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Trade finance in frontier and emerging markets: mobilizing capital for impact at scale

Across Frontier and Emerging Markets, access to finance is a persistent obstacle to sustainable growth. Nowhere is this truer than trade finance – without access to trade finance, many SMEs would simply die. While trade finance is a thriving global industry
comprising myriad public and private players, in Frontier and Emerging Markets it remains a crucial problem.

Sarona – a global leader in emerging markets impact investing – set its sights on this crucial problem. With funding support from Global Affairs Canada and MEDA, Sarona worked with Mbuyu Capital (based in Nairobi and London) to examine this issue.

To read a summary of the overall findings Click here.

News and Insights from Sarona

Q4 2022- Sarona Emerging Markets Monitor

The global economic outlook continues to remain challenging, particularly given the effects of higher inflation, as a result of supply side imbalances following covid-19 and subsequently the war in Ukraine. Energy and food prices remain major contributors to this surge with prospects of further rises in interest rates going into next year. With recessionary warning signs flashing, a flight to safety has strengthened the US dollar, with the index (DXY) peaking above 13% before softening to 4.6% YTD. Despite emerging markets facing higher import costs and stronger inflationary pressures as a result, including the prospects of depleted currency reserves, economic growth forecasts remain positive for this year, albeit at more moderated levels.

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Sarona thanks its founder for many years of service

Gerhard Pries, our Founder and Managing Partner for the last dozen years, has announced his retirement from his executive role at Sarona. Gerhard will remain as Chair of the Board and member of the Sarona Investment Committee, while his long-time colleague, Serge...

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