In February 2020, Amethis invested in Naivas, a Kenya-based supermarket chain with 84 stores in 22 cities and towns and more than 7,800 employees. The company sells more than 40,000 different products, including food, clothing and household appliances.
With Amethis’ support, Naivas grew rapidly, hiring about 1,700 new employees and creating additional new jobs through partnerships with its increasing number of suppliers. Amethis implemented a nondiscrimination policy in the hiring process to benefit women, who now represent 25% of the workforce, up from 20.5% at the time of the investment. The company also introduced highly subsidized health insurance, offering coverage to the family members of its employees as well.