MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES

ABSUC  brings together national, regional, and international development  finance institutions, private foundations, industry associations,  professional firms, microfinance institutions, banks, insurance  companies, venture capital firms, private equity fund managers, and  several other impact investors and financiers, regulators, policymakers  and engagement practitioners with whom you can share ideas and  opportunities and for the growth of the business sustainability  ecosystem in Africa. 

ABSUC's membership is open to any of these institutions or companies that comply with the eligibility requirements outlined below.

While  the primary constituency and owners of ABSUC are sustainability  practitioners (institutions) in their diversity, other organisations in  the wider financial ecosystem which may not be defined in the narrow  sense as “impact investors” but account for the overall strength of  African businesses are also welcome. Being a member of ABSUC will allow  your institution to further develop its potential and gain greater  recognition. Membership will also allow your institution to demonstrate  its commitment to working collectively to contribute to the growth of  African entrprises.

Membership Categories

ABSUC currently offers two Membership categories:

(a) Full Corporate Membership:

• Full Corporate Membership is open to any development finance  institution, private foundation, government agency, institutional  investor, investment firm, microfinance institution, bank, insurance  company, venture capital firm, or private equity fund manager,  registered by law established in any African country and or based abroad  and has interest in SME Finance and willing to promote the objectives  of ABSUC and to fully subscribe to the Constitution, Regulations and  Bye-laws, and the Code of Professional Conduct of ABSUC and would like  to participate in all its activities.

(b) Associate Membership

• Affiliate Membership is open to organisations with similar  objectives as ABSUC, such as research institutions, professional bodies,  angel networks, academic institutions, chambers of commerce, industry  associations, and other interested groups operating in Africa or based  outside Africa but want to affiliate or associate with ABSUC.

Membership Terms and Dues

Membership  is renewed annually and members pay Membership and Subscription dues  upon first becoming a member and then annual subscription by 1st January  of each calendar year.

Annual Membership Fees

The  membership fees are structured according to categories. Previously,  membership was free. Effective January 2024, all existing members and  new members will be charged moderate membership registration and annual  subscription fees to help cover the administration and operational costs  of the organisation as follows:

• Gross revenue per year or less $1 million = $500/year
• Gross revenue per year $1 million - $10 million - = $2,500/year
• Gross revenue per year $10 million - $25 million - = $5,000/year
• Gross revenue per year $25 million - $50 million = $10,000
• Gross revenue per year $50 million - $100 million = $15,000
• Gross revenue per year $100 million - $1 billion = $20,000
• Gross revenue per year more than $1 billion = $25,000 

Multi-year Membership Fees: Where applicable, members and potential members who wish to pay  multi-year membership and subscription fees are allowed to. This can be  done by calculating the number of years they're paying for. For example,  a Member may pay: $500 X 3 years = $1,500. 

If a Membership Application is successful, an invoice will be forwarded to you for payment.

Please Note: Failure to pay membership fees for 1 year gives the Executive Committee  the power to exclude the member from the Network as a member.

Requirements and Application for Membership

Joining the Network has been made easy. Kindly complete the Online Membership Application Form together with the following:

• A copy of your company brochure/profile. (*Optional/If available).

When  the application and other documents are received, a staff of the  Membership Team will contact you for additional information where  necessary. And upon the Approval of Membership, you'll receive the  official membership approval letter together with a Membership  Certificate. 

N.B: Members do not become liable for any of the obligations and liabilities  of the Council solely by their status as members of ABSUC.