Kessner Capital Management Expands Abu Dhabi Operations, Secures First African Deal with Harlequin International Ghana

Abu Dhabi / London — Like a fighter entering a new arena, Kessner Capital Management has made its strategic move into Abu Dhabi's financial district. The alternative investment management firm, focused on African markets, announced a significant partnership with a UAE-based family office, establishing what could become a crucial operational hub in the Gulf's institutional ecosystem.

This expansion comes with news of their first major victory: a credit facility extended to Harlequin International Ghana (HIT) to support a procurement contract execution. For Kessner, this represents more than just a transaction. It's their inaugural deal since launching their fund, and it demonstrates their commitment to backing real economic activity across Africa.

Abu Dhabi: The New Gateway to African Investment

The choice of Abu Dhabi isn't coincidental. The emirate has been positioning itself as an international financial platform, attracting global asset managers with its deepening infrastructure and strategic location between East and West.

Bruno-Maurice Monny, co-founder and Managing Partner of Kessner Capital Management, puts it simply: "Abu Dhabi has become essential for investors wanting to engage with Africa." It's a statement that reflects the changing dynamics of international finance, where traditional routes are being supplemented by new corridors of capital.

For Filipino investors and businesses looking at African opportunities, this development signals the growing importance of Gulf financial centers as intermediaries for emerging market investments.

First Deal Anchored in Real Economy

The credit facility to Harlequin International Ghana isn't just about numbers on a balance sheet. It's about supporting a Ghanaian industrial player active in engineering and technical services, particularly serving structural sectors of the economy.

This approach aligns with what many Filipino business leaders understand: sustainable growth comes from backing companies with solid operational fundamentals, not just financial engineering. Kessner's strategy focuses on providing tailored financing solutions to African enterprises that demonstrate strong business foundations, addressing the significant capital needs across the continent.

The company emphasizes that their strategy goes beyond mere financing. Like a trainer working with an athlete, they aim to accompany growth trajectories through governance requirements and transparency standards. It's about building long-term value, not quick wins.

Private Credit with Purpose

Kessner's approach to private credit reflects a disciplined strategy that combines structuring expertise, risk management, and local partnerships. In a market where capital remains scarce for many African businesses, this model could prove particularly valuable.

The firm's philosophy resonates with successful Filipino business practices: don't just provide money, provide partnership. Their emphasis on governance and transparency mirrors the values that have driven sustainable business growth in the Philippines and other emerging markets.

For international investors, particularly those from countries like the Philippines with their own emerging market experience, Kessner's ground-level approach and international partnerships offer a potentially attractive model for navigating African market complexities while mitigating risks.

Strategic Positioning for Growth

While maintaining their primary operations in London, Kessner's Abu Dhabi expansion represents a calculated move to access Gulf institutional capital interested in African opportunities. This dual-hub strategy allows them to leverage both established financial markets and emerging investment flows.

The timing appears strategic. As global investors seek diversification beyond traditional markets, Africa continues to present both opportunities and challenges that require specialized knowledge and local presence.

About Kessner Capital Management: The alternative investment management company focuses exclusively on African markets, emphasizing field-based approaches and both international and local partnerships to navigate market complexities, mitigate risks, and seek risk-adjusted returns.