We are proud to announce our successful participation in a strategic funding transaction with Curro Holdings Limited (Curro), a new client for Nedbank Corporate Investment Banking (CIB).

Nedbank participated in Curro's recent debt raising process, providing a R500 million revolving credit facility. This transaction marks a first for our Nedbank CIB division and represents our strategic entry into the independent school segment.

Leading independent education in southern Africa

Curro is a market leader in independent education in South Africa, operating 189 schools across 81 campuses and serving over 72 000 learners. As a pioneer in independent schools in South Africa, Curro is committed to delivering access to quality education across diverse income segments and geographies.

Their mission aligns with the growing demand for inclusive education strategies and innovative learning models that prepare learners for the future.

How R500 million funding supports Curro's growth strategy

The R500 million in funding provides Curro with additional liquidity to support its growth strategy. This includes expanding its geographic footprint, enhancing operational capabilities, and investing in innovative learning models that cater to learners' evolving needs.

Our facilities enable Curro to pursue both acquisitive and organic growth, ensuring long-term sustainability.

Digital optimisation and innovative learning at Curro

Curro is embracing digital transformation through initiatives that enhance learning outcomes by integrating technology into the classroom.

Our funding supports this shift toward digital optimisation, enabling Curro to scale its tech-driven education model and improve learner engagement across its network of independent schools in South Africa.

Curro's extensive reach across southern Africa

Curro's presence spans South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana, with schools located in both urban and rural areas. This extensive reach ensures that independent education in southern Africa is accessible to a broader demographic, including underserved communities.

Their tiered education model, from premium schools to budget-friendly options, supports inclusive growth and economic development.

Strategic partnership between Curro and Nedbank

This transaction is more than a financial milestone. It's a strategic partnership that aligns closely with Nedbank CIB's values and purpose. As a new-to-bank client operating in a socially impactful sector, Curro represents a unique opportunity for Nedbank CIB to support a mission-driven organisation. Their commitment to delivering quality education across income levels resonates with our purpose-led approach to business.

Nedbank's commitment to quality education

Our involvement in this transaction reinforces Nedbank CIB's commitment to supporting sectors that foster inclusive economic development. We believe that independent schools play a vital role in shaping future leaders and building a more equitable society.

By supporting Curro, we are helping to expand access to quality education and drive meaningful change across southern Africa.

‘Curro's mission aligns with Nedbank's purpose of using financial expertise to do good', says Mauritz van den Berg, Sector Lead of Financial Institutions, Cape Town at Nedbank CIB. 'It's about more than funding a deal; it's about backing a shared vision for development. In Curro, we see a partner who is not only commercially sound, but socially catalytic.'

Profiling Nedbank's key spokespeople in the Curro deal

The success of this transaction was made possible by the expertise of our Leveraged and Diversified Finance (LDF) team. Their ability to structure and deliver tailored leveraged finance solutions highlights Nedbank CIB's leadership in the financial services sector and our dedication to impactful client partnerships.

'Our backing of Curro speaks to the future we want to help build, one where quality education is a transformative equaliser, not a rare privilege', says Greig Carstens, Principal of Leveraged and Diversified Finance at Nedbank CIB.

'It's a great example of how we can marry innovation in finance with a long view on nation building', adds Carstens.

Future opportunities in education sector funding

This transaction opens the door to future ancillary opportunities in education sector funding, including infrastructure development, digital transformation, and curriculum innovation.

As the demand for independent schools in South Africa continues to grow, Nedbank CIB is well-positioned to support the sector's evolving needs.

Inclusive growth and sustainable finance in education

Our partnership with Curro exemplifies how sustainable finance can drive inclusive education strategies. By supporting institutions that serve diverse communities, we contribute to a more equitable education landscape that empowers future generations and fosters long-term socioeconomic development.