AmCham Ghana is pleased to welcome VAOB Group Limited as our newest Gold Member.
VAOB Group Limited is a rapidly expanding multi-industry organization with extensive expertise in originating, structuring, and financing infrastructure projects across West Africa. Over the past four years, VAOB has played a pivotal role in securing nearly $300 million in funding for critical infrastructure projects across Sub-Saharan Africa. Their contributions span diverse sectors, including the supply of rolling stock, hospital construction, bridges, water systems, and other essential infrastructure developments.
Bridging the Infrastructure Gap: The VAOB Story
When our Chairman, Tony P. Burkson, returned to Ghana in 2016 after years in the UK, he saw a continent brimming with potential—yet held back by a familiar challenge: the lack of financing for critical infrastructure. As the founding CEO of the UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce, he worked closely with businesses, investors, and government agencies to drive economic growth. British companies sought to expand into Africa, Ghanaian businesses pursued international partnerships, and governments had bold visions for infrastructure development. However, time and again, projects faltered due to one fundamental issue—securing financing. Investors hesitated, wary of the lack of structured, bankable deals.
Tony soon realized the problem extended beyond capital—it was about connection. A gap existed between those in need of financing and those with the resources to provide it. African governments and private sector players often lacked the expertise to structure projects in a way that appealed to global investors. Meanwhile, financiers remained cautious, having witnessed too many promising initiatives collapse due to poor planning, corruption, or a lack of transparency. What was missing was a bridge—an entity capable of transforming ambitious infrastructure plans into well-structured, investable opportunities.
The Birth of VAOB Infrastructure Group
Thus, VAOB Infrastructure Group was established to become that bridge—the missing link between vision and execution. By leveraging an extensive network of global financial institutions, export credit agencies, and development banks, VAOB structures deals that attract long-term investment. Whether it’s a highway connecting communities, a state-of-the-art hospital improving healthcare, or an upgraded rail system facilitating trade, VAOB ensures that financing is no longer a barrier to Africa’s progress.
With a deep understanding of both local markets and international investment standards, VAOB has already secured over $400 million in funding for transformative projects. More than just raising capital, VAOB is restoring confidence in infrastructure financing by ensuring transparency, sustainability, and long-term value for both investors and governments.
Beyond Infrastructure: Expanding Our Impact
Recognizing the broader needs of Africa’s economic landscape, VAOB has since expanded, giving rise to two key subsidiaries:
· Verasure, a digitech-driven insurance brokerage, revolutionizing risk management and financial security.
· V-Rail, an engineering company specializing in the refurbishment, leasing, procurement, and supply of new and pre-owned rolling stock across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Our Commitment to Partnerships and Progress
As members of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham), we look forward to fostering meaningful relationships, sharing our vision, and exploring new avenues for collaboration. Through the AmCham network, we aim to deepen our engagement, drive impactful partnerships, and contribute to Africa’s development journey.
Africa’s future is being built today—one project, one investment, one partnership at a time. At VAOB, we are not just funding development; we are shaping the foundation of progress.
