BUILDING
A CONTINENT
UBU Advisory
UBU Logistics
UBU Investment
About us
UBU Investment Holdings is a boutique African economic advisory firm that drives investment and development through high-impact projects across South Africa and the continent. We are creative, activist, economic thinkers who stand behind our recommendations through direct involvement in implementation.
"UBU is the prefix of ubuhlali meaning beads in Zulu. It is also associated with Ubuntu, the belief that we are who we are through others. That ethos runs through everything we do."
“At UBU, we are passionate about helping our clients and collaborators succeed in Africa’s dynamic and rapidly evolving economic landscape.”
Portia Derby, co-founder
and Chairperson
Creative, activist, economic thinkers.
A boutique African economic advisory firm driving investment and development through high-impact projects across South Africa and the continent. When we invest in people and infrastructure, transformation endures.
At a glance
Countries with active programmes
Mechanics empowered via TMSC cooperative
Bhaziya Wind Farm in pipeline
Building Africa since
OUR APPROACH
We co-create. We don't just consult.
True, lasting growth takes root when rural village economies and secondary towns thrive. Our mission is to shift the narrative from disempowerment to hope, confidence, and collective agency.
"At UBU, we are passionate about helping our clients and collaborators succeed in Africa's dynamic and rapidly evolving economic landscape." Portia Derby, Co-founder and Chairperson
Strategic Advisory
Evidence-based solutions to complex economic challenges across the continent. Policies and programmes that turn innovation into inclusion, bridging communities, enterprises, and institutions.
Stakeholder Empowerment
Bottom-up solutions owned and driven by those who implement them.
Sustainable Impact
Long-lasting positive outcomes for environment and society in every project.
Global Engagement
Strategic partnerships across Africa and beyond to amplify our reach and accelerate impact at a continental scale.
SUCCESS STORIES
Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan
Automotive capacity expanded from 5,000 to 450,000 units annually, attracting Honda, Nissan, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, and Innoson into the Nigerian market.
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The Motor Spares Collective
200 township mechanics empowered through a cooperative buying model, with 100 new members joining every month.
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Bhaziya Wind Farm
20MW community-owned renewable energy project transforming a rural Eastern Cape community into stakeholders and investors.
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The Togo Transport Corridor
Multi-modal corridor spanning road, rail, port, and power, anchored by China Merchants Group's 50% equity entry into the Lomé Container Terminal.
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