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Fairfax Africa Holdings Corporation

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FY2017 Annual Report · Fairfax Africa Holdings Corporation
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2017 Annual Report

Contents

Fairfax Africa Corporate Performance . . . . . . . .

Corporate Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Letter to Shareholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Management’s Responsibility for the

Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . .

Independent Auditor’s Report . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Fairfax Africa Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

. . .

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of

Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Corporate Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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3MAR201804150596

2017 Annual Report

Fairfax Africa Corporate Performance

(in US$ thousands, except as otherwise indicated)(1)

On February 17, 2017 Fairfax Africa Holdings Corporation subordinate voting shares began trading on
the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol FAH.U.

Book value per share
Closing share price(1)
Income
Net earnings
Total assets
Investments
Common shareholders’ equity
Shares outstanding(2)
Net earnings per share

December 31, 2017
10.21
14.16
31,851
23,484
669,111
339,052
516,736
50,620,189
0.54

(1) All share references are to common shares; Closing share price is in US dollars; per share amounts are in US dollars; Shares

outstanding are in millions.

(2) At December 31, 2017 includes 20,620,189 subordinate voting shares and 30,000,000 multiple voting shares.

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FAIRFAX  AFRICA  HOLDINGS  CORPORATION

Corporate Profile

Fairfax Africa Holdings Corporation  is  an  investment  holding  company  whose  investment  objective  is  to
achieve long-term capital appreciation, while preserving capital, by investing in public and private equity securities
and  debt  instruments  in  Africa  and  African  businesses  or  other  businesses  with  customers,  suppliers  or  business
primarily conducted in, or dependent on, Africa (‘‘African Investments’’).

African Investments

Atlas Mara Limited (‘‘Atlas Mara’’) is a publicly traded, Sub-Saharan African financial services group listed on the
London Stock Exchange under the stock symbol ATMA. Atlas Mara’s vision is to establish itself as a premier financial
institution across key markets in Sub-Saharan Africa. Since its inception in 2013, Atlas Mara has acquired control or a
significant  stake  in  banking  operations  spread  across  seven  key  Sub-Saharan  African  countries:  Botswana,
Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Additional information can be accessed from Atlas
Mara’s website www.atlasmara.com.

AFGRI Holdings Proprietary Limited (‘‘AFGRI’’) is a private, leading agricultural services and food processing
company in South Africa with a core focus on grain commodities. AFGRI provides services across the entire grain
production and storage cycle, offering financial support and solutions as well as inputs and high-tech equipment
through the John Deere brand supported by a large retail footprint. Additional information can be accessed from
AFGRI’s website https://www.afgri.co.za.

Nova Pioneer Education Group (‘‘Nova Pioneer’’) is a private, independent school network with campuses in
South Africa and Kenya, which offers preschool through secondary education for students from ages 3 through 19.
Additional information can be accessed from Nova Pioneer’s website www.novapioneer.com.

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To Our Shareholders:

We’re sincerely grateful to you for your support as we conclude Fairfax Africa’s inaugural year.

Fairfax Financial launched Fairfax Africa in February 2017 with the successful completion of an initial public offering
on the Toronto Stock Exchange. We set out with a market capitalization of over $506 million and approximately
$418  million  of  investable  cash  after  our  initial  investment  in  AFGRI,  further  described  below.  Under  the  IPO
5,622,000  subordinate  voting  shares  were  issued  to  the  public.  Concurrent  with  the  IPO,  cornerstone  investors
purchased 14,378,000 subordinate voting shares and Fairfax Financial purchased 22,715,394 multiple voting shares,
each done on a private placement basis. Also, concurrent with the IPO, Fairfax Financial contributed to Fairfax Africa
its  indirect  interest  in  AFGRI  resulting  in  an  aggregate  investment  by  Fairfax  Financial  in  Fairfax  Africa  of
$300 million in multiple voting shares.

Fairfax Africa is focused on conservative, value-oriented investing in Africa. Our objective is to achieve long-term
capital appreciation by investing in high-quality African businesses backed by strong management teams. We’ve set
forth below information regarding our background and purpose to highlight our investment results and approach,
discuss our African investment thesis, and outline the investments made during 2017.

We  are  pleased  with  the  progress  made  to  date  by  Fairfax  Africa.  In  the  ten  months  since  our  IPO  we  made  six
investments, and by year-end had deployed (or committed to deploy) $279 million (approximately 57%) of our net
IPO proceeds. Our subordinate voting shares closed at $14.16 on the last trading day of 2017, a 41.6% increase from
the IPO price of $10. Our book value per share has increased from $9.75 immediately following the IPO to $10.21 at
December 31, 2017. For 2017 we had net earnings of $23.5 million ($0.54 per basic share), primarily derived from fee
income, interest income on our investment portfolio and gains on our investments.

Fairfax Africa benefits from several competitive advantages in the African investment landscape. Our long-term view
distinguishes us from most competitors. Unlike Africa-focused private equity funds, our primary competition for
investment  opportunities,  Fairfax  Africa  is  a  permanent  capital  vehicle  focused  on  the  long-run.  The  stability
inherent  in  our  structure  and  our  long-term  investment  thesis  appeal  to  management  teams  who  share  our
approach, and open investment opportunities which would otherwise not be available. Additionally, Fairfax Africa’s
collaborative, decentralized, and management-friendly approach, which empowers management to be responsible
for running their businesses, tends to attract and retain highly-aligned strategic partners who share our long-term
investment horizon and our commitment to making an attractive return for our shareholders, while contributing to
and supporting the communities in which we invest. Finally, we enjoy the strong support of Fairfax Financial, and
are able to benefit from its global network of relationships, investment expertise and the practical know-how of its
operating companies in relevant industries around the world, including financial services, food and agriculture and
power generation.

