The company engaged with the Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM) Export Support Programme, delivered by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, to formalise routes into African markets, strengthen access to finance, and build a structured partner ecosystem. Through the programme, Joe Tom Capital gained eight project leads and optimized its supply chains. It is now discussing partnerships with Decretus Capital and other institutions to drive an expanding pipeline of contract opportunities.
Working closely with International Trade Adviser Tim Cooper-Cocks, the business benefited from tailored guidance and strategic introductions, helping to refine its “Finance Gateway Africa” model. This model acts as a conduit between UK financiers and African project developers, integrating finance structuring, brokerage, machinery sourcing, and compliance coordination into a scalable and replicable export facilitation approach.
Over multiple advisory sessions, Tim facilitated over 27 introductions across clients, funders, suppliers, and networks, secured VIP attendance at a London African investment conference, and provided additional guidance on trade policy, regulatory compliance, and tariff modelling. Strategic planning and partner alignment enabled the company to execute cross-border projects efficiently while expanding its UK – Africa network and bolstering commercial credibility.
The programme’s support directly enabled Joe Tom Capital to progress from Stage 2: Export Preparation to Stage 4: Export Growth, delivering tangible outcomes across multiple African markets. The practical conversion of strategy into revenue was recently highlighted by the successful delivery of 2 high-value contracts in the mining and telecoms sectors in Sierra Leone and Guinea, West Africa. These completed projects underscore the company's operational capacity and financial reliability in African markets. Engagement is expanding into Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Zambia, and South Africa, while the BPA Global Africa initiative created a continuing pipeline for future projects.
Operationally, the company implemented new processes, embedding a structured UK – Africa export facilitation model and operationalising the Finance Gateway Africa model, providing a formalised, repeatable pathway for ongoing cross-border activity.
Reflecting on the programme, Joe Tom Nyama, Director of Joe Tom Capital Ltd, said, “The Export Support Programme has been invaluable in helping us transform our deep experience and contacts into a replicable, high-revenue export model. Having successfully turned leads into active contracts, we are now proceeding with our 50/50 risk-based product. This model de-risks trade for UK exporters, facilitating easier access to African markets while empowering local businesses to integrate more deeply into international supply chains”
David Zell, Assistant Delivery Manager for Business Programmes at the West Midlands Combined Authority, added, “The Export Support Programme, run by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce on behalf of BGWM and West Midlands Combined Authority, is a fantastic programme offering in-depth expertise to West Midlands businesses, enabling them to grow their potential through international exporting channels. The team are incredibly supportive, knowledgeable, and committed to ensuring businesses like Joe Tom Capital can thrive in global markets.”
Through expert guidance, structured interventions, and strategic market facilitation, Joe Tom Capital has successfully embedded an operational UK – Africa model, formalised partnerships, secured paid contracts, and established a pipeline for further expansion, positioning the business for continued growth across the continent.
Ready to take your business global? For more information go to https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/international-trade/exporting-starts-here/
Contact the Chamber today and one of its advisers will be in touch to support your export journey.
*Provided by Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM), the project is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), and delivered by Coventry & Warwickshire, Black Country, and Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.
