MIAMI BASED ORGANIZATION AT THE FOREFRONT OF DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES IN AFRICA

BY TAREK MANDILE & DENITZA BOJINOVA

 

IOS Partners, a Miami-based economic development advisory firm with a regional office in Nairobi, plays a pivotal role in advancing trade and investment projects across Africa. With experience in over 130 countries, the firm bridges public sector reform and private sector development, focusing on areas like Trade & Investment, Transport, Agriculture and Fisheries, Tourism, and Digital Transformation. The following projects illustrate the impact of the IOS’ work across the African Continent.

In Lesotho, IOS Partners recently led a series of investment promotion activities to identify, attract, and qualify potential foreign and domestic investors into four (4) irrigation schemes that will be constructed and financed under the US Government funded Market Driven Irrigated Horticulture (MDIH) Project. The IOS Partners’ consultancy achieved the goal of attracting investors into the MDIH Project. A total of nineteen (19) Letters of Intent were received from potential Anchor Farmer Investors. Ultimately, the irrigation schemes will offer highly competitive rates for land, water, and power to investors; whose participation in the MDIH Project will in turn contribute to improving the quality and value of agricultural value chains in Lesotho, while empowering small-scale enterprises and the youth, and thus benefiting the economy.

In Djibouti, IOS Partners championed sustainable tourism development, enhancing economic opportunities for women and youth, improving service access, facilitating financing, and fostering competitive value chains, thereby promoting Djibouti as an emerging Red Sea tourism destination.

IOS is currently working with Ethiopia’s Heritage Authority for the preservation and revitalization of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, providing comprehensive technical assistance for its sustainable development.

In Guinea, IOS Partners spearheads the digitalization of government services through an Electronic Secure Transaction Registry, revolutionizing collateral loan transactions and enhancing financial operations’ transparency and accessibility.

IOS Partners was engaged by the African Union Commission for a study to enhance port efficiency and competitiveness and developing strategic recommendations for five key ports: Port of Abidjan; Walvis Bay; Port of Mombasa; Port of Tangier; and Port of Pointe-Noire.

In Kenya, IOS Partners reviewed the feasibility and financial viability of constructing a new terminal at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and implemented a Productivity Improvement Plan for the Port of Mombasa, including stakeholder advocacy and capacity building.

In Mozambique, IOS Partners led a comprehensive feasibility study for an Airport City and an Industrial Zone at Nacala, including developing concept master plans and analyzing economic and financial models, setting the foundation for future development.

In Cape Verde, IOS Partners worked closely with the Civil Aviation Authority, the Ministry of Tourism and Transport, and other relevant stakeholders in the assessment and relevant adjustment of the civil aviation legal framework in view of making it responsive to the present and future challenges of air transport development.

Our diverse teams are fluent in French, English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Arabic, enabling flawless operations throughout Africa. Our diverse skill set enables us to engage effectively with a broad range of stakeholders, navigate cultural intricacies, and drive impactful development initiatives. IOS Partners remains steadfast in its pledge to cultivate inclusive growth and uplift communities across Africa.