OpenUCT :: Browsing by Subject "Development Finance"

Browsing by Subject "Development Finance"

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Open Access
‘A beggar has no choice' A Mixed Approach Exploring Blended Finance for Africa's Infrastructure
(2020) Wildschutt-Prins, Alvino; Alhassan, Abdul Latif
The United Nations estimated that to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals globally, they require approximately USD6 trillion per annum, totalling between USD90 to a USD100 trillion of investments needed over the 15 years. African countries are struggling to finance their infrastructure development needs and require innovative solutions to finance their infrastructure gaps. The African Development Bank noted that Africa's infrastructure needs can be estimated between USD130 and USD170 billion per annum with an estimated financing gap of USD68 billion to USD108 billion. Blended finance received international attention during the Third International Conference on Finance for Development in 2015 when it was mentioned in the adopted resolution report dubbed the Addis Ababa Action Agenda (here forth the Addis Agenda). The overall objective of this study is to explore the private sector participation investing in economic infrastructure in Africa and the public sector's understanding of blended finance. The research also focuses on the role of multi-and bilateral development banks in mobilising the private sector and the government support required to attract private sector participation investing in infrastructure projects For this study, the Convergent Parallel Design mixed research method is employed where both the quantitative and qualitative data are collected concurrently or in the same phase. The World Bank PPI database is used as the primary quantitative data source, while nine qualitative indepth interviews were conducted. The results from the multiple linear regression model indicate that projects with multi-lateral development bank' support are characterised by lower private sector participation in infrastructure investments in Africa. Furthermore, countries receiving concessional support from the International Development Association (IDA) are receiving lower private sector participation in their projects. In-depth interviews with public sector officials indicated that most of the officials had an overall understanding of blended finance in line with current market definitions. Officials, however, were not convinced with the use of concessional funding and loans in the blended finance structure due to the conditions precedents which came with it but felt like they had no choice but to accept these conditions due to the needs of the countries and the project involved. Informed by the findings of the study, the study recommends that blended finance should be localised for the African context and makes key policy recommendations linked to the OECD principles for blended finance.
Open Access
A study on how franchisees finance their owner's contribution when buying a franchise
(2020) Ngqola-Sebone, Lumka; Zolfaghari, Badri; Alhassan, Abdul Latif
The South African economy has been lagging its forecasted economic growth statistics in recent years, particularly following the worldwide economic recession of 2008. The year-on-year economic growth of South Africa is forecasted to continue to be lower than other developing countries. SMMEs are a significant contributor to a countries GDP and most franchises are classified as SMMEs. Entrepreneurs in the SMME space often use franchises to not only penetrate the market but to grow existing ventures. In its annual report for the year 2016, the Franchise Association of South Africa (FASA) states that the franchise industry contributed an estimated 11.6% to South Africa's GDP. When applying for finance at most institutions, prospective franchisees are required to also contribute to the total funding required; this is known as owner's contribution. This study explores what challenges franchisees experience in trying to raise owners' contribution and how the y overcame these challenges. It further explores what prospective franchisees can learn from the experiences of the participants. Through research conducted predominantly through an online survey and interviews to a limited extent, this study found that the franchise model has many advantages, but also has disadvantages. One of the main disadvantages remains the accessibility of finance, particularly that most financiers and franchisors require substantial owners' contribution. Many participants faced challenges when having to raise owner's contribution They most used personal savings and donations or borrowings from friends and family. The negative impacts that were identified were mainly personal stress and anxiety, strained personal relationships and delays in personal and/or business plans. In conclusion, in attempting to address these challenges highlighted by participants, recommendations are made to all stakeholders on how to overcome some of the challenges identified.
