As West Africa has become an increasingly attractive investment destination, the importance of a capable infrastructure financial modelling service cannot be understated, Pramodh Debipersad, Project Finance Director for Mazars, has said.

“There are consulting and modelling firms with proven track records in other countries, available to investors and project owners. While most of these international companies have the skills required to provide financial models for most types of project, they also require a fair amount of local knowledge, as well as the ability to connect companies and the governments that own the projects,” he said.

“The ability to assist in the raising of funds for infrastructure projects is one of the most important functions of a service like this. Many projects have failed in the past because the right investors were not reached. It is therefore important to find a service provider that can add value with a large enough network of existing clients and contacts. In addition, it is also vital for the service provider to have an existing relationship with the local government,” he said.

According to Debipersad, in addition to seeing some of the largest infrastructure projects in Africa at the moment, the growth of digital and telecommunications in countries like Ghana and Liberia are opening up unique opportunities for international business, as a result of the region’s booming population.

 “The opportunities for major projects are still on the increase for IT, mining, water and sanitation, manufacturing, road transport, port infrastructure and power generation, and many corporates in the first-world economies have been getting involved. Yet international companies trying to do business in West Africa still have some significant challenges to overcome,” Debipersad said.

Debipersad says Mazars’ acquisition of financial modelling service provider, Corality, has made world class skills available to Mazars Project Financing and Modelling Services, while the organisation’s existing client base throughout Africa, and knowledge of the West African market has given it an edge as consulting service.

“Mazars Project Financing and Modelling Services are already involved in raising finance and providing financial modelling services for telecommunications and fiber optics networks for some of Ghana and Liberia’s largest telecommunications companies. The division’s expertise lie in assisting companies and government to raise and manage finance for projects,” he said.

“Being a France-based company, Mazars also has a significant edge in a region where the official language is predominantly French,” he said.

“The right financing and modelling service provider with the relevant skills and experience is one of the most important aspects of a successful infrastructure project,” he added.