James Doree joined Cygnum Capital (formerly Lion’s Head) in 2011, and has worked with the founding Partners to build investment banking and asset management activities across Africa and Frontier Markets. He now leads Corporate Investment Banking, covering energy, infrastructure and industrial sectors. As part of Lion’s Head’s work in African capital markets, James has responsibility for managing the African Local Currency Bond Fund (www.alcbfund.com). Through this and other initiatives, he originates and executes transactions across the Continent.

Cygnum Capital is the Fund Manager for the African Local Currency Bond Fund (www.alcbfund.com), an initiative created by KfW, the German Development Bank, on behalf of the German Government. The Fund's mission is to support local African banks, microfinance institutions and selected agricultural companies to issue bonds and similar instruments in local currency. The aim is to create investment opportunities for local African investors and support the development of African bond markets.James, as part of the Cygnum Capital team, was responsible for originating and executing bond investments across the Continent, and for assisting first time issuers access local markets.

Consultant specializing in strategy, finance and economics for infrastructure and agri-business in emerging marketsInfrastructure corporate and project finance: Financial feasibility and transactions analysis for infrastructure sectors, including power, transport and logistics in emerging and developed markets. This has included financial modeling, valuation methods, financial and capital market consultation, investor sounding, and PPP structuring. Infrastructure funds and finance: Design and structuring of funds and investment vehicles in emerging markets, involving appraisal of PPP and private infrastructure markets, assessing project finance and capital markets, determination of management and governance arrangements, and financial modeling and capital structuring.Agri-business and rural infrastructure: Financial and strategic advice for investors in African agribusiness and supporting infrastructure, including investment appraisal, business strategy, financial modeling and market assessment. Policy, economics and regulation: Advice to international donors, governments and regulators on issues relating to private infrastructure, including the allowed cost of capital, incentive regimes, cost-benefit analysis, and competition.Training in project finance modeling (BPP), corporate finance (Kaplan) and internal sessions.

Three month internship in a leading corporate finance advisory practice in East Africa

Worked on behalf of Director (also MD of AVCA) to undertake initial fund raising for diaspora-funded SME fund