Open Access
The ability of renewable energy assets to attract private investment: factors and considerations that influence an investor's decision to invest into South African assets with a renewable energy exposure
(2017) Napier, Sarah Vicki; Ryan, Tom
This paper aims at facilitating, through research and increased understanding, the inflow of investments into renewable energy (RE) assets. The private sector represents vast pools of funding that is needed for RE capacity to be unlocked on a sustainable and large scale rate. Through using a grounded theory research design methodology, the drivers and restraints identified were the risks and rewards involved in investing into a RE asset, specifically the macro-economic and microeconomic risk and reward factors involved. Renewable energy assets were found to closely be affected by government policies and the stability thereof. Return attributes to renewable energy were a high cash yielding, long term in nature and inflation indexed payments - all attractive attributes to pension funds, the largest private investment group with regards to assets under management. Through the grounded theory methodology process a causal loop diagram (CLD) was built, representative of the insights of RE as an asset class- gained from the literature. One leveraging factor identified in the CLD to increase investment is government policy stability which will substantially decrease perceived risks to investors and facilitate in increased investments into renewable energy assets.
Open Access
Accelerating regional trade integration in Africa through regional value chains: A SADC perspective
(2020) Nare, Boitumelo; Alhassan, Abdul Latif
Regional integration has been a key ambition, vision and standing agenda of the African continent for the past two decades. The recent signing of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) (signed by 54 of the 55 members of the African Union as of July 2019) brings to the fore the urgent need to accelerate the implementation of what has been thus far an elongated period of planning and discussion. One of the key mandates of the AfCFTA is to ensure acceleration of intra-African trade and boost Africa's trading position in the global market by strengthening Africa's common voice and policy space in global trade negotiations (African Union, 2018). Intra-regional trade can be considered as a quick avenue for the continent and its respective Regional Economic Communities (RECs) such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC), to implement this agenda by leveraging collective resources and opportunities such as increased focus on the establishment of regional value chains (RVCs). Currently, the SADC region has been at the forefront of driving regional trade integration (RTI) in the continent; however, intra-regional trade is still only but a fraction of the RECs total global trade, averaging 5-7% of total trade in 2015-2017. Because of the myriad of challenges in the region – including but not limited to the low rate of RTI, poor infrastructure, poor institutions, unstable political environments, and slow economic growth – RECs, let alone the continent as a whole, cannot take part in and capitalise on the opportunities from complex trade networks through global and regional value chains. Moreover, when African countries do participate in global value chains, they find themselves at the lower end of the value chain where it is harder to reap the benefits due to the unequal distributional effects of such trade activities. This study therefore examined the key factors that drive RTI, and sought to ascertain the relationship between regional value chains and regional trade integration. Lastly, the study aimed to uncover the contribution to economic growth of such trade activities. Thirteen SADC countries are observed over the period 2000-2017 using panel data analysis and various key estimation techniques to ensure robustness of the models used. The study finds that there are definitely key factors that drive regional trade integration in the REC that require increased focus from policy makers and trade activity participants as they have the potential to change the trajectory of the region and the continent's trade landscape. The study also indisputably finds a two-way relationship between RTI and RVCs, suggesting that if key aspects of these activities are addressed, this would lead to a mutual increase in iv these factors as they are highly complementary activities. Lastly, the study confirms the positive impact that RTI and RVCs would have on economic growth attributed to an increase in the level of productive economic trade activity thereby contributing to the gross domestic product (GDP) of countries as individuals and as a collective. The study therefore concludes that there should be more focus from policy makers and all key trade activity stakeholders on driving regional trade integration and participation in regional value chains as the benefits could prove highly rewarding to the SADC RECs and the continent as a whole. Such increased focus will ensure that the region is fully capitalising on the unique strengths of the African continent and driving collective growth and development.
Open Access
An alternative private sector investment approach to achieve independence and resilience in KwaZulu Natal
(2020) Bainbridge, Bronwen; Alhassan, Abdul Latif
Local and foreign aid and investment has been ploughed into Africa for many years with an intended purpose of eradicating poverty. Despite significant capital inputs, certain parts of Africa continue to suffer from symptoms of poverty evidenced by inequality, hunger and social decay. This study evaluated an alternative approach to investing in poverty eradication, examine the quality of life and economic impacts of family units in Kwazulu Natal, South Africa. The study employed the exploratory sequential mixed methods research approach on a sample of seven cases across four sectors. The results of the qualitative analysis identify the Inputs, Activities, Outputs, Outcomes, Measurement and Impact. The results of the quantitative analysis show that in every family unit, their poverty status reduced over the 12- month measurement period. Further analysis on specific aspects of the family's poverty status are discussed, including consumer spending and debt ratios. The findings The findings show significantly positive over the investment period. Income increased, savings increased, monthly spending power increased, and monthly debt obligations decreased. Recommended studies fo further findings are required to determine long-term impact as the investment period for the cases studies was only 12 months. Further study is also required on the internal motivation of each human involved that propels them to escape poverty at different rates using the resources available within their ecosystem. Further research on cases that use differing investment approaches is recommended in order to compare results under each research objective.
