Bard Santner Discusses Business Expansion in Mauritius
Executives met with President Dharambeer Gokhool to discuss microfinance initiatives and regional market growth.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Financial Services
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Bard Santner executives recently met with Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool at the State House in Port Louis to discuss business expansion plans. The firm is currently launching a new microfinance bank specifically designed for Zimbabweans living abroad.
Why it matters
The firm seeks to bridge its Zimbabwean operations with broader regional investors and financial opportunities. These efforts align with Zimbabwe's national goal of establishing Victoria Falls as a major international financial centre.
Bard Santner recently facilitated access to a $1.6 billion share offering for the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. The firm has also appointed a 13-member board to oversee its new microfinance institution.
The players
Bard Santner
This investment and financial services firm operates offices in Harare, Johannesburg and New York.
Dharambeer Gokhool
He is the President of Mauritius who hosted discussions regarding the firm's expansion.
Aliko Dangote
He is a prominent industrialist whose petroleum refinery firm partnered with Bard Santner on a large share offering.
The details
Bard Santner, which maintains offices in Harare, Johannesburg and New York, is expanding its reach by leveraging a network of international directors. The firm has already secured a licence from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe to operate its new microfinance bank.
Timeline
November 2025: Bard Santner hosted Aliko Dangote in Harare.
October 2026: Bard Santner executives met with President Dharambeer Gokhool.
2029: Dangote Refinery expansion target date.
Market Landscape
This strategic move follows a pattern set by Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls International Financial Centre initiative. By positioning itself in Mauritius, the firm is strengthening its ability to compete for regional capital against established international financial players.
Zimbabweans living abroad may soon gain access to specialized banking services tailored for international remittances and investment. These developments could eventually improve capital flow for citizens and diaspora members seeking to engage with regional projects.
The takeaway
Expanding financial services across borders helps facilitate regional infrastructure projects like the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. Investors should monitor how these microfinance initiatives change the accessibility of cross-border banking for the Zimbabwean diaspora.
Further reading
Learn more about global financial trends in our Financial Services section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ZiMetro News.
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