We  continue  to  pursue  a  robust  pipeline  of  investment  opportunities  in  Africa  with  significant  long-term  value
creation  potential  in  our  sectors  of  focus,  including  energy,  food  and  agriculture,  financial  services,  and
infrastructure,  where  investments  in  high  quality  companies  backed  by  strong  management  can  be  obtained  at
attractive valuations. We look for opportunities in which the operating companies maintain a strong competitive
position in their industry, and where there is alignment between the management team and Fairfax’s values. We will
always  employ  a  conservative,  fundamental  value-based  approach  to  identifying  and  investing  in  high  quality
African  businesses,  and  we  follow  Fairfax  Financial’s  proven  fair  and  friendly  approach  that  has  undergirded  its
investment  track  record  for  more  than  three  decades.  We  seek  established  companies  led  by  experienced
management  teams  with  proven  track records,  which  operate  with  the  highest  standards  of  integrity  and
professional conduct.

To remind you of the compelling market opportunity in Africa, we outline below our long-term thesis for investing
on the continent:

Strong growth prospects: The African economy (as measured by GDP) has more than doubled since 2000
and is expected to increase another 62% by 2030, driven largely by investments in infrastructure, a thriving
services sector, and agricultural output. Medium-term annual GDP growth is expected to exceed 5% for many
African countries, faster than many emerging markets and most of the developed world.

Emerging  middle  class: The  African  middle  class  is  projected  to  grow  to  1.1  billion,  or  42%  of  the
continent’s population, by 2060. In large, economically significant cities this figure already approaches 70%.
These consumers typically have discretionary spending power, are gainfully employed, and spend over 25% of

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FAIRFAX  AFRICA  HOLDINGS  CORPORATION

income  on  purchases  other  than  housing  and  utilities.  Growth  of  the  middle  class  is  empirically  linked  to
economic  growth,  poverty  reduction,  improved  governance,  and  a  broad  shift  from  agrarian  economies  to
formalized, salaried, 21st-century workforces.

Rapid urbanization: Africa  is  the  world’s  fastest  urbanizing  region.  Between  2015  and  2025,  the  urban
population  on  the  African  continent  is  forecasted  to  grow  about  40%  (187  million)  from  472  million  to
659 million. This development should correlate with increased consumer spending; per capita consumption in
large cities is about 80% higher than national averages.

Attractive  valuations: Relative  to  opportunities  in  other  markets,  African  companies  remain  generally
undervalued,  with  valuations  often  one-third  those  of  similar  companies  in  Asia  and  North  America.  This
opportunity  is  largely  due  to  a  lack  of  depth  of  capital  markets,  idiosyncratic  perceived  country  risks  and
insufficient quantities of hard currencies following the commodity bust of recent years.

Remarkable  demographic  trends: The  UN  has  projected  that  2.4  billion  people  will  be  added  to  the
world’s population through 2050, and more than half of those (1.3 billion) will be African. Sub-Saharan Africa
has by far the world’s youngest average population, with the world’s 10 youngest countries, and 11 million
young people expected to enter the workforce each year through 2024.

Improved  stability  and  governance: Over  the  last  decade,  numerous  countries  across  the  African
continent  have  experienced  substantially  improved  overall  governance  and  political  stability.  On  an  index
tracking  the  rule  of  law,  political  participation  and  human  rights,  sustainable  economic  opportunity,  and
human development, 41 out of 54 African countries showed improvement over the past ten years.

Foreign direct investment: The value of all foreign direct investment in Africa grew 31.9% to $94.1 billion
in 2016. The countries who received the majority of this inflow – South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, and Egypt – are
countries  we  know  well,  and  our  professionals  have  enjoyed  strong  business  relationships  in  each  of  them
for decades.

International trade:
compared to less than 30% in the United States.

In  many  African  countries,  international  trade  represents  more  than  50%  of  GDP,

Major  supply-demand  gaps  in  sectors  of  focus:
In  our  focus  sectors,  including  energy,  food  and
agriculture,  financial  services,  and  infrastructure,  Africa  is  experiencing  major  supply-demand  gaps  where
Fairfax Africa is well positioned to engage a clear market need. Energy is Africa’s largest infrastructure deficit,
with over $800 billion of estimated investment required to meet future demand. Approximately 50% of the
world’s population without access to electricity lives in Sub-Saharan Africa, and this number is expected to rise to
60% by 2025 as the population grows faster than the infrastructure required to meet its needs. In food and
agriculture, Africa has 60% of the world’s arable land, yet many countries remain net food importers and food
insecurity  is  a  persistent  risk.  The  picture  in  financial  services  is  a  golden  opportunity:  65%  of  Sub-Saharan
Africa’s  population  remains  without  a  bank  account,  which  constrains  access  to  credit.  Forward-thinking
companies across the continent are seizing on this opportunity to expand innovative financial services solutions
in credit, trade finance, mobile payments, and economic identity.

There  is  also  a  staggering  funding  gap  in  African  infrastructure  generally,  totaling  $60.0 billion  from  now
through 2025. In the year 2025 alone, Africa’s projected infrastructure gaps tally $27.0 billion in road transport,
$18.0  billion  in  energy  and  water  infrastructure,  and  $11.0  billion  in  telecommunication  infrastructure.
According to the World Bank, Sub-Saharan Africa’s GDP per capita would increase by an estimated 1.7% per
annum if its infrastructure gap were reduced to be in line with the median gap in the rest of the developing
world, and 2.6% per annum if the gap were reduced in line with the developed world.

We are now pleased to report to you on the investments and commitments we made in Africa in 2017.

AFGRI Holdings Proprietary Limited (AFGRI)

Concurrent with the closing of the IPO, we acquired Fairfax Financial’s existing investment in AFGRI (along with
shares  in  AFGRI  owned  by  certain  other  investors).  AFGRI  is  a  leading  agricultural  services  and  food  processing
company based in South Africa with a core focus on grain commodities. We are AFGRI’s largest beneficial shareholder
with  a  current  43.8%  indirect  equity  interest,  and  influence  over  60%  of  the  voting  shares  through  Joseph
Investment  Holdings.  Our  initial  investment  in  AFGRI  was  made  at  approximately  1.2x  book  value  and  at  a
significant  discount  to  replacement  value.  In  January  2018,  we  committed  an  additional  $18.5  million  to  fund

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growth initiatives at AFGRI, including acquisitions and capital expenditure in its agri-services, food processing and
financial services businesses.

