Enexus Finance has advised Malagasy conglomerate Talys Group on securing a €9 million debt facility from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), providing funding to support the expansion of the group's retail and distribution businesses across Madagascar.

The financing will help Talys accelerate growth across several of its core operations, including Sanifer, one of Madagascar’s largest importers and distributors of construction materials and home improvement products, and Kibo, the group’s cash-and-carry grocery retail business.

The funding is also expected to support the opening of new stores across the country, strengthening local supply chains and improving access to construction materials and essential consumer goods.

Talys Group operates across multiple sectors, including distribution, e-commerce, real estate, hospitality and leisure, with brands including Sanifer, Kibo, Zoma, Artemis, Radisson and Cinepax.

The transaction highlights the growing role of development finance institutions in supporting private sector expansion in Madagascar, where access to long-term financing remains limited.

“Madagascar remains a market with significant growth potential but where access to long-term financing and tailored structured financing solutions remains limited,” said Julien Lefilleur, Managing Partner at Enexus Finance.

“IFC’s commitment to Talys Group reflects confidence in both the company’s track record and its role in improving access to essential products through formal retail and distribution networks,” he told Africa Global Funds.

Lefilleur said the financing is expected to support the company’s growth plans while contributing to broader economic development.

“We are happy to have supported Talys in this landmark transaction, helping secure financing that is well aligned with the Group’s growth ambitions and operational needs,” he said.

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets and operates in more than 100 countries.

The investment is expected to support job creation and further formalisation of retail and distribution markets in Madagascar, while helping Talys expand its presence in key consumer and construction sectors.