United Capital, a prominent investment firm, has embarked on a significant expansion into Francophone West Africa with the launch of its subsidiary, United Capital Asset Management West Africa Limited (UCAMWAL). Headquartered in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, UCAMWAL has received regulatory approval to operate as a portfolio management company within the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) region. This strategic move marks a pivotal step in United Capital’s broader pan-African growth strategy, aiming to cultivate a more financially inclusive and economically robust African landscape. The launch of UCAMWAL signifies not merely an expansion of geographical reach but also a commitment to fostering local partnerships and driving shared value creation across the region.
UCAMWAL’s inaugural offerings to the Francophone West African market comprise two CFA franc-denominated mutual funds: the UCAMWAL Bond Fund and the UCAMWAL Diversified Fund. The UCAMWAL Bond Fund caters to investors seeking a low-risk investment avenue, focusing on fixed-income securities and money market instruments. This fund offers a stable and predictable return profile, suitable for conservative investors seeking capital preservation and steady income generation. Conversely, the UCAMWAL Diversified Fund caters to investors with a moderate risk appetite, strategically allocating investments across a diverse range of asset classes. This diversification aims to mitigate risk while simultaneously capturing potential growth opportunities in various market segments.
The launch of these mutual funds underscores United Capital’s commitment to providing tailored investment solutions that cater to the specific needs of investors in the WAEMU region. By offering a spectrum of risk profiles, from conservative to balanced, UCAMWAL aims to empower investors across different life stages and financial goals to participate in the region’s economic growth. This initiative also reflects United Capital’s broader vision of fostering financial inclusion and supporting the development of local capital markets within the WAEMU region. Furthermore, it positions United Capital as a key player in facilitating cross-border investment and promoting Africa-driven prosperity.
United Capital’s entry into the WAEMU market is driven by a long-term vision that emphasizes collaboration and sustainable growth. The company aims to leverage local expertise and insights to create shared value and deliver tailored financial solutions. This approach contrasts with traditional exploitative models and prioritizes building long-term partnerships with local economies. By fostering local talent and understanding specific market dynamics, United Capital seeks to contribute to the region’s economic development while also generating attractive returns for investors. This collaborative approach aligns with United Capital’s mission to empower African economies and promote sustainable, inclusive growth.
The establishment of UCAMWAL and the launch of its mutual funds have been met with enthusiasm from key figures within United Capital. Peter Ashade, Group Chief Executive Officer, emphasized the significance of this expansion as the first step in the company’s pan-African strategy. He expressed the company’s dedication to shaping a more financially inclusive and resilient Africa, highlighting the transfer of proven investment expertise to the WAEMU region. Ejikeme Okoli, Director of Africa Operations, reiterated the company’s commitment to impacting the region positively, stressing the importance of building a truly pan-African financial institution that partners with local economies for long-term prosperity. This collaborative approach is central to United Capital’s strategy, ensuring that its operations not only generate financial returns but also contribute to sustainable economic growth across Africa.
Labas Bamba, Managing Director of UCAMWAL, expressed the company’s commitment to reshaping asset and wealth management in Francophone West Africa. He emphasized the tailoring of the funds to meet the specific needs of local investors, blending global standards with local market insights. This tailored approach recognizes the uniqueness of each investor’s journey and aims to provide solutions that support diverse goals. The funds are open to investors from all eight member countries of the WAEMU region: Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Togo. This accessibility further solidifies United Capital’s commitment to financial inclusion and regional economic development. With a proven track record managing significant assets in Nigeria, United Capital is poised to make a substantial contribution to the growth and development of the WAEMU financial landscape.
