During our first engagement with the African Development Bank (AfDB), Amberside Advisors team developed a suite of templates and systems to support a streamlined loan appraisal process. The suite covered Project Finance, Corporate Finance & Economic Assessment. To support these tools, we developed a bespoke process that would not only help the modelling team work more efficiently but more importantly fit in with the wider ecosystems - which fully met the Bank’s governance requirements. We have since been embedding new templates with the Bank's analyst team and investment officers.   

As part of the project, we took over the management of the 5-strong Investment Analyst and Modelling Team. The resident modelling team was hired, mobilised, and trained by Amberside Advisors. We also supported the knowledge transfer process to the AfDB’s staff by running a comprehensive training program. To complement the training provided all recipients received a package of Excel add-ins specifically developed to aid the Bank’s employee’s effectiveness in working with models.  

Following that first assignment, we have continued to support the Bank's teams with continuous development and training with a focus on aspects of project finance and operational models. Throughout the years, we have conducted several online sessions, Q&A's and developed tailored engaging training materials. In 2024, we sent a team to the Bank's headquarters in the Cote D’Ivoire to provide in person training, which was well received by the delegates and Client.   

“Given the level of volatility in the markets in which AfDB operate, it is critical that their teams be well equipped with financial model analysis skills. The 2024 training emphasised the need to continue to upskill the team, to avoid approving loans which may lead to insolvency risk.” commented John Mitchell, Manager at Amberside Advisors.