MCB Capital Markets advises EnVolt on its inaugural Green Project Bond issue
MCB Capital Markets, the Investment Banking, Asset Management and Principal Investments arm of MCB Group, has advised EnVolt on its inaugural issue of MUR 510m (USD 11 million) Green Project Bonds under its MUR 2 billion (USD 45 million) Multicurrency Green Bond programme.
EnVolt, the renewable energy development arm of ENL Group (“ENL”), a diversified investment holding company in Mauritius, is engaged in the construction of 13 solar roof and ground mounted facilities across the island with an aggregate capacity of 14 MWh and an estimated project cost of MUR 680 million (USD 15 million).
The issuance represents a major milestone for the Mauritian debt capital markets. It is the first time that a renewable energy project is financed by a bond issue. It is also the first Green Project Bond issued under the Green Bond Principles 2021 of the International Capital Market Association (ICMA). In line with the FSC Guidelines and international best practices, ENL’s Green Bond Framework was independently reviewed by Morningstar Sustainalytics. FSD Africa, the UK’s financial sector development organisation, provided technical support on the bond programme, as part of its wider Green Bonds programme.
The bond, which was rated by CARE Ratings Africa, raised fixed rate financing in Mauritian Rupees with a tenor of up to 17 years and attracted a broad investor base comprising banks, asset managers and pension funds. MCB Ltd was the largest investor in the bonds.
The project aligns seamlessly with and contributes to the Mauritian government's ambition to achieve 60% renewable energy production by 2030. As the foremost banking group in Mauritius, MCB fully endorses this initiative, which endeavours to accelerate the country's transition towards renewable energy. MCB is committed to supporting the transition to a circular and greener economy in line with Mauritius’ Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), and to fostering local production.
“We are proud to have advised EnVolt on this landmark transaction, which sets international standards for the issuance of Green Project Bonds in Mauritius. This transaction reflects the rapid development of the local currency bond market over the past eight years. The deployment of local resources to finance the domestic economy and infrastructure projects is vital to the development of the African continent.”
Rony Lam, CEO-MCB Capital Markets