We have known AFGRI for several years, and met Chris Venter, AFGRI’s CEO, in 2012. Chris was appointed CEO in
October  2008,  after  originally  joining  AFGRI  in  June  2005  to  lead  its  financial  services  business.  Under  Chris’
leadership,  AFGRI  streamlined  its  corporate  structure  to  become  South  Africa’s  largest  non-bank  lender  to  the
agricultural sector and strategically divested non-core assets.

AFGRI has operated for nearly 100 years and is Africa’s leading agricultural services and food processing company
with a core focus on the grain value chain. AFGRI provides services across the entire grain production and storage
cycle, offers financial support and solutions plus inputs and high-tech equipment through the John Deere brand, for
which it is one of the largest distributors outside the United States. AFGRI is one of Africa’s largest grain storage
companies, and now has more than 5 million tonnes of grain storage capacity, including a network of 69 silos and
15 bunkers in South Africa. AFGRI is also a leading non-bank financial services provider focused on providing credit,
trade and commodity finance, insurance and payments products to the agricultural sector in Africa; its average loan
book value was approximately $1 billion during fiscal 2017. Based in South Africa, AFGRI operates in 17 African
countries.

Some  of  you  are  aware  that  Fairfax  India  is  the  largest  shareholder  in  National  Collateral  Management  Services
Limited (NCML), India’s largest non-government grain handling company. Since Fairfax India invested in NCML,
AFGRI and NCML management teams have collaborated in some areas to implement their respective strategies in
Africa and India.

We continue to be very excited about the long-term prospects for food and agricultural investments in Africa and we
anticipate that there will be additional attractive investment opportunities surrounding the AFGRI platform going
into 2018. To this end, in February 2018 we extended a $28 million (330 million South African Rand) convertible
bridge facility to Philafrica Foods, which will provide funding for recently signed bolt-on acquisitions, and which we
expect will be converted into a Philafrica Foods equity capital raise in the coming months. AFGRI hired Roland
Decorvet in 2017 as Chief Executive Officer of AFGRI Foods (renamed Philafrica Foods in 2017). Roland is a seasoned
international food company executive, having spent over 20 years with Nestl´e, most recently in the role of Chairman
and CEO of Nestl ´e China. During his three years in this role, Nestl ´e China’s revenues tripled to become Nestl ´e’s
second largest market. Previously, Roland was CEO of Nestl ´e Switzerland and CEO of Nestl ´e Pakistan. Roland has
deep Africa connections, having spent much of his youth in the Democratic Republic of Congo and is now living in
South Africa.

Atlas Mara Limited (Atlas Mara)

In  August  2017  we  acquired  42.4%  of  Atlas  Mara  for  net  cash  consideration  of  $155.8  million.  Other  existing
shareholders  of  Atlas  Mara  concurrently  invested  $41.4  million.  In  December,  we  acquired  an  additional  0.9%,
bringing our net cash investment to $158.2 million and our ownership to 43.3%. Our initial investment was made at
an  attractive  valuation  representing  0.33x  book  value  and  a  77.5%  discount  to  Atlas  Mara’s  IPO  price.  The
opportunity for Fairfax Africa came as Atlas Mara had faced some substantial headwinds in its markets in 2016,
especially in Nigeria where the currency saw an overnight devaluation of 30% with the removal of the currency peg,
as well as a result of challenges with merger integration.

Bob Diamond, along with co-founder Ashish Thakkar, founded and listed Atlas Mara on the London Stock Exchange
in  2013  with  an  IPO  at  $10  per  share.  Bob  previously  served  a  long  tenure  with  Barclays  Plc  in  various  senior
positions,  including  as  Chief  Executive  Officer,  where  he  played  a  key  role  with  Barclays  Africa,  including  the
acquisition and integration of Absa Bank in South Africa, before founding Atlas Mara. Bob and his team approached
us on the Atlas Mara investment opportunity in early 2017. We are pleased to be partners with him.

Atlas  Mara  is  a  Sub-Saharan  African  financial  services  group  which  controls  and  operates  banks  in  six  countries
(Botswana,  Mozambique,  Rwanda,  Tanzania,  Zambia  and  Zimbabwe)  and  holds  a  significant  position  in  Nigeria
(Africa’s largest economy and financial services market outside of South Africa). Atlas Mara provides a foundation to
build our financial services offerings across the continent.

Atlas Mara is organized around three lines of business: 1) Retail and Commercial Banking, providing traditional
banking  services  catering  to  both  retail  and  corporate  clients  through  physical  branch  networks,  third  party
partnerships and digital channels; 2) Markets and Treasury, providing markets function transaction capabilities for
its clients’ foreign exchange and hedging requirements and centrally managing the banks’ surplus liquidity and

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FAIRFAX  AFRICA  HOLDINGS  CORPORATION

funding requirements; and 3) FinTech, focused on reaching a broader, often unbanked or under-banked African
population  through  technology  including  online  and  mobile  applications  in  partnership  with  both  MasterCard
and Visa.

Fairfax Africa’s investment enabled Atlas Mara to increase its shareholding in Union Bank of Nigeria (UBN) to 48% by
year-end through both a private market acquisition of a 13% shareholding, and through participation in the rights
offering undertaken by UBN in late 2017. This was an attractively valued investment opportunity for Atlas Mara; the
rights issue pricing represented a 32% discount to UBN’s closing share price on August 30, 2017 and a 73% discount
to book value as at June 30, 2017. The Nigerian currency appears to have stabilized at current levels, and by year end
UBN’s share price was 90% higher than the rights offering price, representing a substantial uptick in the value of Atlas
Mara’s position in UBN.