Open Access
An assessment of the impact of Private equity funding on agricultural development in Namibia
(2023) Shimbamba, Werner; Zolfaghari, Badri
This study was an assessment of the impact that Private equity funding has on agricultural development in Namibia. The study's research questions were: how has private equity funding resulted in agricultural development in Namibia? Also, what strategies have been implemented to attract private equity funding to boost agricultural development? The study adopted a qualitative research approach to map up ways to collect data. The sample of the study comprised of 25 farmers, private equity firms as well as banks and the sampling technique used to select these was purposive sampling. Data collection was performed using a semi-structured interview guide through interviews with key informants. Thematic analyse was used as the data analysis method for this study. It was established from the study that private equity funding has not played a significant role in the development of the Namibian agricultural sector with most farmers especially small scale still struggling to acquire alternate capital injections to expand and modernise their operations. It was further established that the most prevalent sources of financing were through state-owned institutions such as Agribank that usually give bailouts and subsidies to farmers in various areas to increase production of certain products that the government can then facilitate to import. Moreover, farmers get funding through loans from commercial banks which at have also been seen to at times suffocate farmers due to high interest rates. It was also found that there seems to be a lack of understanding of private equity funding and how to access it and that leads to failure to take advantage of the benefits that it comes with. This lack of understanding has been identified to be as a result of lack of exposure, most farmers especially small scale being illiterate and a lack of information sharing or educational initiatives to help farmers identify the various possible funding sources they may access to help grow their farms. Some of the strategies that have been highlighted to solve this issue include promotion and development of Private Equity Funds in Agriculture, establishment of a private public partnership in the venture capital industry and that they should harness resources and avail them for this purpose. Additionally, Agribank and the Development Bank of Namibia should vigorously undertake awareness campaigns and educate the investment community about the true value and risks found in the agricultural sector as this could improve investors' appetite for such investments.
Open Access
An evaluation of the challenges facing MSMEs in the informal settlement of Namibia
(2018) Tjonga, Lorence U; Charteris, Ailie
The study investigated challenges facing Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the informal settlements of Namibia
Open Access
An evaluation of the challenges facing MSMEs in the informal settlement of Namibia
(2018) Tjonga, Lorence U; Charteris, Ailie
The study investigated challenges facing Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the informal settlements of Namibia
Open Access
An analysis of Candlestick charting: the predictive power of the three-outside-up and three-outside-down Candlestick patterns in the context of small capitalization stocks in the USA
(2015) Hutton, Simon; Gossel, Sean J
This paper examines the predictive power of two Japanese Candlestick patterns for a 49-stock sample of small capitalization stocks drawn from the S&P 600 for the period 1 June 2005 to 15 May 2015. Using the normal approximation to the binomial for statistical testing and a dynamic holding period strategy to test the threeoutside- up and three-outside-down patterns, this study contradicts earlier works that used dynamic holding period strategies for large capitalization stocks and showed moderate levels of statistically significant predictive power. This study finds no statistically significant evidence of the predictive power of the three-outside-up and three-outside- down patterns for the sample and time period considered. Hence, the findings imply that there is no evidence to challenge the Efficient Market Hypothesis.
