Usangu Logistics Secures $10 Million for Mineral Transport Expansion.

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Deals & Close Ups 🤑🤑

Mazao Hub Secures Livelihood Impact Fund to Boost Rural Farming 🌱

Mazao Hub, a Tanzanian agritech startup, has received a major funding boost from the Livelihood Impact Lab.This funding will enable Mazao Hub to produce more soil kits, empowering farmers in rural areas with the tools they need to enhance soil health, boost crop yields, and build sustainable farming practices.

About Livelihood Impact Lab

The Livelihood Impact Lab supports early-stage, data-driven organizations that aim to make a lasting difference in the lives of the global poor. With a focus on African-led initiatives, the Lab invests in organizations with budgets typically under $500,000 USD, providing both funding and expertise to drive meaningful change.

Usangu Logistics Secures $10 Million for Mineral Transport Expansion, Advised by Alpen Capital

Alpen Capital, a prominent investment banking advisory firm, has facilitated Usangu Logistics T Ltd in securing a USD 10 million term facility from the Africa Credit Opportunities Fund (ACOF). The funds will be used to enhance mineral logistics operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Zambia.

Founded in 2005 and based at the Dubai International Financial Centre, Alpen Capital offers a wide range of financial advisory services to institutional and corporate clients across the GCC, South Asia, Levant, and Africa. The firm is renowned for providing tailored investment banking solutions and has offices in Abu Dhabi, Doha, Muscat, and Mumbai. Alpen Capital’s expertise in delivering customized financial services played a key role in finalizing this deal.

The Africa Credit Opportunities Fund (ACOF) is a joint venture between the Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA) and Gateway Partners, focused on providing credit financing to businesses across Africa.

Usangu, a company with over 40 years of experience, operates in 18 countries throughout East and Southern Africa. Specializing in transportation (road and rail), clearing and forwarding, warehousing, and equipment rental, Usangu plans to use the newly secured funds to expand its fleet. This expansion will enable the company to transport copper, rare earth metals, and other commodities from DRC and Zambia to clients across Africa, strengthening its position as a key player in the region’s supply chain industry

Tanzania receives a Tsh 43 billion Grant for SMEs Financing from the European Union

Following a five-day visit by European Investment Bank (EIB) Vice-president, a statement of intent was signed with Deputy Ambassador of the European Union to Tanzania on July 5,2024 marking a new phase in EU-Tanzania relations under the EU Globa Gateway Strategy.

The EU has granted 43 billion to Tanzania, a grant that will be put together with loans from the EIB to provide credit to local banks, with significant development aiming to enhance access to finance for  Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Startup Spotlight🌟🌟

Chaja Africa Expands Affordable Energy Solutions Across Tanzania.

In a recent interview with Voice of America, Tony Mlella, CEO of Chaja Africa, highlighted the company’s mission to tap into the opportunity of bringing affordable energy solutions to millions in Africa that do not have access to affordable energy.

Chaja Africa, a Tanzania-based startup, operates as a battery-as-a-service company, initially serving Dar es Salaam. The company is now raising funds to expand its services to rural regions across the country, aiming to bridge the energy gap affecting over 600 million Africans.

The company’s focus on renewable energy has led to the development of several key products and services for both individuals and businesses, including:

• Power bank rental services for mobile devices.

• E-mobility solutions through electric two-wheeler bikes and bicycles.

• Clean cooking alternatives with eco-friendly stoves and pellet production.

• Battery energy storage systems for residential and business use.

For more information, visit the Chaja Africa website.

Community Highlights 🔥🔥

UNDP Tanzania Hosts Energy Efficiency Innovation Challenge Awards 🌍⚡

The UNDP Tanzania Energy Efficiency Project, supported by the European Union and the Embassy of Ireland, celebrated the Energy Efficiency Innovation Challenge Awards. Under the theme "Igniting Sustainable Energy Practices for a Greener Future," 10 outstanding innovators were awarded a total of 250 million TZS for their groundbreaking solutions in energy efficiency.

These innovative projects vary across various sectors, including energy-efficient technologies, sustainable building practices, clean cooking solutions, and smart agriculture. Their collective efforts will help reduce energy consumption, create green jobs, cut operational costs, and significantly lower carbon emissions.

Taking the Daladala Experience to the World! 🚌🌍

Aurelio, a Tanzanian innovator, has brought the iconic daladala experience to a global audience, turning everyday local transport into a source of inspiration and storytelling.

At the Ars Electronica Festival in Linz, Austria—a prestigious celebration of art, science, and culture. He is presenting the Daladala Verse project, created during his residency with Onastories Group, supported by Innova and funded by the European Union.

The Daladala Verse dives deep into the question, "𝘜𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘻𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘢 𝘯𝘪 𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘪?" (What does it mean to be Tanzanian?) Using immersive technologies like Augmented and Virtual Reality, it explores the rich narratives of Tanzanian mobility. This project merges documentary storytelling with artistic visual installations, capturing the essence of the daladala—Tanzania's vibrant public minibusses. Utilizing technology it preserves stories and experiences for future generations.

Event Highlights 🌟🌟

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