With The Right Leadership And Collaboration, Africa’s Potential Is Limitless- Premier Invest Managing Partner Rene Awambeng

By Ajong Mbapndah L*

With the right leadership and collaboration, Africa’s potential is limitless, says Rene Awambeng, the visionary Founder and Managing Partner of Premier Invest. With a strong and growing reputation as one of Africa’s most consummate deal makers, Rene Awambeng says while the investment climate remains a mixed bag with tremendous opportunities alongside challenges, there is every reason to remain optimistic about Africa in 2025 especially with initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) gaining steam.

“Africa needs to focus on simplifying regulatory frameworks, enhancing governance and transparency, and building robust infrastructure to attract investors. Policies that encourage public-private partnerships and leverage technology will be critical. Consistent stakeholder engagement and alignment with global ESG standards (Environmental, Social, Governance) can further position Africa as a prime investment destination,” says Awambeng in an interview with PAV.

Awambeng describes Premier Invest as a partner that genuinely cares and invests in the success of African countries and corporates. An approach deeply rooted in understanding the unique needs of each client and market, a combination of local expertise with global insights primed for innovative practical and impactful solutions, and a seasoned team with diverse experiences and dedication to building long relationships, have contributed to the solid credentials of Premier Invest under Awambeng’s leadership.

“As a start-up, we successfully expanded our footprint in Africa, secured key partnerships in the UAE, and supported projects in critical sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and financial services. We facilitated over US$ 2,4 billion in investment flows and growth in our client portfolio pipeline was US$4 billion,” Awambeng reveals.

Describing the AfCTA as a game changer for Africa with the promise of unlocking $3.4 trillion in economic potential, Rene Awambeng says Premier Invest was actively working to facilitate cross-border investments and projects that align with it.

“We believe our expertise in structuring complex deals and building partnerships makes us uniquely positioned to support its realisation,” says Awambeng who was recently named amongst the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024 by New African Magazine.

Happy New Year Mr. Awambeng, may we start with an introduction of Premier Invest for those who may not be familiar with its services?

Happy New Year and thank you for having me. Premier Invest is a specialist financial services investment holding company operating in ADGM focused on South-South Trade.

We are in the processing of obtaining regulatory approval for Premier Bank a CAT 1 Deposit Taking Financial Institution/Bank in ADGM-Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates and Premier Investment Partners, a CAT 3C Fund Manager & Financial Advisory in ADGM-Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Premier Bank will be a regulated specialist wholesale structured trade and transactional financial institution providing Trade Finance, Structured Trade & Commodity Finance, and Transactional Banking Services (Payments, Foreign Exchange, Alternative Currencies, Swaps, Collections, Clearing & Settlements).

Premier Investment Partners will be a regulated fund management company with specialist funds in Trade Finance, Energy and Energy Infrastructure, Financial Technology, Agriculture, Corporate Finance and Financial Advisory.

These entities will be the go-to-investment firm to originate, advise, structure, fund, co-invest, distribute, transact and settle trade assets in Africa.

Our ambition is to be a dynamic investment firm focused on providing innovative financial solutions. We pride ourselves on delivering bespoke advisory services, financing structures, and investment strategies tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Our mission is to empower our partners to achieve their financial goals while fostering sustainable economic growth in the regions we operate in

What kind of clientele does Premier Invest look out for and how is your geographical spread in Africa and other parts of the world?

Our product offering is a wholesale model. Our clientele includes a diverse range of stakeholders such as governments, development finance institutions, banks, and large corporates and commodity trading companies. While our primary focus has been on Africa, we have also established connections in the UAE, Europe, and Asia to facilitate cross-border investments and partnerships. This global presence helps us bridge gaps and bring transformative investments to Africa

How did 2024 go for Premier Invest and any figures or scope of activities that you may want to share with us?

2024 was an exciting year for Premier Invest. As a start-up, we successfully expanded our footprint in Africa, secured key partnerships in the UAE, and supported projects in critical sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and financial services. We facilitated over US$ 2,4 billion in investment flows and growth in our client portfolio pipeline was US$4 billion. This growth is a testament to the trust our clients place in us and the significant need for funding in Africa.

