Cauris Finance, a private credit fund focused on Africa, has expanded its strategic partnership with Ghana-based Jetstream Africa, a logistics and trade finance platform helping African importers manage supply chains.
This marks Cauris’s third investment in Jetstream since 2022.
Why it matters
Fewer than 15% of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Africa can access formal credit. Jetstream’s platform offers flexible, transaction-based financing — a lifeline for SMEs importing fast-moving consumer goods, machinery, and materials.
The new funding will expand Jetstream’s reach across West Africa, helping businesses grow despite working capital constraints.
The big picture:
- Africa imported $660B worth of goods in 2022 — but the $120B trade finance gap continues to choke SME-led growth.
- Many importers can’t prepay suppliers, secure forex, or finance shipments — limiting their ability to scale.
- Jetstream combines digital freight, customs, and trade finance tools to streamline cross-border trade.
What they’re saying
- “Jetstream is reshaping how African businesses move goods and access working capital,” said Azer Songnaba, Chief Investment Officer at Cauris Finance. “We’re proud to deepen our partnership.”
- “Cauris has been a consistent, thoughtful partner,” said Miishe Addy-Asare, CEO of Jetstream. “This new capital helps us serve more SMEs — faster and smarter.”
Zoom out
Cauris’s structured financing relies on asset-backed facilities and third-party collateral managers to reduce risk. It’s a model designed for growth without unsustainable debt — especially vital in volatile markets where importing goods is key to economic stability.
What’s next
The expanded facility will help local importers:
- Improve cash flow
- Increase inventory turnover
- Expand regionally across borders
Source: Cauris (Medium)