Open Access
Analysis of demographic, socio-economic and geographic factors affecting adoption and success of personal income tax e-filing in South Africa
(2017) Mathaba, Jeffrey Themba; Pamburai, Hamutyinei Harvey
E-filing of personal income tax returns is regarded as one of the South African Revenue Service (SARS)'s success stories based on its growth since its inception in 2006. Given the importance of tax revenue as a major source of revenue to government, this study explores the effects of personal income tax e-filling on tax compliance and tax revenues. The study was carried out with three objectives, namely; determining the relationship between personal e-filing growth and some demographic, socio-economic and geographic factors in South Africa; determining the relationship between personal income tax e-filing and personal income tax revenue; and determining the relationship between personal income tax e-filing and tax compliance. Descriptive statistics and the pooled ordinary least square were employed to analyse the data having found the absence of unit root at levels in the data. The study covered 6-year period prior to e-filing (2000-2005) and 10-year period of e-filing implementation from 2006 to 2015, with data collected from publicly available SARS database on registered taxpayers and revenues collected nationally and across South Africa's nine provinces and metropolitan areas. The results indicate that e-filing had a positive contribution to increase personal income tax revenue collection as well as tax compliance over the study period. The study concludes that the introduction of e-filling provided an opportunity for improved collection and compliance across the provinces of South Africa. We therefore recommend, among others, that investigations and investments in tax technology & e-filing in non-metropolitan areas be considered, and further research be done in identified areas of interest in South Africa and rest of the African continent.
Open Access
An analysis of funding liquidity risk in the South African banking system
(2013) Zonke, Khaya; Pooe, C
Most emerging markets are faced with the predicament of a misalignment, or mismatch, of assets and liabilities in the banking sector where long-term assets are funded by short-term deposits. The South African (SA) banking sector also faces a challenge regarding the composition of the short-term deposits that fund these assets. The large and unstable wholesale funds dominate the funding side of local banks' balance sheets, particularly in the short-term bucket. The danger with wholesale funds arises when they are withdrawn unexpectedly, due to either perceived or realised risk. Due to their bulk, the wholesale funds have the potential to create a funding liquidity risk crisis in a bank. Most banks are unlikely to match these types of withdrawals, and will therefore have a forced asset fire sale to fund them. Retail funds do not face this danger, as it is highly unlikely, in normal market conditions, which many retail depositors would want to withdraw all their funds at the same time. Furthermore, retail funds are a cheaper source of funding compared to wholesale funds, thus making them a bank's preferred source of funding. In as much as they are a preferred source of funding, in the SA banking system retail deposits are very low compared to wholesale funding. This research study explores the funding liquidity risk and the predicament that exists in the SA banking industry by highlighting its main sources, and providing recommendations on how it can be addressed. This is achieved by testing the relationship between the ratio of retail funding to total bank funding (ROBF) and five explanatory variables, namely: household saving rates; retail deposit rates; corporate saving rates; wholesale deposit rates; and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) All Share Index, with the aid of the multiple regression analysis method. The regression analysis was performed on data collected between 2002 and 2011. The research established that household saving rates and retail deposit rates were predictors that were statistically significant in explaining the movement in the ratio of retail funding to total funding.
Open Access
An analysis of push and pull factors of capital flows in a regional trading bloc
(2018) Mudyazvivi, Elton; Gossel, Sean J
Inflows of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) into Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) between 2000 and 2014 remained a minute fraction (at only 2% and 1% respectively) of global inflows. This study seeks to explain this phenomenon by examining the push (global) and pull (domestic) factors that may help to explain inflows of FDI and FPI in SSA and the mechanisms through which these factors affect inflows (the how). As ongoing regional integration efforts in Africa through trading blocs, the study also discusses the role of regional trading blocs in explaining capital flows into SSA. In the process, the research challenges some of the established theories and contributes to policy for managing international capital inflows. The study identifies possible explanatory variables from existing theory and empirical studies. Data on possible determinants of FDI and FPI is largely extracted from the World Bank and IMF databases. The determinants considered are macro-economic, infrastructural, institutional, resource endowment and geographical related. These are modeled into econometric model of FDI and FPI. Several hypotheses on the possible determinants are then tested using panel regressions with random effects. The results indicate that SSA's FDI during the period reviewed is mainly pulled by macroeconomic dynamics, infrastructure and human resources factors and pushed by global macroeconomic performance. Likewise, FPI is largely pulled by GDP and infrastructure factors. The results further show that FDI and FPI inflows in regional trading blocs of SADC, COMESA and ECOWAS are affected by different risk, return, macroeconomic, trade and distance factors. The effects of factors such as distance and macroeconomic factors also vary across the regional trading blocs, suggesting their importance of these blocs in capital flows.