What makes the services of Premier Invest stand out and why should African countries, corporate interests, and others prioritize your services as opposed to those of others in the same business?

Our approach is deeply rooted in understanding the unique needs of each client and our markets. Our energy and drive for execution and impact is unparallel. We combine local expertise with global insights, ensuring that our solutions are not only innovative but also practical and impactful. Moreover, our team's diverse experience and dedication to building long-term relationships set us apart. For African countries and corporates, we are a partner that genuinely invests in their success.

What is your take on the investment climate in Africa and projections for 2025?

The investment climate in Africa remains a mixed bag, with tremendous opportunities alongside challenges such as high risk perception, regulatory uncertainties, funding gaps, and infrastructure gaps. However, with initiatives like AFCFTA gaining momentum, I am optimistic about 2025. We anticipate increased intra-African trade and investment flows, with sectors like energy transition, fintech, and manufacturing driving growth.

Any policy recommendations or tips you normally share or will like to share with those African countries interested in making investment climates more friendly or attractive to investors?

Africa needs to focus on simplifying regulatory frameworks, enhancing governance and transparency, and building robust infrastructure to attract investors. Policies that encourage public-private partnerships and leverage technology will be critical. Consistent stakeholder engagement and alignment with global ESG standards (Environmental, Social, Governance) can further position Africa as a prime investment destination.

With the AFCTA, is there any progress you are seeing. and what role do you see for Premier Invest in making it live to its full potential and promise for Africa?

The AFCFTA is a game-changer for Africa, promising to unlock $3.4 trillion in economic potential. At Premier Invest, we are actively working to facilitate cross-border investments and projects that align with the objectives of the AFCFTA. We believe our expertise in structuring complex deals and building partnerships makes us uniquely positioned to support its realisation.

The AfCFTA will be the largest free trade area since the formation of the World Trade Organisation, given Africa’s current population of 1.2 billion people, which is expected to grow to 2.5 billion by 2050. Some of its expected benefits include:
• Increasing trade among African countries which currently ranges between 15-18%.
• Stimulate production through the development of regional value chains, to ensure that manufacturing, agro processing and other activities across the continent are stimulated to supply the market.
• Strengthen the capacities of African companies to access and supply world markets.
• Strengthen African’s economic and commercial diplomacy.

Prior to Premier Invest, you had a consequential stint at Afreximbank, how did this shape your vision for Premier Invest?

We did incredible handwork to develop the Africa agenda, expand the membership footprint, grow the capital base, business and returns exponentially. My time at Afreximbank deeply shaped my vision for Premier Invest. I learned the importance of leveraging financial innovation to address Africa’s developmental challenges.

This experience reinforced my commitment to creating an investment platform that not only drives growth but also prioritizes the socio-economic well-being of communities in Africa.

Energy seems to be one the sectors of Premier Invest is active in, what is your take on the work of the African Energy Chamber and the African Energy Week which hits the symbolic five-year mark in 2025?

Energy is a cornerstone of Africa’s development, and Premier Invest is proud to contribute to this vital sector. The African Energy Chamber and African Energy Week have played a pivotal role in shaping the continent’s energy narrative. Reaching the five-year mark in 2025 is a testament to their impact. We look forward to collaborating with stakeholders to champion sustainable and inclusive energy solutions.

New African Magazine featured you in its list of 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024, what did this recognition mean to you?

This recognition is truly humbling and serves as a reminder of the responsibility we have as leaders to drive positive change. It’s not just about personal achievement but about inspiring others and contributing meaningfully to Africa’s growth story.

A last question on the future of Africa, what gives you hope and what are your fears?

What gives me hope is Africa’s resilience and the creativity of its people, particularly the youth. They are our greatest asset. My fear, however, lies in the persistent challenges of inequality, governance, climate change and the slow pace of implementing policies that attract investment. Addressing these requires collective effort, and I remain optimistic that with the right policies and partnerships, we can overcome them. With the right leadership and collaboration, Africa’s potential is limitless.

*Culled From The January Issue of PAV Magazine.