FSD Africa Investments (FSDAi), the investing arm of FSD Africa, recently invested US$4.5m in Nithio FI, a renewable energy financing intermediary focused on the Pay as You Go (PAYG) off-grid solar sector, to provide reliable and sustainable renewable energy solutions for households and small businesses in Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda. 

Nithio Holdings is an AI-enabled energy financing platform whose mission is to standardize credit risk assessments and therefore drive more capital to the sector, including by investing directly and efficiently in off-grid solar companies. Over the next five years, Nithio FI aims to provide financing to more than 224,000 energy access products across the continent, including solar home systems (SHS) and productive use appliances.  

According to Mark Napier, CEO, FSD Africa, “Investing in sustainable and efficient sources of power will be essential to building a greener, more inclusive future for African economies. Through this investment, we hope to contribute towards tackling both the continent’s climate challenge and the power gap which still leaves many behind. The falling cost of renewable energy technologies means that our investment in Nithio will enable clean electricity to be provided in a way that is accessible across the continent, while also scaling up efforts to meet Africa’s sustainable development goals.”  

Despite the increasing interest in Africa’s off-grid solar offerings, GOGLA’s statistics reveal that investment in the sector has stalled over the last five years. In addition, nearly 600 million people across the continent are still expected to be without electricity in 2030 unless there is significant progress in scaling up financing access.   

Through the FSDAi’s investment, Nithio FI’s innovative approach will unlock capital for renewable off-grid energy in Africa, supporting access to energy for households, smallholder farmers, and micro-entrepreneurs that would otherwise struggle to meet the costs. This increased access to clean energy will enhance approaches to countering climate change and promote sustainable development.  This will be achieved by leveraging Nithio FI’s innovative approach which integrates repayment data and geospatial population mapping into its AI models to produce a standardized credit risk assessment and forecast of cash flows.  Nithio FI leverages this data to inform its investment decisions, directing capital to scalable, sustainable solutions to Africa’s renewable energy access challenge. Nithio FI currently provides receivables-backed financing in Nigeria, Uganda, and Kenya, with planned expansion in 2022.  

 FSDAi’s investment complements Nithio FI’s total raise of US $23 million. This comes alongside US$5 million from EDFI ElectriFI (the Electrification Financing Initiative funded by the European Union), and a commitment of US$10 million from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). This complements the commercial equity supplied by Nithio Holdings. Combined, these investments will enable Nithio FI to demonstrate the data-driven model, lend to operators in key markets, and unlock additional capital. By end of 2021, Nithio FI aims to raise an additional US$25 million.  

 Additionally, Nithio Holdings also recently raised more than US$7 million to scale its operations and data analytics. The round was led by TPG’s The Rise Fund in partnership with Kupanda Capital, joined by Emerson Collective and Powerhouse Ventures.  

 Adding to the announcement, Anne-Marie Chidzero, Chief Investment Officer, FSD Africa Investments, said:  

“Innovation must play a central role in closing the power gap in Africa. By leveraging the technical and analytical capabilities of Nithio, we are ensuring that those communities who are most at need are provided priority access to renewable electricity. With renewable energy emitting the least greenhouse gases and air pollutants, both the planet and our health will benefit from the investment in greener power sources.”  

In response to the announcement, Héla Cheikhrouhou, Nithio Co-Founder and CEO, commented:  

“In order to achieve universal energy access by 2030, last mile financing must scale to the billions. Nithio has developed an innovative approach powered by its Risk Analytics Engine to lend to small, medium, and large off-grid energy operators to drive scalable connectivity. We are excited to work with FSD Africa Investments to achieve this goal.”   

On his part, UK Minister for Africa, James Duddridge, said: 

“Through the UK’s partnership with Financial Sector Deepening Africa and organisations such as Nithio, we are supporting thousands of Africans to access more affordable, sustainable and reliable energy solutions and improve standards of life. As the UK prepares to host the COP26 climate conference, we recognise that investing in clean and sustainable energy will transform lives and help communities become more resilient to the impacts of climate change on the continent.” 

