IMPACTAGRI ( HOLDINGS ) LTD
to them such as irrigation systems , equipment and help with off-take . It ’ s very inclusive .”
Hampton highlights the constant challenge to secure financing . “ On a US $ 40m project , the hardest funds to raise are the first $ 1-2mn for the environmental assessment and feasibility studies . No one wants to pay for that . It ’ s too small for most investors , and the bigger investors want that to be done before they consider getting involved …”
ImpactAgri has developed a portfolio that diversifies the risks but White concedes it ’ s hard to find investors for individual greenfield sites . To secure returns he recommends a minimum 10-year cycle as these are long-term projects where you need to plan for a year when yields are less than ideal , while Hampton warns against the perception that brownfield sites can offer a quicker turnaround : “ In Africa , it ’ s often better to build something from scratch than
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