Resilience, stability, openness, accessibility, trustworthiness, Open Door Policy, and human resource leadership were among the qualities attributed to Mauritius as an International Financial Centre by the President of the Republic of Mauritius, Mr Prithvirajsing Roopun, on Friday afternoon, at the seat of AFRINEX Limited in Ebène.
AFRINEX Securities List is an innovative platform of AFRINEX providing simplified and rapid listing process for listing of wide range of securities to global issuers in any currency. AFRINEX has also started issuing International Securities Identification Number (ISIN) through its depository arm AFRINEX Clearing House Limited which will help broaden the issuer base of listed entities in Mauritius.
The President was participating in the Listing Ceremony of USD 1 billion 2033 Bond of BNP Investments LLC, and of USD 3 billion 2029 Bond of EST Growmore CHL, on Afrinex Securities List. The Minister of Financial Services and Good Governance, Mr Mahen Kumar Seeruttun; the Deputy High Commissioner of India to Mauritius, Mr Vimarsh Aryan; the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AFRINEX, Ms Krishna Gangopadhyay; and other eminent personalities were also present.
It is recalled that AFRINEX is a pan-African Exchange, launched on 25 October 2021. Its Exchange and Clearing House are regulated by the Financial Services Commission, Mauritius.
Moreover, Mr Roopun thanked the AFRINEX team for their firm belief, commitment and trust in Mauritius as an International Financial Centre.
The encouraging opportunity for economic take-off provided by Africa was highlighted, too, by Mr Roopun. He stated that Mauritius always believed that it should maintain an aggressive presence in Africa and talked of the close economic and political ties with the establishment of various Double Taxation Agreements and the push for preferential tariffs, especially with countries from Southern and Eastern Africa.
The President was of the view that Mauritius was not a mere gateway towards Africa. “We will use all our best endeavours to make things happen and establish bridges whenever the need arises so that there is a win-win situation, not only for the country as an International Financial Centre, but also for investors and for Africa,” he declared.
As for Minister Seeruttun, he congratulated AFRINEX for the two international listings and expressed his confidence that it was the beginning of future upcoming listing of similar bonds, which, in turn, would reinforce the country’s financial sector. “AFRINEX is successfully supporting the financial development of our Mauritian economy and has also become an undeniable actor to position Mauritius as a financial centre for the region,” he pointed out.
The Minister further underlined the country’s forte as a jurisdiction of substance and repute. “We represent an International Financial Centre of opportunities where investors can fully tap into the potential which Mauritius represents,” he added.
Today’s event is a significant milestone in the journey of AFRINEX
His Excellency Deputy High Commissioner of India to Mauritius, Mr. Vimarsh Aryan said “Today’s event is a significant milestone in the journey of AFRINEX that started with its launch last year. The cumulative debt listings on AFRINEX Securities List that stand at USD 6.6 Billion within a year of its launch is a testimony to its path-breaking capabilities and its potential to become an institution that can transform a country, a continent, and the world.”
Speaking on the occasion, AFRINEX MD & CEO Ms. Krishna Gangopadhyay said “we are extremely proud to celebrate the listing ceremony of BNP Investments LLC and EST Growmore Capital Holdings Ltd. from across the globe. AFRINEX provides wide range of issuer services with transparency, robustness of rules which offers comprehensive tech enabled solutions for issuer needs. Such listings encourage us to offer more innovative services in times to come.”
Mr. Biswanath Patnaik, CEO of BNP Investments mentioned that “We have been one of the first issuers and this is the second time we are listing our bond on AFRINEX. The listing process is very meticulous, efficient, and transparent at all the stages. This listing platform AFRINEX has given us great visibility for fund raising from global investors which is at par with international exchanges. With this bond we look forward to fund new healthcare, energy and fin tech projects at 5.5% interest rate. We are also happy to get a one stop solution of ISIN issuance, fund raising and listing through AFRINEX.”
Dr. Sindhu Bhaskar, Director of EST Growmore Capital Holdings Ltd. mentioned that “I am extremely proud and delighted on listing of our USD 3 Billion 2029 7% bond on AFRINEX at Mauritius. This has enabled us to get visibility and access to global investors. The listing process though meticulous is transparent and efficient. I am confident that listing of our bond on AFRINEX Securities List will provide us the opportunity to access a deep pool of global investors and capital in times to come. The proceeds of the bond will help improve production from gold mines and community development for miners.”