Open Access
An analysis of the causality effect of exchange rate and interest yields: a case study of Zambia
(2017) Bwalya, Obed; Uliana, Enrico
This study analyses the relationship between the US Dollar/Zambian kwacha exchange rate and the interest rate yields on the 91-day and 182-day T-bills in Zambia. Using statistical analysis of regression analysis and co integration, the study found that a long-run relationship does not hold for both 91-day and 182-day T-bills taken for any corresponding set of interest rate and exchange rate respectively. Nonetheless, the three variables taken simultaneously demonstrated that a long-run correlation exist. Following a comprehensive analysis of the results from this study, it is concluded that the statistical relationship that exists is not very significant and investors looking forward to invest in Zambia's financial markets should include other factors in order to forecast the exchange rates with regard to the changes in interest rates.
Open Access
An analysis of the potential socio-economic impacts of shale gas development in South Africa
(2016) Tukwayo, Yonela; Altieri, Katye; Caetano, Tara Helena
The South African government is in the process of considering shale gas exploration applications in the Karoo basin. There are conflicting views on whether the development of the resource will be to the detriment or benefit of the South African economy. This paper makes use of a dynamic Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model adapted for the South African energy sector to analyse the potential socio-economic impacts of the development of shale gas. Simulation results indicate potential negative impacts on GDP contribution by all the sectors simulated, except the natural gas sector and the Gas-to-Liquid petroleum sector, as well as potential negative impacts on employment. The negative impacts on growth and employment are likely to worsen poverty and inequality. Potential impacts on trade are negative as the trade deficit increases. In terms of environmental impacts, the uptake of gas would decrease CO2 emissions. All results are compared to the baseline scenario. Based on these results, it is recommended that the decision on whether the development should go ahead or not ought to take into account the potential socio-economic costs, and potential ways to hedge against them.
Open Access
An analysis of the profitability and sustainability of savings and credit co-operatives in Botswana
(2018) Nthaga, Laone Gosego; Alhassan, Abdul Latif
Since the 2008 financial crisis, global attention has been drawn to co-operatives, owing to their resilience and ability to flourish during tough economic conditions. The potential of co-operatives as a catalyst for sustainable development is of particular interest to a country like Botswana, where the economy is heavily reliant on a single commodity trade and there is potential for greater participation of the citizens in economic and social development of the country. The growing participation of co-operatives, particularly savings and credit co-operatives (SACCOs), has proved to be a channel for increasing access to finance for the traditionally unbanked, a reduction in poverty levels, and continued socioeconomic development across the African continent. In Botswana, however, only 26% of co-operatives are profitable, while 30% operate at a loss or break even. This necessitates an empirical investigation into the performance (profitability and sustainability) of SACCOs in Botswana. Literature presents various views regarding the determinants of profitability of SACCOs; these include the selection of a skilled management committee, the clear articulation of and compliance with a credit policy, the presence of a savings culture in the area of operation, sound corporate governance, credit default rates, membership numbers and members' level of financial literacy. This study ascertains the key determinants of the profitability and sustainability of SACCOs in Botswana and the extent to which these factors influence the SACCOs' operational self-sufficiency (OSS). The population included 39 SACCOs from eight regions across the country. The independent variables chosen were return on assets, deposit mobilisation, current ratio, capital structure, and membership size. Panel data analysis for financial data collected over 10 years (2005 to 2015) for all registered SACCOs was used. The study revealed that return on assets and capital structure were significantly and positively related to OSS, which was generally consistent with literature. Size and liquidity were found to be statistically insignificant determinants of OSS. A finding unique to this study, and contrary to literature, was the negative relationship observed between deposit mobilisation and OSS. Informed by the findings of the study, the main recommendations are that members of SACCOs as well as regulators should ensure that management provides a clear investment strategy that shows consideration for revenue diversification. The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry should also channel resources into implementing supporting policies and legislature for SACCOs, such as the Co-operative Transformation Strategy, to enable these entities to thrive.
