“MCB Capital Markets advises Valency International on USD 15 Million Bond Issuance”

MCB Capital Markets, the investment banking arm of MCB Group, the largest banking group in Mauritius, acted as exclusive Transaction Advisor to Valency International Pte Ltd on its successful USD 15 million bond issuance via its newly-incorporated Mauritian subsidiary. Fully subscribed by AfrAsia Bank Limited, this landmark transaction strengthens Valency International’s financial foundation for continued expansion on the African continent. 

Established in 2007, Valency International has evolved from a commodities trader to a vertically integrated global enterprise specializing in agri-commodities, processed agricultural products, industrial chemicals, and FMCG food products. Operating in 22 countries, the group has historically relied on working capital facilities secured against receivables and inventory. Securing balance sheet lending through a bond issuance marks a pivotal shift for the company and is an uncommon feat for the sector.

The successful issuance reflects Valency’s robust financial profile and underscores MCB Capital Markets’ expertise in structuring complex transactions. The proceeds will support the group’s expansion, particularly in West Africa, driving growth across its global operations.

Sumit Jain, CEO of Valency International, stated: “This bond issuance is a testament to investor confidence in our vision and operational strength. MCB Capital Markets played a critical role in structuring and executing the transaction, enabling us to secure long-term funding to accelerate global expansion and enhance stakeholder value.”

Rony Lam, Chief Executive Officer, MCB Capital Markets, commented: “We are pleased to have supported Valency International on this bond issue, the first time a Singapore based company taps the Mauritian debt capital markets for financing its operations in Africa. This transaction highlights the role of Mauritius in bridging the flow of capital between Asia and Africa and strengthens our advisory team’s credentials in devising innovative solutions for clients.”

Neermal Shimadry, Senior Vice President, MCB Capital Markets, commented: “We are proud to have acted as financial advisor to Valency International on their inaugural bond issuance in Mauritius. Agriculture remains one of the most important contributors to Africa’s GDP and is the continent’s largest source of employment. Supporting the sector’s growth and resilience is essential. This transaction not only reinforces the role of Mauritius as a strategic financial hub for Africa, but also demonstrates our continued commitment to delivering innovative and bespoke financing solutions to our clients.”

Eversheds Sutherland (Mauritius) and Simmons & Simmons (Singapore) provided legal advice to Valency International, and ArchGlobal acted as fiduciary for its Mauritian subsidiary.

Africa Solidarity Fund, a multilateral financial institution, provided a credit risk guarantee to the noteholder.

Tokyo: Minister Ramful meets the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan

On July 15, Iwaya Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with Dhananjay Ramful, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade of the Republic of Mauritius. The meeting took place in Tokyo, at the seat of the Foreign Affairs ministry.

At the outset, Minister Iwaya stated that Mauritius, located at a strategic point in the Indian Ocean connecting Asia and Africa, is an important partner in promoting a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) based on the rule of law, and that he would like to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries, taking advantage of the upcoming TICAD9 next month.

In response, Minister Ramful expressed his gratitude for Japan’s cooperation in various fields. He also referred to the good relations between the two countries and expressed his hope for further strengthening of the bilateral relations, particularly in the economic field.

The two ministers concurred to advance initiatives such as maritime security with a view to achieving peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, also in view of the promotion of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP). They also reaffirmed that they would work together in order to increase investment from Japanese companies in Mauritius, which serves as a gateway for investment in Africa.

The two ministers also exchanged views on certain issues, including the regional situation in East Asia, their policies toward North Korea, the nuclear issue and United Nations Security Council reform, and concurred to further strengthening cooperation in the regional and international arenas.

The Charles Telfair Centre and MMCO Sound the Alarm on the Endangered Sperm Whales of Mauritius

There are only two places in the world next to oceanic islands where sperm whales are long term residents, one of them being Mauritius. To highlight the endangered status of the sperm whales in Mauritius, the Charles Telfair Centre (CTCentre), in collaboration with The Marine Megafauna Conservation Organisation (MMCO), organized an open conference titled, “The Behaviour and Ecology of the Sperm Whale: An Emblematic Species in Mauritius” on 6 July, in Moka.

Guest speakers at the event sponsored by the Association of Spanish Scientists for Africa included Dr. Natacha Aguilar, marine scientist at the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO) and the Spanish Research Council (CSIC), and Svetlana Barteneva, Director of the Marine Megafauna Conservation Organisation (MMCO) based in Mauritius.

Together, they presented new findings from global DTAG research and from seventeen years of research – from 2008 to date – in Mauritian waters, emphasizing the ecological sensitivity of sperm whales. Protecting them means protecting the ocean itself, as their survival depends on our behaviour. The message was clear: observe, don’t disturb!

Mauritius’ waters are home to a small, matriarchal population of females and immature whales, occasionally visited by whales from other regions of the Indian Ocean to mate. Listed as Vulnerable on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, sperm whales near inhabited islands such as Mauritius are renowned for their deep-diving abilities and rich social lives. These matriarchal giants play a key role in marine ecosystems, and are vital to the health of the ocean and part of Mauritius’ natural heritage

However, these populations are particularly vulnerable to growing human pressure as they face escalating threats from ship strikes, acoustic pollution, and harmful whale watching practices daily. The event spotlighted the urgent need to protect this iconic species as humans’ selfish activities are altering the whales’ natural behaviour, affecting their ability to rest, nurse, and feed. These pressures are especially harmful to calves, who must exert extra energy to evade boats, leading to exhaustion, injuries, and even death.

Both speakers emphasized the urgency of safeguarding sperm whales through science, policy, and public awareness.