Name of the Press release
MCM, a key player in Morocco’s grain handling and port logistics sector, represents a rare opportunity to invest in a tier-one Moroccan port terminal operator that handles the majority of grain imports into Morocco. Grain is a staple food commodity in the country and an attractive and growing market
The acquisition demonstrates the Fund’s commitment to partnering with like-minded investors to support the growth of ambitious, African businesses
Already well established in Morocco, MCM’s expansion into Senegal and the company’s clear ambition to become a regional leader in West Africa, provides scope for our Fund to add value through Africa50 Group’s regional network and expertise, to a growing business with proven operations, strong anchor backing, and predictable cash flows.
Casablanca – May 19, 2025 – The Africa50 Infrastructure Acceleration Fund (Africa50 IAF) has signed a share purchase agreement to acquire a significant stake in Mass Céréales al Maghreb (MCM), a key player in Morocco’s grain handling and port logistics sector, which is expected to mark the first investment by the Fund.
The signing marks Africa50 IAF’s transition from achieving successful fundraising milestones to transaction execution and capital deployment. Africa50 IAF expects to support plans to reinforce MCM’s operational capacity and develop new, efficient cereal terminals in key African ports – critical to improving climate-resilience and safeguarding African food security, in countries that are net importers of grain cereals, a staple commodity in African diets.
The contemplated investment in MCM was executed through a consortium partnership between the Africa50 IAF and STOA. The consortium jointly acquired the 49% shareholding previously held by A.P. Moller Capital. Holmarcom Group, MCM’s historical shareholder and a leading Moroccan conglomerate, retains its 51% majority stake.
This inaugural transaction reaffirms the Africa50 IAF’s role as a catalyst for infrastructure investment, offering investors diversified exposure to attractive investment opportunities in high-growth markets. It follows recent commitments from prominent African investors such as the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), Axian Group, Public Service Superannuation Fund (Kenya), and CNPS Cameroon, adding to the funds raised from local and global financiers during the Fund’s first close. Participating through the Africa50 IAF’s private equity structure enables investors to de-risk large-scale infrastructure projects while reaching a deeper pool of companies and capital across the continent.
