This marks the fourth investment in UsPlus facilitated by Verdant, sourced from international development finance institutions and impact investors.
Verdant has successfully secured ZAR 40 million for Us Plus Limited (“UsPlus”) through a senior unsecured note linked to UsPlus’ JSE-listed social bond. This investment originates from a Europe-based fund focused on Africa and is complemented by an equivalent amount raised through local JSE funding, resulting in a total of ZAR 80 million from the bond issuance.
Additionally, UsPlus has accessed ZAR 60 million from a bilateral facility previously established by Verdant, bringing the total new funding for this quarter to ZAR 140 million (approximately USD 7 million). This significant capital influx elevates the total funding raised for UsPlus by Verdant to USD 22 million over the past two years, reflecting strong market confidence in UsPlus' mission to foster economic growth and social impact in South Africa.
UsPlus specializes in providing innovative financial solutions designed for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), with a focus on enhancing their competitiveness and access to financing. This strategic alliance further solidifies UsPlus' dedication to promoting sustainable development and economic inclusion within South Africa.
The newly acquired capital will enable UsPlus to broaden its support, particularly for black-owned, women-owned, and youth-owned micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in underserved regions. By concentrating on critical sectors such as food security, waste management, and manufacturing, UsPlus aims to instigate meaningful positive changes in local communities, contributing to job creation, food security, and sustainable production practices.
This partnership underscores the essential role of social bonds in mobilizing capital for impactful initiatives and reinforces UsPlus' status as a key player in advancing financial inclusion and economic empowerment in South Africa. The commitment from this latest funding partner, along with ongoing support from local investors, highlights the significant efforts of UsPlus in promoting sustainable growth and bolstering the SME sector in the nation.
This marks the fourth investment in UsPlus facilitated by Verdant from international development sources.