Atlas Mara expects that it will deliver on its announced projected cost savings and profit forecast for 2017 of more
than double its earnings for 2016. Atlas Mara’s performance in 2017 is indicative of its focus on driving efficiency and
reducing costs, which has enabled it to realize improved profits in the face of macro-economic conditions that have
remained challenging. While there will likely be continued uncertainty in the economic, regulatory, exchange rate
and  monetary  policy  environment  in  Atlas  Mara’s  markets  in  2018,  we  believe  the  long-term  prospects  remain
attractive for pan-African banking.

Fairfax Africa is supportive of Atlas Mara’s fundamental vision to create a leading pan-African banking platform that
better  serves  African  corporate,  small-and-medium  size  enterprises  (SMEs)  and  individual  clients  with  superior
banking products and financial services. We recognize that to achieve this vision a substantial investment of capital,
time  and  effort  will  be  required,  along  with  the  fortitude  to  operate  in  challenging  and  dynamic  market
environments.

Since joining the Atlas Mara board in October 2017, Richie Boucher (former CEO of the Bank of Ireland) and the
Fairfax Africa team have  been focused on supporting Atlas Mara’s efforts to protect and strengthen its foundations
after a period of rapid acquisition-led growth. This effort includes developing a strategy to invest in group-wide
information systems, improving the group’s overall liquidity and capital profile (including reducing cost of funds),
and strengthening the operational platforms, management depth and service delivery of its banks, all of which were
acquired  within  the  past  three  years  (and,  in  the  case  of  Rwanda  and  Zambia,  have  undergone  transformative
mergers within the past two years). An important priority will be building a strong FinTech/digital banking offering
that has potential to provide attractive returns on equity on a lower capital base, and to reach and serve a much larger
customer base in Africa, than could be achieved by a traditional ‘‘brick and mortar’’ branch banking approach.

We will continue to explore investment opportunities in financial services that produce attractive long-term returns
to our shareholders while providing improved access to credit, deposit/savings, payment and other products and
services to corporates, SMEs and individuals in Africa.

Nova Pioneer Education Group (Nova Pioneer)

Also in August, we committed to invest $20 million in Ascendant Learning Limited. Ascendant was founded and is
run  by  Chinezi  Chijioke  (a  former  McKinsey  partner).  Ascendant’s  wholly-owned  subsidiary  Nova  Pioneer  is  a
pan-African independent school network offering preschool through secondary education for students from ages
three through 19, with approximately 400 students in Kenya across two campuses and approximately 900 students
in South Africa across three campuses.

The demographic opportunity in for-profit education in Africa is vast, with very high growth rates and the potential
for  attractive  long-term  returns  on  investment.  We  are  very  supportive  of  the  management  team’s  strategy  to
capitalize on this growth potential in the coming years.

As a relatively small investment, Nova Pioneer was an attractive opportunity due to: (1) a strong competitive position
in a high-growth sector, backed by strong macro tailwinds; (2) management’s proven ability to execute and deliver
results; and (3) its potential for follow-on investments as the company successfully scales up.

Nova Pioneer launched its first campus in 2015 in South Africa, and now operates five campuses with a combined
enrollment of approximately 1,300 students. Average tuition per student is about $3,000 per year and is priced to
target middle to upper-middle income families whose alternatives are either: (1) poorly performing government
schools; (2) ‘‘affordable’’ private schools that are often of poor quality; or (3) extremely expensive private schools.
Management is targeting a rollout of more than 20 new campuses across key African markets over the next five years,

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reaching an enrollment of approximately 11,000 students, with an enrollment capacity of around 25,000 students.
Their long-term goal is to offer world-class and affordable education to students on over 100 campuses across Africa.
Single school economics are very attractive. Once a campus reaches full enrollment, returns on invested capital tend
to be very high and provide investment capital for further expansion.

Our investment in Nova Pioneer is supported by favorable demographics (rapid urbanization, emerging middle class,
and large and growing youth cohort) and strong demand for high quality private education at an affordable price in
our  key  markets.  Nova  Pioneer  management  reports  that  Kenyan  parents  will  often  spend  a  majority  of  their
disposable  income  on  private  schools,  reflecting  the  high  priority  families  place  on  quality  education  for
their children.

Investments in Infrastructure Development

We continue to evaluate potential opportunities in the construction and materials sector, which we believe support
our long-term thesis for African infrastructure development and provide an attractive investment entry point in the
current market environment.

In December, we terminated our partial offer to PPC Limited to acquire shares in PPC in support of a proposed merger
with AfriSam Proprietary Limited, both South African based cement companies with operations in Africa, as the
parties could not agree on value. When we announced our involvement in the process in August, we believed that
the merger, and our proposed investment, had the support of management, key shareholders and the boards of both
companies. However, as the public process wore on and as others expressed interest, it became apparent that there
was a sizable blocking minority of the PPC shareholder base that had a fundamentally different view from us on
PPC’s intrinsic value. While we remain interested in the opportunity, and support the strategic rationale for the
potential merger as publicly articulated by both management teams, we are committed to value creation for our
shareholders, and we will remain disciplined on valuation.

Also in December, we acquired small minority equity positions in two attractively valued companies listed on the
Johannesburg Stock Exchange for total consideration of $4.4 million.

Shelf Filing

In December, we filed a base shelf prospectus that allows Fairfax Africa to issue up to $1 billion of debt, equity or
other securities over the next 25 months, proceeds of which would be used to continue to finance additional African
investments.

A Note on African Leadership Transitions

The past few months have witnessed significant leadership transitions in South Africa and Zimbabwe, both countries
in which our investee companies operate, and in Angola, an important regional player. These developments have
been well received by the markets as an indication of increasing stability and a potential signal of improvement in
the investment environment.

In South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa was elected in December to replace Jacob Zuma as president of the African National
Congress. On February 14, 2018, Mr. Zuma resigned the presidency with immediate effect, and the following day the
ANC elected Mr. Ramaphosa to the presidency. Mr. Ramaphosa is a successful businessman in South Africa and was a
close colleague of the late Nelson Mandela. We believe Mr. Ramaphosa will bring a high degree of integrity to the
public office, and will apply his extensive business expertise for the greater good of all South Africans. Investors have
reacted  very  favourably  to  this  leadership  change,  with  South  African  equity  and  debt  markets  recovering
significantly.

