Over a Decade of Executed Transactions. Across Africa, the Gulf, and Beyond.

The Challenge

A diversified East African food and agribusiness group needed $21 million to fund expansion into an adjacent market. Their existing banking relationships had declined the request — citing covenant concerns on existing facilities and insufficient collateral coverage at the holding company level.

Our Approach

Maramoja restructured the group's balance sheet presentation to separate operating company cash flows from holding company liabilities, creating a cleaner credit story. We identified three suitable lenders — two regional banks and one Gulf institution accessed via our Dubai office — and ran a parallel process to create competitive tension.

The Challenge

An East African manufacturing group was acquiring a complete production line from a Chinese supplier. The Chinese supplier required an irrevocable documentary LC from an internationally recognised bank before releasing the equipment. The client's domestic bank was unable to issue an LC the Chinese beneficiary's bank would accept.

Our Approach

We identified a UAE-based bank from our network with established correspondent relationships with the Chinese beneficiary's institution. Maramoja structured the LC through our Dubai office banking relationships, coordinated the MT700 SWIFT message sequencing, and managed the full documentary process across three jurisdictions.

The Challenge

A UAE-based Gulf family office sought exposure to East Africa's high-growth luxury tourism sector but had no existing relationships in the market and no advisory partner capable of providing credible on-the-ground due diligence.

Our Approach

Maramoja sourced a pipeline of qualifying investment opportunities in East Africa's northern tourism corridor and ran a structured evaluation process. We conducted site visits, management assessments, financial verification, and regulatory mapping.

The Challenge

A Kenyan infrastructure developer had won a government concession for a major transport logistics project but could not access the long-tenure, competitive-rate financing the project required. Commercial banks were offering 5-year tenures at high rates — entirely inadequate for a long-dated infrastructure asset.

Our Approach

Maramoja spent three months preparing the client for DFI engagement — improving financial reporting to IFRS standards, commissioning an ESMP, and restructuring corporate governance. We then approached IFC and British International Investment (BII) simultaneously, managing a dual-track process.

The Challenge

A Dubai-based real estate developer wished to establish operations in East Africa but had no understanding of the regulatory landscape, land tenure system, construction permitting requirements, or financing environment.

Our Approach

Maramoja conducted primary market research — including engagement with investment promotion authorities, regulatory bodies, and leading local legal and construction partners. We produced a comprehensive market entry strategy covering regulatory requirements, optimal corporate structure, competitive landscape, and a complete investor-ready business plan.

The Challenge

The Government of Zanzibar sought to attract substantial institutional investment into key infrastructure and economic development projects but lacked a structured advisory framework to engage international capital markets effectively.

Our Approach

Maramoja was appointed as the official advisory partner to structure and market investment opportunities to institutional capital. We developed an investment prospectus, identified suitable capital partners, and managed the international investor engagement process.