'Triple Jump leading in Africa'

OCTOBER 2011 - Triple Jump is going to invest more and more in Africa and the Middle East and has therefore created a new position: Regional Manager Africa & the Middle East. The position is held by Orsolya Farkas, who was previously Senior Investment Officer for Africa.

Interview with the brand new Regional Manager Africa & the Middle East:

What is the current position of Triple Jump in Africa & the Middle East?
‘Triple Jump is one of the leading microfinance investors in Africa and the Middle East. Our involvement goes back to the late 90s, when Oxfam Novib first began to provide loans to MFIs in the region. Today, Triple Jump manages the Oxfam Novib Fund, which works with MFIs in 20 countries in Africa and the Middle East. Since 2007, the other funds advised by Triple Jump have also increased their presence in the region. The ASN-Novib Microkredietfonds has shown particularly strong growth and is expected to double its portfolio in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2011/2012. '

Why does Triple Jump need a regional manager for Africa & the Middle East?
‘The importance of the region for Triple Jump is even greater than the numbers suggest. It is the primary target market for the Oxfam Novib Fund and has particular importance for Dutch retail investors who put their money in the ASN-Novib Microkredietfonds. At the same time, it is also a difficult market, where even small investments require significant time and effort.’

What are the priorities for Triple Jump in the region?
‘Reflecting the objectives of our shareholders and fund owners, Africa and the Middle East will be a focus for our growth next year. We will continue to support our existing MFI clients in the region, but also plan to increase the number of investees, both on the debt and equity side. As in the past, we will offer local currency loans with flexible terms to our borrowers.
With the recent entry of new funders, we expect to see more competition for the best clients in the region, but hope that our established relationships and familiarity with the market will continue to provide us with a competitive advantage.’

What is your personal link/history with Africa?
‘I first came into contact with Sub-Saharan Africa 9 years ago, when I worked in Kenya for a few months as part of my Masters Degree programme. Since joining Triple Jump in 2008, I have been responsible for the portfolio in East and Central Africa and I have had the opportunity to visit clients in West and North Africa. It is the most challenging part of Triple Jump’s portfolio, but also the most interesting in terms of social impact and growth potential.’

(Before joining Triple Jump, Orsolya spent five years as Country Manager with the Council of Europe Development Bank financing small enterprises and social projects in Central and Eastern Europe. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Affairs and Development Studies from Princeton University. Orsolya speaks Hungarian, English and French and is a Hungarian national.)