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As BCMS’ operation in South Africa, Xigo has successfully introduced BCMS’ unique methodology into Southern Africa, challenging and changing conventional ways of selling privately owned businesses. Since inception four years ago, Xigo has expanded operations to conclude transactions with clients in many Southern African countries, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Tanzania as well as interest from Uganda & Namibia. With

foreign interest in emerging markets on the increase, Xigo continually experiences 35-40% of NDAs returned coming from international companies requesting more information about Xigo’s activities and transactions in sub-Saharan Africa. Further to this, Xigo receives over five enquiries a week from companies wanting to increase their African footprint. Specifically, there is interest for acquisitions in telecoms, mining, finance and insurance companies. “Africa is an exciting investment destination at present” says Xigo’s Managing Director Richard Pople. “There is considerable interest in the large consumer market that the continent represents, and investors are looking for a way to mine it.”

To capitalise on these increasing numbers of strategic acquirers and Private Equity investors, Xigo has created a new division – Xigo Africa. The intention of Xigo Africa is to expand the physical presence of Xigo into sub-Saharan Africa – where healthy returns have been forecast over the next three years – starting with the French speaking countries in the West African region.

To lead the new division is King Kabobole, a South African national with 20 years of practical and academic understanding of corporate finance. Fluent in French, English and Swahili, Kabobole read a BComm (Applied Economics) and his Master’s degree in Financial Management at the University of Lubumbashi, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Xigo Africa’s business development will be strengthened by the mindset and academic qualifications of this believer in lifelong learning; subsequent qualifications include an Advanced Diploma in Projects and Programme Management, Project Management Systems, certificates in Corporate Finance, Power Speaking, Export Management, and his current training for USA certification as a business appraiser at NACVA, the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts.

Africa is an exciting investment destination and investors are looking for ways to capitalise on this

BCMS AND XIGO OPEN NEW OPERATION

in sub-Saharan AfricaBy Alison Budge

Taking advantage of growth trends in emerging markets and international interest in investing in sub-Saharan Africa, Xigo is spearheading

expansion into French-speaking African countries

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Kabobole says “20 years’ diverse experience working on various projects and in a range of business fields created and developed my style of systematic and logical thinking. I have come to rely on this experience to be innovative in finding solutions, yet always continue to complete the initiated project.” He continues, “As a senior manager, I recognise leadership in how individuals respond to challenges; I actively encourage leadership by positive management. Imaginative and successful results are therefore inevitable.”

This training, coupled with experience in working with international companies, has positioned Kabobole well to continue Xigo’s drive for growth in West Africa. This growth typically comes from strategic decisions to increase investment portfolios through cross-border deals and capital investment for operational expansion into new geographical areas. Kabobole is no stranger to cross-border transactions, and past project experience in Africa includes:

• Project planning and execution for the renovation of the Zambian government properties in the DRC

• Econometrics research and analysis of the South Africa Reserve Bank economic data, in order to obtain a licence for a Congolese-based company to be able to conduct a money remittance business between South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo

• Planning and execution of the dismantling of a Moroccan fertiliser plant for transportation to the DRC, for the account of the Belgium-based company

• Financial planning, control and risk management for the civil works at three different electrical sub-stations, executed under the sponsorship of the Germany-based ABB group

Leading Xigo’s expansion into Africa is King Kabobole (left), with support from Xigo’s Managing Director Richard Pople (right)

Continual academic training coupled with extensive practical experience in cross-border projects have positioned Kabobole well to continue Xigo’s drive for growth in West Africa

In 2008, as the Vice President of the South Africa Katanga Business Forum – the association of all South African companies working in the Katanga Province in DRC – Kabobole welcomed in the DRC a delegation of South Africa’s GEDA (Gauteng Economic Development Agency) accompanied by the provincial Premier in order to conduct business seminars with the Congolese Chamber of Commerce and visit established mines in the area. At the same time, King was improving financial negotiations between South African financial institutions and the financial ministry of the DRC government. In addition, he provided training in collaboration of the South African General Consulate to members of the “Federation des entrepreneurs du Congo” (chamber of commerce) under the sponsorship of the local provincial government.

Kabobole has already completed six months of orientation with Xigo and BCMS, and interaction with potential clients has recently commenced. Seminars in West African countries are planned for Q1 in 2015, and Xigo is looking forward to interesting projects and developing solutions for uniquely African challenges.

Business valuation, project financing and business research are the key skills that Kabobole will need for successful transactions, while deep respect, a love of people and understanding of different countries, languages and cultures are the softer skills needed for effective communication and building the trust that underpins all of Xigo and BCMS’ transactions. “That, and a good golf handicap of course,” laughs Kabobole, which, like everything else in his life, he pursues with passion and determination.

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