Imperial advised that it has recently secured ZAR RCF (revolving credit facility) and USD multi-jurisdictional multicurrency facilities totaling approximately R1.3bn from Rand Merchant Bank (RMB). These facilities will support the Group's growth into Africa in line with its ‘Gateway to Africa' strategy, including an enhanced focus on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG). RMB's ZAR ESG RCF structure utilises the inclusion of an external Business Sustainability Rating and commitment from Imperial to direct pricing benefits to its ESG strategy specifically.

These two steps represented a step forward for the local market on product development for both impact and credibility. Imperial has placed a strong focus on embedding ESG priorities into its strategic objectives, and is following a comprehensive approach, as highlighted by the Group's investment in resources and its willingness to engage with external ESG Risk Business Sustainability Rating agencies (in this instance, EcoVadis) to provide independent assessment on its ESG performance to stakeholders.