Open Access
Are Public Private Partnerships catalysing economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa?
(2018) Matsolo, Nolitha; Biekpe, Nicholas; McPherson, Sharron L
Governments in Sub-Saharan Africa are experiencing increased pressure to find quick, efficient solutions to the challenge of maintaining, improving and investing in new infrastructure. A range of funding options to finance infrastructure development has been used, however fiscal capacity constraints have become a challenge. To balance availability of funding and economic development constraints, governments in Sub-Saharan Africa have had to find alternative funding methods. Public private partnerships, as an alternative method, have gained prominence in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study therefore explores the notion of the catalytic effect of public private partnerships on economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study uses unbalanced fixed panel data methodology over a cross section of infrastructure projects across Africa. Data obtained over the period 1994 – 2015 is assessed for the catalytic effects of public private partnerships on economic growth. The results of the empirical analysis indicate that PPPs in SSA over the period tested in the study do have an influence and impact on economic growth. However, the effect of PPPs on economic growth was observed to depend on the proxy used, with significant effect only found when the number of PPPs is employed. The results of the study therefore imply that the PPPs examined here do catalyse economic growth in SSA. Recommendations for future studies include: a further probe into which infrastructure financing method in SSA has the most positive catalytic effect in economic growth. The extent of the impact of unmitigated negative externalities created by the implementation of infrastructure projects financed by PPP arrangements.
Open Access
An assessment of capital budget planning and municipal borrowing as funding source in Overstrand Municipality in the Western Cape
(2015) Alexander, Donovan Patrick; Biekpe, Nicholas; Alagidede, Paul
The major challenges confronting municipalities in South Africa are poor governance, lack of effective performance, backlogs in service delivery, over- and in most cases under-spending on capital infrastructure, and poor audit outcomes. It is therefore very important for municipalities to deliver on the constitutional mandate as enshrined in the South African Constitution in terms of Section 153. Municipalities need to structure and manage the organisation's budgeting, administration and planning processes effectively in terms of their strategic five-year Integrated Development Plan (IDP). The research problem of this study encompasses the assessment of the capital budget planning processes and expenditure patterns in relation to capital infrastructure to determine whether the planning processes followed are in alignment with the IDP and the relevant legislation. The core objective of the research was to investigate the extent to which the Overstrand Municipality funded their capital budget with external borrowing in terms of the budget planning process in relation to capital infrastructure spending over a three year period in compliance with the relevant legislation.
Open Access
Audit Outcomes and Financial Health of Municipalities in South Africa
(2023) Shozi, Rejoyce; Alhassan, Abdul Latif
The regressing financial health, unfavourable annual audit outcomes, severed reputation for service delivery failures and resultant protests of South Africa's municipalities have raised a public furore. Several multi-stakeholder interventions purporting to address the financial mismanagement, audit regression and service delivery backlogs have been initiated by both the provincial and national governments. The intended impact and goal of these support interventions are yet to be realised. The objectives of this study were to examine the root causes that have cumulatively culminated in the deterioration of the financial health of the municipalities and investigate the relationship between financial conditions and audit outcomes not only in dysfunctional municipalities but also by studying the effect on all 257 municipalities in South Africa using data sourced from the 2016–2017, 2017–2018, 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 annual financial statements and reports from the Auditor-General of South Africa. In the first stage, descriptive statistics employed the median values of the variables: cash solvency, budget solvency, long-term solvency, service-level solvency and the financial condition index. The ordinary least squares estimation technique was employed to examine the relationship between financial health and audit outcomes using cross-sectional data from 257 municipalities sourced from the 2018–2019 financial year. The findings from the regression analysis indicated that no relationship exists between financial performance and the audit outcomes of financially distressed municipalities. The recommendations include eliminating political deployees assigned for administrative and technical appointments to allow for a clear separation between political representatives and competent, skilled and professional officials executing their roles and responsibilities objectively in a municipality. Further studies can improve existing literature by extensively examining the relationship between regressing financial performance, audit outcomes in dysfunctional and distressed municipalities and the role played by the political and administrative leadership.