Offshore company formation brings about a plethora of benefits for businesses, which includes tax advantages, asset protection and international business opportunities. Globalization has tremendously eased the process of setting up offshore companies. Therefore, with each country offering different advantages, it is crucial to select a country which best meets your long term goals and business needs. 

What is an offshore company?

An offshore company is a company incorporated in a jurisdiction outside of the country where the beneficial owner of the company is. Simply put, an offshore company is incorporated overseas in a foreign jurisdiction. Offshore companies are often called International Business Companies or IBCs.

Offshore companies are corporate entities that trades, holds assets and conduct business activities outside the jurisdiction the company is incorporated. As offshore companies are owned and exist as non-resident entities, financial transactions of offshore companies are made outside of the jurisdiction the company is incorporated in and hence they are not liable to local taxation. 

Moreover, offshore companies are also separate legal entities from their owners or directors. By separating the company from the owners, the owners are not liable for the company’s debts or liabilities. As debts and financial liabilities incurred by the company become separate from the owners of the company, assets of the owners and directors of the company are well protected. 

Some of the popular jurisdictions for offshore company formation include Belize, Cayman Islands and Singapore.

Reasons to set up offshore company

More often than not, setting up offshore companies allow businesses to take advantage of the flexible company regulations which cannot be found in their home country. While there are numerous reasons to set up offshore businesses, the distinct characteristics of offshore businesses include asset protection, privacy and tax reduction. 

1. Taxes

Among the numerous efforts made by governments to attract foreign companies to set up offshore businesses, it includes corporate laws that simplify regulations to lower the bureaucratic red tape and offering special taxation status to non-resident companies. Depending on tax obligations of different jurisdictions, companies may not be liable for domestic taxation or they do not need to pay taxes on capital gains and worldwide income. 

For those looking to lower their tax burden in tax havens, offshore companies are generally exempt from taxes or pay a minimal amount of tax in the country of incorporation. As a result of such efforts, many businesses choose to set up offshore businesses so that they can move from a jurisdiction with high taxes and regulations and to a jurisdiction where they can take advantage of local corporate laws and liberal regulations. 

2. Privacy and confidentiality 

Another reason foreign companies use offshore companies is that it offers them a high level of privacy and confidentiality. Offshore companies allow individuals and businesses to separate their assets from liabilities. As offshore companies are separate entities, you can carry out financial and business transactions through the name of your business instead of your name, thereby offering privacy to business owners. 

Moreover, company registers in certain offshore financial centres do not disclose details of the company on public records, thereby providing confidentiality for directors and shareholders. This is beneficial for individuals or companies that wish to keep their identity private and remain anonymous. Another way to ensure confidentiality is the use of nominee directors, shareholders and secretaries. 

3. Asset protection

Additionally, asset protection provides another reason for setting up offshore companies. It is imperative that you protect your assets against your financial enemies. Allowing your offshore corporation to possess your investments, bank accounts or trusts makes tracking them down a challenging task. 

Numerous companies wish to spread their assets in different parts of the world due to greater political stability in some countries. With the separation of the company assets from you as an individual, it allows you to protect your assets from anyone who wishes to seize your assets, such as creditors, private parties and attorneys.

4. Greater flexibility

Business owners can benefit from flexible company laws for offshore company incorporation which are offered by numerous jurisdictions. In general, offshore companies provide flexibility in terms of the company’s structure, the amount of capital, number of officers, directors, shareholders and location of the meeting.

5. Simple corporate regulations

In an effort to attract foreign investors and businesses, offshore jurisdictions have created simplified corporate regulations and reduced the amount of bureaucratic red tape. This includes the absence of auditing and financial reporting requirements, as well as secretaries and the need to hold company meetings. With the reduction of such obligations, this allows companies to operate smoothly without much hassle. 

Best countries to set up offshore companies 

Before you set up an offshore company, it is imperative to choose the best place to form your company which can best suit your personal and business needs. With each country’s unique financial environment, they offer particular advantages for different businesses. Here are some of the top countries for offshore company set up: 

• Singapore

Singapore is one of the best places to conduct business, having ranked 2nd according to The World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Report 2020. Having established a strong reputation of a business and financial hub, Singapore has also been recognized as a gateway to Southeast Asia. With a world-class financial financial system and strong business and financial regulations, investors are well assured that they are offered great investment protection for their assets.

