By Sunday Etuka, Abuja
African Export – Import Bank (Afreximbank) has approved a $30 Million financing facility to Joyau Des Caraibes Limited (JDC); the Caribbean subsidiary of ORA Developers, for the expansion of Silversands Hotel in St. Georges, Grenada.
The deal was announced by the bank in a statement on Wednesday.
It said, Silversands Hotel is part of a luxury chain of hotels owned by ORA Developers, an Egyptian firm renowned for designing and developing luxury lifestyle destinations in unique locations around the world.
“Grenada is a major touristic hub, that attracts over 2.5 million visitors each year. The facility will be utilised for the construction of additional rooms, restaurants, retail stores and other recreational facilities aimed at boosting tourism revenues”, Afreximbank said.
While commenting on the deal, Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank said: “We are pleased to have reached yet another significant financial close in the Caribbean. This financing, expected to expand hotel facilities and ancillary businesses, will boost the tourism industry, create jobs, and develop the economy of Grenada.
“It underscores our commitment to fostering shared growth and prosperity among Africans in geographic Africa, the Caribbean, and beyond. This project, promoted by an African developer, further validates the Bank’s strategy of fostering deeper Afri-Caribbean investment relations”, he said.
Mr. Naguib Sawiris, Chairman and CEO of ORA Developers said: “We are pleased to be a part of this south-to-south financing agreement with Afreximbank which will lead to accelerated expansion of Silversands brand in the Caribbean region. I thank Prof. Oramah and his team for their part in this initiative for growth in this important touristic region.”
the statement said, “under its Diaspora strategy, Afreximbank has spearheaded numerous trade and investment missions to the Caribbean Islands, fostering strong business-to-business and business-to-government relations.
“These efforts have significantly reinforced two-way investments between Africa and the Caribbean, stimulating economic opportunities for both regions. These ties are expected to enhance additional linkages in the future such as direct movement of people and increased economic activities”, the statement said.
