Project
SFI Tanzania is a sisal and forest plantation management company that manages two estates of in total 9,145 hectares. Sisal and forest plantations cover a total planted area of more than 4,000 ha. On 5,000 ha of degraded and fallow land the company expands sisal plantations, afforestation and restoration of natural forest. Sisal fibre is processed and sold to international and local markets. The company employs ~1,300 staff.
Our role
Form International has been responsible a.o. for due diligence, estate acquisitions, the establishment of the company, development of tree nurseries, new plantations, estate planning, silvicultural and harvesting systems, FSC™ certification process, ESIA’s, business and financial modelling, capacity building and human capital management, improvement of existing sisal plantations, production and sales, factories and infrastructure. The company was further guided to enhance productivity, efficiency, operating margins, sustainability and to build their forestry business component. The forestry developments are supported by the Dutch Government through the PSI grant program, managed by Form International.
Results
- Acquisition 9,145 hectares land + sisal assets (plantations, factories, workforce)
- Overhaul of sisal factories and plantations: improved productivity, environmental and social performance, sisal plantation expansion, forestry plantation introduction (multiple species)
- US$ 17 Million blended finance raised (private equity, DGGF loan, grant)