With an advantageous taxation system, Singapore has a competitive corporate tax rate of 17% and it is also one of the lowest in the world. The Singaporean government does not levy taxes on capital gains or dividends distributed to shareholders. 

• Cayman Islands

Over the years, the Cayman Islands has established a strong reputation as a tax haven. There is no implementation of direct taxation in the form of income tax, capital gains tax and wealth tax. This is a significant cost consideration as this means that businesses are subjected to minimal tax burden, which leaves foreigners more profits for them to reinvest into their business. Coupled with a politically and economically stable environment and strong regulatory framework for their offshore banking services, this has made Cayman Islands as one of the world’s most recognizable offshore banking destinations.

• Belize

International Business Company (IBC) is the most commonly used and advantageous type of business structure for foreigners in Belize. Belize IBC has a straightforward and fast incorporation process which can be completed within 24 hours. Moreover, the Belize IBC is fully exempt from paying any form of tax in Belize. A country with stability, it provides confidentiality and privacy in terms of account related information and records of directors and shareholders.

Everyone has heard of a VPN, but only a handful truly understand its meaning and the wonders it can do. VPN is an essential tool, especially for online gambling, but first, it is crucial to understand the actual function of a VPN and how it’s a blessing for online gamblers who want to access slot999 games.

What is a VPN?

VPN expands to Virtual Private Network, and its primary function is to create a private and secure network in a public domain. And allows the users to share and accept data through the public domain giving a technological illusion that all the devices getting used are in direct connection with the Virtual Private Network (VPN).

Using gambling websites or applications under a trusted VPN service has several advantages, including flexibility, security, control, ease of management, functionality over the private network. VPN services also allow the gambler to play on websites that may otherwise be inaccessible in their country or area.

What are the risks of using a VPN for Online Gambling?

While VPN does allow users to access gambling sites that are inaccessible in their country, it also has various risks if caught:

• Banned

The first action that takes place when your VPN gets detected is that you get banned.

• No withdrawals

If you get banned after your VPN service gets detected, your winnings will also get frozen, and you will all your winning amounts and bonuses.

• Deposit lost

If you have any deposit amount in the casino account, say goodbye to it if your VPN service gets detected.

• Malware

If you are using an unauthorized or licensed VPN, you will likely damage your device, or if you use the VPN to visit an online casino that is sketchy, you will end up downloading malware, and that will, in turn, ruin your device.

Can Off-Shore Casinos be a Solution?

Off-shore casinos such as Gclub accept players from across the world. Unlike country respective casinos, Off-shore casinos do not require the use of VPN services. Off-shore casinos are certainly more convenient, but if you are looking to play in casinos not accessible in your region, VPN is the way to go.

For example, if you are from a country in Asia, you will likely not have access to US online casinos, and in order to play on the US casinos, you will have to enable a VPN service and log in.

Is it Legal to Use a VPN for Online Gambling?

The answer depends on which part of the world you live in; some countries have legalized the use of VPN services while others have banned it, and the remaining allow the use of only Government approved VPNs.

Before using a VPN service, it is essential to check the status of using VPNs in your country; this way, you will avoid using VPNs illegally. There are free and paid VPN available such as Express VPN, but it is always better to check the license and reviews of VPN before choosing either.

Do you remember the first time you met your senior doctor? How did you feel then? Were you a little unsure or even frozen in awe? It is certainly not that “bad” today; but one question still remains: when will you move ahead with the step forward in your medical/medicine career and become a senior physician? Do you know that you might need an external help external medicine tutors? Well, you should take a look at StudyMind for more information about tutoring. 

In this crucial article, you can read what makes the work of a senior physician so special and why you should definitely become one. In addition, you will find out everything you need to know about the subject of senior physicians. But above all, I will show you where you can find the senior physician position with which you will be permanently happy.

What does a senior doctor really do?

You have already had enough time to look over the shoulder of your senior physician. So you know that his area of ​​responsibility is very different from yours. The senior physician is solely responsible for a part or functional area within the clinic. This means that he leads a team of specialists and interns. If his area has several wards, ward doctors can also be among them. A senior physician is a kind of “department head”.

