News

21 November 2024

IFU MAKES GENDER-LENS INVESTMENT INTO TEA SECTOR IN MOROCCO

IFU invests EUR 12.3 million in Imperium Holding as part of a EUR 25 million equity round. This strategic investment will drive the company’s ambitious growth plans, expand production capacity, and enhance employment opportunities for women in Morocco.

Imperium Holding, a global leader in luxury tea and infusion packaging, employs 1,300 people, of whom 86 per cent are women. This investment formalizes a partnership between IFU, the El Baroudi Family, Proparco, and Si Advisers, with a plan to double the capacity of Imperium’s core products and create an additional 850 direct new jobs.

“We are proud to be part of a joint investment making it possible for Imperium Holding to expand their activities and production and thereby create new jobs.”

Youssef Shelbaya, Investment Manager at IFU

Promoting Gender Equality
Currently, fewer than one in four women in Morocco are active in the labour force, a challenge that Imperium Holding is addressing head-on. The company is already a leader in gender inclusion, with a significant proportion of its workforce being female. The new investment will help accelerate this focus – an effort that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 5: Gender Equality.

Not only will the investment foster economic growth and increased employment, but it will also underscore IFU’s and Imperium’s joint commitment to gender equality by creating more opportunities for women in Marrakesh’s labour force,” said Youssef Shelbaya.

Statements by our partners
“Supporting Imperium Holding’s expansion allows us to further advance key goals in supporting sustainable economic development, environmental impact and social inclusion. Imperium Holding’s established leadership, strong market position and substantial regional and international impact make it an exemplary partner, enabling us to foster greater opportunities for communities and contribute to lasting, positive change across the region,” said Frédérique Masi, Regional Director for North Africa at Proparco.

Ameel Somani, Director at Si stated that “We are pleased to partner with the El Baroudi family and build on a 45-year legacy alongside an outstanding next generation management team. This marks our second partnership with Proparco and IFU – two exceptional and long-term orientated institutions, with shared visions and values.”