In Zimbabwe, President Robert Mugabe resigned in December as part of what was reported as a ‘‘peaceful coup’’.

In Angola, the first democratic elections were held after 38 years of autocratic rule, and a leadership transition seems
to be underway successfully.

In each case, the new governments appear to be making the right initial moves to effect meaningful anti-corruption
and other changes. We’re watching these situations closely.

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FAIRFAX  AFRICA  HOLDINGS  CORPORATION

In Closing

We have a fantastic team, which includes our Africa-based investing partners (Pactorum) led by Neil Holzapfel, Trent
Hudson and Jim Bisenius, which provides strong on the ground presence and a long investing history in Africa.
Investment opportunities come to us from a variety of sources but the Pactorum team is primarily responsible for
sourcing and evaluating investment opportunities for Fairfax Africa. On our board, in addition to Prem Watsa and
Paul  Rivett  of  Fairfax  Africa,  we  have  Quinn  McLean  from  Hamblin  Watsa,  Fairfax  Financial’s  investment
management  subsidiary,  who  is  experienced  in  investing  in  the  region  and  who  serves  as  the  conduit  to  the
investment  committee,  and  seasoned  and  local  independent  directors  based  in  South  Africa,  Nigeria  and  Egypt.
Together,  we  have  decades  of  combined  experience  investing  in  Africa  and  emerging  markets  and  highly
complementary skill sets which we bring to bear as one team for the benefit of Fairfax Africa and its shareholders. We
would be remiss if we did not also recognize the tireless efforts of our Chief Financial Officer, Guy Bentinck, our
General Counsel, Keir Hunt, and Dylan Buttrick, overseeing our office in Mauritius.

Since our IPO, we have reviewed tens of potential investment opportunities, many of which we have passed on, and a
number of which we continue to explore as potentially attractive. We remain very excited about our pipeline of
opportunities and the attractive investment landscape we face in Africa. We will continue to leave no stone unturned
in pursuit of value creation for our shareholders. Of course, we do not think we have a monopoly on good ideas so
please do continue to pass along all your thoughts and comments to us and we continue to emphasize our openness
to introduce you to our wonderful management teams in Africa at our Annual General Meeting on April 25 or if you
would like to visit on the ground in Africa.

We wish to express our deep appreciation and gratitude to you, our valued shareholders, for partnering with us. We
are honored to be invested together in Africa’s long-term growth story.

28JAN201015171673

Michael Wilkerson
Chief Executive Officer

March 9, 2018

28FEB201809164316

Paul Rivett
Vice Chairman

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Management’s Responsibility for the Consolidated Financial Statements

The  preparation  and  presentation  of  the  accompanying  consolidated  financial  statements,  Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (‘‘MD&A’’) and all financial information
are the responsibility of management and have been approved by the Board of Directors.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting
Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. Financial statements, by nature, are not precise
since  they  include  certain  amounts  based  upon  estimates  and  judgments.  When  alternative  methods  exist,
management has chosen those it deems to be the most appropriate in the circumstances.

Management  maintains  appropriate  systems  of  internal  controls.  Policies  and  procedures  are  designed  to  give
reasonable assurance that transactions are properly authorized, assets are safeguarded and financial records properly
maintained to provide reliable information for the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.

We, as Fairfax Africa’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary, have certified
Fairfax Africa’s annual disclosure documents filed with the Canadian Securities Administrators in accordance with
Canadian securities legislation.

The Board of Directors is responsible for ensuring that management fulfills its responsibilities for financial reporting
and is ultimately responsible for reviewing and approving the consolidated financial statements and MD&A. The
Board  carries  out  this  responsibility  principally  through  its  Audit  Committee  which  is  independent  from
management.

The Audit Committee is appointed by the Board of Directors and reviews the consolidated financial statements and
MD&A;  considers  the  report  of  the  independent  auditor;  assesses  the  adequacy  of  the  internal  controls  of  the
company; examines the fees and expenses for audit services; and recommends to the Board the independent auditor
for appointment by the shareholders. The independent auditor has full access to the Audit Committee and meet with
it to discuss their audit work, Fairfax Africa’s internal control over financial reporting and financial reporting matters.
The Audit Committee reports its findings to the Board for consideration when approving the consolidated financial
statements and MD&A for issuance to the shareholders.

March 9, 2018

28JAN201015171673

Michael Wilkerson
Chief Executive Officer

3MAR201804164919

Guy Bentinck
Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary

10

Independent Auditor’s Report

To the Shareholders of Fairfax Africa Holdings Corporation

We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Fairfax Africa Holdings Corporation and its
subsidiaries, which comprise the consolidated balance sheets as at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 and
the consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for the year
ended December 31, 2017 and the period April 28, 2016 (date of incorporation) to December 31, 2016, and the
related notes, which comprise a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.

Management’s responsibility for the consolidated financial statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial statements in
accordance  with  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards,  and  for  such  internal  control  as  management
determines is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditor’s responsibility
Our  responsibility  is  to  express  an  opinion  on  these  consolidated  financial  statements  based  on  our  audits.  We
conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require
that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about
whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement.

An  audit  involves  performing  procedures  to  obtain  audit  evidence  about  the  amounts  and  disclosures  in  the
consolidated  financial  statements.  The  procedures  selected  depend  on  the  auditor’s  judgment,  including  the
assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or
error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and
fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in
the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal
control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of
accounting  estimates  made  by  management,  as  well  as  evaluating  the  overall  presentation  of  the  consolidated
financial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained in our audits is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for
our audit opinion.

Opinion
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
Fairfax Africa Holdings Corporation and its subsidiaries as at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 and their
financial performance and their cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2017 and the period April 28, 2016 (date
of incorporation) to December 31, 2016 in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards.