A senior physician has the following tasks:

• Senior physician rounds to determine therapies and care strategies for patients
• Leadership and guidance of the subordinate doctors in his department
• Professional training of the subordinate interns
• Surgery and treatment of more complex cases
• Takeover of standby services
• Management of the nursing staff
• Personnel tasks – for example employee reviews
• Economic planning of his department – such as budget planning
• Ensuring work safety
• Monitoring compliance with hygiene regulations

As you can see, a senior physician not only has a lot of managerial responsibility, but also considerable administrative effort. This distinguishes him from subordinate doctors, who mainly deal with medical topics. However, in rare cases, it might be a surprise that senior physicians are also called in for on-call duty. Are you looking for a senior physician position without services? We would be happy to show you where to find them.

The duties of a senior physician can differ from clinic to clinic despite the same specialty. This is not least due to the hierarchical structure and organizational form of the hospital. Clinics are increasingly relying on the medical “collegial system”. In this model, several senior physicians share responsibility and tasks in one department. This constellation is particularly exciting for medical professionals who do not (yet) trust themselves to be a senior physician.

Your way to the senior physician

Do you feel up to the responsibility? Then your soul might show an interested in how to become a senior physician as soon as possible. After all, there are many ways to see a senior physician. Some of them are longer while on others you can find abbreviations. That depends not least on your goals.

What do you have to do to become a senior physician? There is no prescribed “training” for senior physicians. In most cases, young physicians begin their careers as assistant physicians in a hospital after their six-year standard study period. Here they can be trained to become a specialist, which takes another five to six years. If the specialist examination is passed, you can finally call yourself “specialist”.

How long could it take to enhance designation up from specialist to senior physician? As a rule, this is followed by a few years of practical experience as a specialist in order to gain sufficient professional experience. At this point, doctors often have the opportunity to become a senior physician. But caution is advised here. In terms of expertise, you are then already on a par with a “real” senior physician; however, you are not filling a corresponding position. For senior physicians, this results in a significantly lower salary compared to the regular senior physician – with comparable tasks, mind you.

If you are already working as a senior physician, you should be careful not to miss your promotion opportunities. A suitable senior physician position is then often not available. But don’t worry: together we will find the senior physician position where you will be permanently happy.

MORE salary as a senior physician

Do you have the prospect of a suitable senior physician position or want to be promoted to senior physician, the question of salary will arise at some point? If there is a collective agreement in place, your income as a senior physician is secure. Many a colleague will be happy about that, as he saves himself the uncomfortable salary negotiation. But you, on the other hand, can see the salary negotiation as a great opportunity to achieve an above-average senior doctor salary outside the collective bargaining agreement.

How much does a senior doctor earn on average? Usually this is regulated by collective agreements. The collective agreements of the municipal and university hospitals – the “collective agreement doctors for municipal hospitals” and the “collective agreement for all university hospitals”, are most widely used in public clinics. But some private hospital groups also pay their own collective wages. The salaries of senior physicians in the USA are, however, comparable to those of public hospitals. 

Salary table for the monthly average salary as a senior physician in the clinic (rounded)

If you want to hold a senior physician position for which no collective agreement applies, your negotiating skills determine how much you earn as a senior physician. You should know the above numbers as a guide; but you don’t need to stick to it. In fact, if you take a few crucial tips to heart, you can earn significantly higher earnings in the hospital than your senior physician colleagues:

• Whether it is a specialist doctorate, doctorate or additional qualification – when applying for a senior physician position, make sure that you have the most in-depth professional training possible.
• Take a long look at vacant senior physician positions and let the individual clinics “vie” for you.
• Consciously demand “too much” salary in order to be able to use this excess later as a bargaining chip.
• Take advantage of the psychological effects by name as “odd” amounts or a ” salary adjustment ” rather than a ” salary increase ” talk.
• Make it clear to the clinic management what specific services you will use to advance the department.
• The larger the hospital and the more urban the location, the higher your hourly wage as a senior physician.
• Ask your personal contacts about vacant and well-paid senior physician positions.
• Record all agreements – especially your senior physician salary – in writing.