Africa Investment Forum: AFCORP’s Gregory Boyd on Africa’s changing investment landscape

The Africa Investment Forum in Sandton recently provided a platform for industry experts to converge and discuss the evolving investment landscape on the continent. One of the key figures at the event was Gregory Boyd, Managing Director of AFCORP, who shared valuable insights into the changing dynamics of investment projects in Africa. In an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa's Kopano Gumbi, Boyd highlighted the importance of networking with institutional investors to identify high-quality investment opportunities and potential co-investment partners for clients. Boyd, an experienced corporate financial expert with over 20 years in the industry, shed light on the challenges facing emerging market projects in recent years, particularly in the wake of a tough commodities environment. He emphasized the need for consistent institutional capital willing to invest in transactions of the right size, a critical factor in driving sustainable growth and development across the continent. AFCORP, known for its focus on medium-sized companies, primarily targets transactions ranging from $15 million to $50 million. However, in South Africa, the company actively engages in larger transactions in the range of $500 million to $2 billion, with a significant presence in the power sector. Boyd highlighted that 70% of AFCORP's business revolves around mergers and acquisitions, while the remaining 30% is dedicated to power projects, which can vary from $100 million to a billion dollars. While AFCORP adopts an industry-agnostic approach, Boyd expressed a keen interest in the agribusiness sector, particularly in value-addition processes. He stressed the importance of leveraging Africa's vast mineral resources by adding value to basic commodities through agribusiness, creating a competitive advantage and opening up avenues for export opportunities on a global scale. Looking ahead, Boyd outlined AFCORP's strategic objectives at the conference, with a focus on expanding into East Africa and aligning with equity investors interested in industrial projects. He mentioned exploring potential opportunities in sectors such as fishing and telecommunications, citing the latter as a key area of interest given its growth potential and relevance in today's digital age. When asked about the success metrics for the conference, Boyd downplayed the significance of deal volumes, emphasizing the value of building relationships and partnerships. His primary goal was to connect with like-minded individuals who could add value to AFCORP's projects and contribute to their growth trajectory. In conclusion, Gregory Boyd's perspective offers a glimpse into the dynamic and diverse investment landscape in Africa, where opportunities abound for savvy investors willing to navigate the complexities of the market. As AFCORP continues to forge ahead with its investment strategies, the company remains optimistic about the potential for sustainable growth and development across the continent.