Chartered Professional Accountants, Licensed Public Accountants
Toronto, Ontario

9MAR201808461295

March 9, 2018

11

FAIRFAX  AFRICA  HOLDINGS  CORPORATION

Consolidated Financial Statements

Consolidated Balance Sheets
as at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016
(US$ thousands)

Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash
Short term investments
Loans
Bonds
Common stocks

Total cash and investments

Interest receivable
Other assets

Total assets

Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Payable to related parties
Income taxes payable
Term loan

Total liabilities

Equity
Common shareholders’ equity (deficit)

See accompanying notes.

Notes

December 31, December 31,
2016

2017

6, 15
6, 7
6
5,6
5,6
5,6

12
10
7

8

13,012
313,000
32,968
24,233
19,934
261,917

665,064

3,506
541

669,111

811
1,482
82
150,000

152,375

516,736

669,111

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
786

786

–
860
–
–

860

(74)

786

Signed on behalf of the Board

10MAR201607580995
Director

5MAR201811141462

Director

12

Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Income
for the year ended December 31, 2017 and the period April 28, 2016 (date of incorporation) to December 31, 2016
(US$ thousands except share and per share amounts)

Notes

2017

April 28-
December 31, 2016

Income

Interest
Net realized gains on investments
Net change in unrealized gains on investments
Net foreign exchange gains

Expenses

Investment and advisory fees
Performance fees
General and administration expenses
Interest expense

Earnings (loss) before income taxes
Provision for income taxes

Net earnings (loss) and comprehensive income (loss)

Net earnings per share (basic and diluted)
Shares outstanding (weighted average)

See accompanying notes.

6
6
6
6

12
12
14
7

10

9
9

7,589
11,274
2,362
10,626

31,851

3,400
319
2,076
2,087

7,882

23,969
485

23,484

$

0.54
43,329,044

–
–
–
–

–

–
–
74
–

74

(74)
–

(74)

$ –
1

13

FAIRFAX  AFRICA  HOLDINGS  CORPORATION

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
for the year ended December 31, 2017 and the period April 28, 2016 (date of incorporation) to December 31, 2016
(US$ thousands)

Balance as of January 1, 2017
Net earnings
Issuance of shares, net of issuance costs (note 8)

Subordinate
voting shares
–
–
193,326

Multiple
voting shares
–
–
300,000

Retained
earnings
(deficit)
(74)
23,484
–

Common
shareholders’
equity (deficit)
(74)
23,484
493,326

Balance as of December 31, 2017

193,326

300,000

23,410

516,736

Balance as of April 28, 2016
Net loss

Balance as of December 31, 2016

See accompanying notes.

–
–

–

–
–

–

–
(74)

(74)

–
(74)

(74)

14

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
for the year ended December 31, 2017 and the period April 28, 2016 (date of incorporation) to December 31, 2016
(US$ thousands)

Notes

April 28-
2017 December 31, 2016

Operating activities
Net earnings (loss)
Items not affecting cash and cash equivalents:

Net bond discount amortization
Net realized gains on investments
Net change in unrealized gains on investments
Net foreign exchange gains

Net purchases of short term investments classified as FVTPL
Purchases of investments classified as FVTPL
Sales of investments classified as FVTPL
Increase in restricted cash in support of investment
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

Interest receivable
Income taxes payable
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Payable to related parties
Other

Cash used in operating activities

Financing activities

Term loan:
Proceeds
Issuance costs
Increase in restricted cash in support of term loan

Subordinate voting shares:

Issuances
Issuance costs

Multiple voting shares:

Issuances

Cash provided by financing activities

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents – beginning of year/period

Cash and cash equivalents – end of year/period

See accompanying notes.

6
6
6

15
15
7

10

12

7
7
7

8
8

8

23,484

(39)
(11,274)
(2,362)
(10,626)
(32,659)
(255,515)
48,973
(162,519)

(3,506)
82
811
622
(112)

(404,640)

150,000
(225)
(150,481)

204,080
(12,876)

227,154

417,652

13,012
–

13,012

(74)

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
860
–
(786)

–

–
–
–

–
–

–

–

–
–

–

15

FAIRFAX  AFRICA  HOLDINGS  CORPORATION

Index to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Business Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2. Basis of Presentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4. Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5. African Investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6. Cash and Investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7. Borrowings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

8. Total Equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9. Net Earnings per Share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

10.

Income Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

11. Financial Risk Management

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

12. Related Party Transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

13. Segment Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

14. General and Administration Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

15. Supplementary Cash Flow Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

17

17

18

21

23

27

29

30

31

32

33

38

39

39

39

16

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended December 31, 2017 and the period April 28, 2016 (date of incorporation) to
December 31, 2016
(US$ thousands except share and per share amounts and as otherwise indicated)

1. Business Operations

Fairfax Africa Holdings Corporation (‘‘the company’’ or ‘‘Fairfax Africa’’) is an investment holding company whose
objective is to achieve long term capital appreciation, while preserving capital, by investing in public and private
equities  and  debt  instruments  in  Africa  and  African  businesses  or  other  businesses  with  customers,  suppliers  or
business  primarily  conducted  in,  or  dependent  on,  Africa  (‘‘African  Investments’’).  The  company  makes  all  or
substantially all of its investments either directly or through one of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, which include a
South Africa based subsidiary called Fairfax Africa Investments Proprietary Limited (‘‘SA Sub’’) and a Mauritius based
subsidiary called Fairfax Africa Holdings Investments Limited (‘‘Mauritius Sub’’).

On  February  17,  2017  Fairfax  Africa  completed  its  initial  public  offering  (‘‘IPO’’)  and  concurrent  with  private
placements  followed  by  the  exercise  of  an  over-allotment  option  by  the  underwriters,  raised  gross  proceeds  of
$506,202 (net proceeds of $493,326) through the issuance of subordinate voting shares and multiple voting shares.
Gross proceeds included a $74,968 in-kind contribution of an indirect equity interest in AFGRI Holdings Proprietary
Limited  (‘‘AFGRI’’).  The  company’s  subordinate  voting  shares  commenced  trading  on  February  17,  2017  on  the
Toronto Stock Exchange (‘‘TSX’’) under the symbol FAH.U. The multiple voting shares are not traded.

Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited (‘‘Fairfax’’) took the initiative in creating the company, is Fairfax Africa’s ultimate
parent  and  acts  as  its  administrator.  Fairfax  is  a  holding  company  which,  through  its  subsidiaries,  is  principally
engaged in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance and investment management. Fairfax is a Canadian
reporting issuer with securities listed on the TSX and trading in Canadian dollars under the symbol FFH for over
30 years and in U.S. dollars under the symbol FFH.U. Fairfax, through its subsidiaries, owns 30,000,000 multiple
voting shares and 2,500,000 subordinate voting shares of Fairfax Africa. At December 31, 2017, Fairfax’s holdings of
multiple and subordinate voting shares represented 98.8% of the voting rights and 64.2% of the equity interest in
Fairfax Africa.

Hamblin  Watsa  Investment  Counsel  Ltd.  (the  ‘‘Portfolio  Advisor’’),  a  wholly-owned  subsidiary  of  Fairfax  and
registered portfolio manager in the province of Ontario, is the portfolio advisor of the company and its consolidated
subsidiaries, and is responsible for providing advice with respect to all investments.

The company was federally incorporated on April 28, 2016 and is domiciled in Ontario, Canada. The principal office
of  the  company,  Fairfax  and  the  Portfolio  Advisor  is  located  at  95  Wellington  Street  West,  Suite  800,  Toronto,
Ontario M5J 2N7.

2. Basis of Presentation

The  company’s  consolidated  financial  statements  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2017  have  been  prepared  in
accordance  with  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards  (‘‘IFRS’’)  as  issued  by  the  International  Accounting
Standards Board (‘‘IASB’’) effective as at December 31, 2017, except IFRS 9 (2010) Financial Instruments which was
adopted  early.  The  company  has  determined  that  it  meets  the  definition  of  an  investment  entity  (see  note  4)
under IFRS.

The  consolidated  balance  sheets  of  the  company  are  presented  on  a  non-classified  basis.  Except  for  bonds  and
common stocks, all other assets expected to be realized and liabilities expected to be settled within the company’s
normal operating cycle of one year would typically be considered as current.

The preparation of the company’s consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and
assumptions  that  affect  the  reported  amounts  of  assets  and  liabilities  at  the  date  of  the  consolidated  financial
statements, the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting periods covered by the consolidated
financial statements and the related note disclosures. Critical accounting estimates and judgments are described in
note 4.

These  consolidated  financial  statements  were  approved  for  issue  by  the  company’s  Board  of  Directors  on
March 9, 2018.

17

FAIRFAX  AFRICA  HOLDINGS  CORPORATION

3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The  principal  accounting  policies  applied  to  the  preparation  of  these  consolidated  financial  statements  and  the
methods of computation have been consistently applied to all periods presented unless otherwise stated, and are set
out as follows:

Consolidation
Subsidiaries – A subsidiary is an entity over which the company has control. The company controls an entity when
the company is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability
to affect those returns through its power over the entity.

The company has concluded that SA Sub and Mauritius Sub should be consolidated as these entities provide services
relating  to  the  company’s  investment  activities.  All  intercompany  balances,  profits  and  transactions  with  these
subsidiaries are eliminated in full. As an investment entity (see note 4), the company is required to account for its
investments in subsidiaries (Joseph Investment Holdings) at fair value through profit or loss (‘‘FVTPL’’) rather than
by consolidation.

Investments in associates – An associate is an entity over which the company has significant influence, but not
control, over the financial and operating policies. As an investment entity, the company accounts for its investments
in associates (indirect equity interest in AFGRI Holdings Proprietary Limited through Joseph Investment Holdings
and Atlas Mara Limited) at FVTPL rather than by the equity method.

Foreign currency translation
Functional and presentation currency – The consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars
which is the functional currency of the company and its consolidated subsidiaries.

Although the company’s African Investments are denominated in various currencies, its primary financial reporting
objective  is  to  measure  long  term  capital  appreciation  in  U.S.  dollars.  Accordingly,  the  company  presents  its
consolidated financial statements in U.S. dollars.

Foreign currency transactions – Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using
the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the
settlement  of  such  transactions  and  from  the  translation  at  period  end  exchange  rates  of  monetary  assets  and
liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognized in net foreign exchange gains (losses) in the consolidated
statements  of  earnings  and  comprehensive  income.  Income  and  expenses  are  translated  at  the  average  rate  of
exchange for the period.

Consolidated statements of cash flows
The  company’s  consolidated  statements  of  cash  flows  are  prepared  in  accordance  with  the  indirect  method,
classifying cash flows by operating, investing and financing activities.

Cash and cash equivalents – Cash and cash equivalents consists of cash on hand, demand deposits with banks
and other short term highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased, and exclude
cash that is restricted. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value.

Restricted cash
Restricted cash primarily consists of amounts required to be maintained on deposit with a Canadian bank to support
the Term Loan and Letter of Credit Facility (see note 7).

Cash and Investments
Cash and investments include cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term investments, loans, bonds and
common stocks. The appropriate classifications of investments are determined at their acquisition date.

Classification – Short-term  investments,  loans,  bonds,  equity  instruments  and  debt  instruments  are  classified
as FVTPL.

Recognition  and  measurement – The  company  recognizes  cash  and  investments  at  fair  value  upon  initial
recognition. Purchases and sales are recognized on the trade date, which is the date on which the company commits
to purchase or sell the investments.

18

Investments classified as FVTPL are carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets with realized gains and
losses  and  unrealized  gains  and  losses  recorded  in  net  realized  gains  (losses)  on  investments  and  net  change  in
unrealized gains (losses) on investments in the consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive income, and
as operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. Interest earned on investments is included in the
consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive income in interest income and as operating activities in the
consolidated statements of cash flows.

