Standard Bank has partnered with Wilderness to deliver a US$175 million sustainable financing solution supporting the group’s ambition to expand its conservation-driven ecotourism footprint across Africa.
“This transaction provides the funding and flexibility needed to support Wilderness’s long-term growth while reinforcing a business model that balances conservation with commercial sustainability,” Standard Bank said in a press release.
“Our collaboration began with a deep understanding of the client’s strategic priorities and operational requirements. We structured a five-year senior secured funding package comprising a US$125 million term facility and a US$50 million revolving credit facility. This solution was designed to strengthen liquidity, extend debt maturities and provide a flexible capital platform aligned with the Wilderness’s cashflow profile.”
Standard Bank said the financing qualifies as “pure play sustainable finance” because more than 90% of Wilderness’s operating spending supports environmental and social objectives, including biodiversity conservation, ecotourism, land preservation and community empowerment. The bank said this means sustainability is integral to Wilderness’s business model rather than an add-on initiative.