Open Access
Beijing Consensus: alternative for Africa's development challenges? The case for Zimbabwe
(2015) Nyere, Shepherd; Ellyne, Mark
The research aimed to study whether the Beijing Consensus, a Chinese development model is an alternative development model for Africa. The study used Zimbabwe's plan to collateralise its natural resources mainly minerals under the Angola Model strategy as a test case. Zimbabwe's economic revival is currently ransomed by an unsustainable debt that has blocked external financial aid from its traditional donors and the western world. This is against the background that since the 1989, economist John Williamson's economic and policy recommendations known as the Washington Consensus became generally accepted as the most effective model by which developing countries could spur growth. This model based around ten policy recommendations embracing ideals of free-market capitalism that include open trade policies, privatisation and deregulation provided a prescription for development in the less developed countries. However, its implementation had mixed results such as multiple currency crisis, stagnation and recession during the financial turmoil of the 1990s and the most recent and more severe 2007 financial crises that led to the collapse of several nations' economic systems. This further eroded the confidence in the Western neoliberal economic model leaving the world calling for an alternative development model. By the turn of the century, a new strategy driven by China that has been defined by Joshua Cooper Ramo as the Beijing Consensus surfaced as a challenge to the Washington Consensus. This model is described as pragmatic, recognises the need for flexibility in solving multifarious problems. The model sounding warning bells for a post-Washington Consensus is inherently focused on innovation and emphasise equitable development driven by the central government has quickly gained appeal within the developing world challenging the Washington Consensus' antiquated policies. This exploratory research case study using primarily available literature on the subject sought to determine whether the Beijing Consensus is an alternative development model for Africa. To help synthesise the subject, Zimbabwe was used as a case study through primarily the "Angola model"- a Chinese strategy for resource-rich countries that are unable to guarantee loan repayments. Apart from the "Angola model", the study looked at the overall impact of the Chinese investments in Zimbabwe and Africa in general. The findings of the study has revealed while the Angola Model may have worked for Angola and other oil producing nations, it however will not benefit Zimbabwe as it is not geared in solving the current debt crisis. The results also show that while the Beijing Consensus may not actually be a consensus, it is currently an alternative for African nations as it presents an array of choices. It however does not seem to replace the Washington Consensus as a widely accepted consensus model for development but it has the right ingredients from a starting point to develop into an alternative model.
Open Access
Bound to Impact: a best practices guide to term sheets in African Impact Investing deals
(2016) Pepper, Nicholas; Patton, Aunnie; McPherson, Sharron
This study focuses on the Impact Investing industry in sub-Saharan Africa through a comparative analysis of three industry-leading institutions' term sheets. A key output of this exploratory research is the development of a best practices guide to social and environmental covenants (clauses included in the term sheet). The researcher has compiled primary data through practitioner interviews; secondary data was compiled by analysing executed legal documents and templates. The process was conducted with academic rigour in order to categorise and compare specific information. Preliminary research involved the researcher exchanging with a DFI and two commercial Impact Investors. The DFI provides both equity and debt, whereas one of the commercial Investors specialises in private equity and the other in private debt. The institutions are industry agnostic. The study has the objective to test two linked null hypotheses:  Impact Investors do not align their terms sheets to their values; and  Impact Investors do not require that certain clauses be systematically included in order to protect their interests Through case studies, the research initially develops on the key elements of an equity term sheet and provides a fictitious debt term sheet as a reference. Equity and debt legal documents are compared and analysed independently. After having isolated and analysed social and environmental covenants, the researcher concludes that neither hypothesis can be rejected. Further research is recommended limiting the scope to a specific industry or a specific asset class. Understanding and comparing Development Finance Institutions' methods would be of value. A quantitative analysis would isolate the success factors and appropriate constraints on the legal documentation in order to maximise financial and social and environmental returns.

Browsing by Subject "Development Finance"

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