Tamarisk Investments underwrites major investment in Kenya

This marks the launch of Tamarisk's SME investment program which will be dedicated to investing in the SME space across the MENA and East African regions. The firm will focus on investment opportunities in higher growth markets which play a pivotal part in shaping regional economies. Phiras Soubra, Managing Director of Tamarisk Investments said, "It's exciting to play such a role in the growth and development of SMEs, and nowhere is it more relevant than in our part of the world. Any healthy and sustainable economy needs a flourishing mid segment."

Currently, SME contribution to economic activity in the largest regional economy, Saudi Arabia, stands at only 28%, almost half the level witnessed in developed countries around the world. "We expect this contribution to increase over time in order to meet the pressing needs of economic growth and job creation," added Soubra."This is why Tamarisk is committed to supporting entrepreneurs and their growing needs within these regions." Underwriting this investment by Willow Impact Investors in Bio Food Products Ltd., an award-­winning Kenyan added ‐value dairy goods producer, enables the organization to build and expand its production, milk collection facilities and distribution networks throughout Kenya and East Africa.

Tamarisk has worked alongside Willow Impact Investors on this transaction, "Willow has a growing footprint in East Africa with a strong presence in Kenya. Their main objective is to invest in SMEs that are socially impactful. At Tamarisk, we favor this approach to investing, and as we invest our own capital alongside clients', we align both our interests," added Soubra.

Tamarisk continues to put an emphasis on doing business within the region to help enhance the current position of SMEs. Following the success of this initial investment, the company will steadily move forward and actively seek high 2 growth opportunities in a number of various sectors, including; Healthcare, Food & Agriculture, Building Materials and Real Estate.