Strengthening Africa’s edible oil supply chain through structured trade finance

Mount Meru Group is a major pan-African conglomerate headquartered in Dubai, founded in 1979. Operating across 17 African countries - including Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Uganda, Rwanda, Ivory Coast, Botswana, Mozambique, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Congo. White Horse Commodities FZCO (WHC) company plays a pivotal role in supporting Mount Meru Groups operations across Energy and FMCG sector in Africa. The facility will support the import and distribution of crude oils for refining into edible oil products across key African markets. By enabling critical trade flows in essential food commodities, the transaction enhances supply availability, strengthens supply chain resilience, and contributes to sustainable development outcomes.

The structure enhances business liquidity by financing commodity procurement through import letters of credit issued by Absa on behalf of WHC to its suppliers, while unlocking additional value from inventory held in storage. This integrated solution optimises working capital efficiency across the supply chain.

Tailored to align with WHC’s operational model and growth ambitions, the facility demonstrates Absa CIB’s deep expertise in Structured Trade Finance within the diversified commodities sector. Leveraging our pan-African platform and sector specialisation, we delivered a seamless solution aligned to the client’s footprint and the nuances of African markets.

Through this partnership, WHC is positioned to unlock liquidity, optimise procurement strategies, and strengthen its competitive position in the edible oil market.

By combining our pan-African reach with deep sector expertise, we continue to support clients in expanding across key markets and industries - fostering resilience and contributing to Africa’s long-term growth trajectory.