishkaar Group, focuses on businesses that are central to international trade, create climate resilience, and empower communities. The Fund has already made eight investments across Asia and Africa, and with JICA's investment, it aims to expand beyond India into the wider Indian Ocean region.

The partnership between Aavishkaar Capital and JICA is built on a shared commitment to the objectives of the GSCF. Abhishek Mittal, Partner at Aavishkaar Capital, expressed his privilege to partner with JICA, seeing the partnership as the beginning of a strong, trust-based relationship. Mikio Hataeda, Senior Vice President of JICA, expressed hope that the investment will strengthen the India-Japan partnership and further commit to impact investment in Africa and Asia.

The partnership aims to support the aspirations of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) for growth and impact in Southeast Asia. The investment marks a significant milestone in accelerating sustainable growth across emerging markets in Asia and Africa. JICA's investment will enable the GSCF to provide non-dilutive, customised capital solutions to emerging corporates in various sectors, including agriculture, food processing, and manufacturing.

The initiative aims to foster inclusive growth, climate action, and sustainable prosperity across emerging markets. It was announced during Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's address at the Economic Partnership in Indian Ocean Africa Forum. Abhishek Mittal sees the partnership as a testament to Aavishkaar Capital's commitment to creating impactful investments that benefit communities and drive economic growth.

The shared commitment between Aavishkaar Capital and JICA is to nurture the region's SMEs. The partnership between Aavishkaar Capital and JICA is for the Southeast Asia Private Credit journey. The partnership between these two entities is expected to have a profound impact on the region's SMEs, fostering growth and promoting sustainable practices.

In conclusion, the investment by JICA through Aavishkaar Capital's Global Supply Chain Support Fund is a significant step towards advancing inclusive finance and sustainable growth across emerging markets in Asia and Africa. The partnership between Aavishkaar Capital and JICA is built on a shared commitment to the objectives of the GSCF and aims to support the aspirations of SMEs for growth and impact in Southeast Asia.

Capital investment firm, Aavishkaar, secures $40 million to broaden lending opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).