AFB Ghana shows strong growth in one year of acquisition by Letshego group

afb Ghana, a subsidiary of the regional inclusive finance group, Letshego Holdings Ltd (“Letshego Group”), has reported strong growth results for 2017.

Profit after tax has increased 166% year-on-year, with loans disbursed increasing by GHS75.4 million, or 75%, for the same period. afb Ghana’s positive growth performance can be attributed to strong core deduction-at-source loan growth, a reduced cost of funding and the launch of ‘Qwikloans’ during the second half of the year – a dynamic partnership afb forged with MTN Ghana.

afb’s customer numbers have increased by a quarter of a million in 2017, thanks to the simple, appropriate and accessible philosophy afb Ghana has leveraged following its successful acquisition by the Letshego Group in January 2017.

Speaking at Ghana Stock Exchange’s annual ‘Facts behind the Figures’ forum, afb Ghana’s Managing Director, Arnold Parker, commented, “2017 has been a milestone year for afb Ghana. We started the year on a high note in finalising our acquisition by the like-minded Letshego Group, who bring two decades of experience in inclusive and sustainable finance to communities across 11 markets in Africa.

Then, thanks to the Letshego’s increased investment and confidence in afb Ghana’s growth potential, we have since forged new strategic partnerships to launch financial solutions that meet the needs of thousands of Ghanaians by being simple, appropriate and accessible.”

Afb Ghana started the year with around 50,000 customers, and closed the financial period with over 300,000 customers. In February 2018, afb Ghana and the Letshego Group celebrated yet another milestone for the Ghana business, in disbursing their one millionth ‘Qwikloan’.

Arnold Parker added, “The strong performance of the afb business was underpinned by effective credit policies, collections and loan recovery policies. At this same Ghana Stock Exchange platform last year, we expressed our confidence in 2017 and outlined the synergies between Letshego Group’s strengths and Ghana’s growth prospects. afb Ghana was ideally placed to leverage this potential.

Although we are still in the growth phase of our business, we have already delivered positive profits to the Letshego Group within the first year of operating post acquisition. We look forward to building on this strong foundation and providing Ghana with further choice and options in sustainable financial solutions in the short to medium term.”

afb Ghana’s profit after tax in 2017 increased by 166%, with net impairment allowance reducing by 66% year on year. Total assets increased by 64% and the loan book also grew by 75% as the Company remains well capitalised.

In outlining the way forward, Arnold Parker reiterated afb Ghana’s continued commitment to robust credit controls, secure digital systems, comprehensive financial compliance and prioritised customer experience – all leveraging the Letshego Group’s investment and regional best practice.

afb Ghana MTN Bonds were listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange three years ago. In November 2017 the long-term credit ratings of the Company and its Investment Grade Medium Term Notes “bond” programme were reaffirmed as BB+(GH) and BBB+(GH) respectively, with the outlook accorded by Global Credit Rating Company as positive.

afb Ghana is a wholly owned subsidiary of Letshego Holdings Limited (“Letshego Group”) and operates as a non-bank financial institution providing innovative financial solutions to public, and private sector individuals.

The firms 26 physical outlets achieved an expanded customer reach via strategic partnerships, innovative technology and digital delivery channels.