Transactions  pending  settlement  are  reflected  on  the  consolidated  balance  sheets  in  other  assets  or  in  accounts
payable and accrued liabilities. Transaction costs related to investments classified as FVTPL are expensed as incurred.
An investment is derecognized when the rights to receive cash flows from the investment have expired or have been
transferred and when the company has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership.

Short term investments – Short term investments are investments with maturity dates between three months
and twelve months when purchased.

Determination of fair value – Fair values for substantially all of the company’s investments are measured using
market or income approaches. Considerable judgment may be required in interpreting market data used to develop
estimates of fair value. Accordingly, actual values realized in future market transactions may differ from the estimates
presented  in  these  consolidated  financial  statements.  The  use  of  different  market  assumptions  and/or  valuation
methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair values. The fair values of investments are based on
bid prices for financial assets and ask prices for financial liabilities for investments traded in active markets.

The company categorizes its fair value measurements according to a three level hierarchy described below:

Level 1 – Inputs represent unadjusted quoted prices for identical instruments exchanged in active markets.

Level 2 – Inputs include directly or indirectly observable inputs (other than Level 1 inputs) such as quoted prices
for similar financial instruments exchanged in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar financial
instruments exchanged in inactive markets and other market observable inputs.

Level 3 – Inputs include unobservable inputs used in the measurement of financial instruments. Management is
required to use its own assumptions regarding unobservable inputs as there is little, if any, market activity in
these instruments or related observable inputs that can be corroborated at the measurement date.

Transfers between fair value hierarchy categories are considered effective from the beginning of the reporting period
in which the transfer is identified.

Valuation techniques used by the company’s independent pricing service providers and third party broker-dealers
include use of prices from similar instruments where observable market prices exist, discounted cash flow analysis,
option  pricing  models,  and  other  valuation  techniques  commonly  used  by  market  participants.  The  company
assesses the reasonableness of pricing received from these third party sources by comparing the fair values received to
recent transaction prices for similar assets where available, to industry accepted discounted cash flow models (that
incorporate estimates of the amount and timing of future cash flows and market observable inputs such as credit
spreads and discount rates) and to option pricing models (that incorporate market observable inputs including the
quoted price, volatility and dividend yield of the underlying security and the risk free rate).

All other financial assets and liabilities, primarily comprised of interest receivable, other assets, accounts payable and
accrued liabilities, payable to related parties, income taxes payable and term loan are measured at amortized cost
which approximates fair value. Under the amortized cost method, financial assets and liabilities reflect the amount
required to be received or paid and discounted when appropriate at the effective interest rate of the contract.

Net realized gains (losses) on investments
Net realized gains (losses) arising on the disposition of investments and redemption or conversion of convertible
bonds are included in net realized gains (losses) on investments in the consolidated statements of earnings and
comprehensive income.

Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) arising on the re-measurement of investments at fair value is included in net
change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments in the consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive
income.

19

FAIRFAX  AFRICA  HOLDINGS  CORPORATION

Interest income
Interest income is recognized on an accrual basis using the effective interest method and includes bank interest and
interest from investments in debt instruments. Interest receivable is shown separately on the consolidated balance
sheets based on the debt instrument’s stated rate of interest.

Income taxes
The  provision  for  income  taxes  comprises  current  and  deferred  income  tax.  Income  taxes  are  recognized  in  the
consolidated  statements  of  earnings  and  comprehensive  income  except  to  the  extent  that  they  relate  to  items
recognized directly in equity. In those cases, the related taxes are also recognized directly in equity.

Current income tax is calculated on the basis of the tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the end of the
reporting period in the countries where the company and its subsidiaries and its associates operate and generate
taxable income.

Deferred income tax is calculated under the liability method whereby deferred income tax assets and liabilities are
recognized for temporary differences between the financial statements carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and
their respective income tax bases at the enacted or substantively enacted tax rates. Changes in deferred income tax
are  included  in  the  provision  for  income  taxes  in  the  consolidated  statements  of  earnings  and  comprehensive
income.

Deferred income tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available
against which the temporary differences can be utilized. Carry forwards of unused losses or unused tax credits are tax
effected and recognized as deferred tax assets when it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against
which these losses or tax credits can be utilized.

A  deferred  income  tax  liability  is  not  recognized  on  unremitted  earnings  of  the  company’s  African  Investments
where the company has determined that the unremitted earnings do not constitute a taxable temporary difference.

Current  and  deferred  income  tax  assets  and  liabilities  are  offset  when  the  income  taxes  are  levied  by  the  same
taxation authority and there is a legally enforceable right of offset.

Other assets
Other assets is typically comprised of pending settlement of sales of investments and prepaid expenses.

Term loan
Borrowings are recognized initially at fair value and subsequently carried at amortized cost. Interest expense on
borrowings is recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive income using the effective
interest method.

Equity
Common stock issued by the company is classified as equity when there is no contractual obligation to transfer cash
or other financial assets to the holder of the shares. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue or repurchase
for cancellation of equity instruments are recognized in equity, net of tax.

Dividends and other distributions to holders of the company’s equity instruments are recognized directly in equity.

Net earnings (loss) per share
Basic net earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing the net earnings (loss) by the weighted average number of
subordinate and multiple voting shares issued and outstanding during the period.

Net earnings (loss) per diluted share
Diluted earnings (loss) per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of subordinate and multiple
voting shares outstanding during the period for the dilutive effect of the contingently issuable subordinate voting
shares relating to the performance fee payable to Fairfax (see note 12) that would have been outstanding during the
period had all potential subordinate and multiple voting shares been issued.

20

New accounting pronouncements adopted in 2017
The  company  adopted  the  following  amendments,  effective  January  1,  2017.  These  changes  were  adopted  in
accordance with the applicable transitional provisions of each amendment, and did not have a significant impact on
the consolidated financial statements.

Recognition of Deferred Tax Assets for Unrealised Losses (Amendments to IAS 12)
In January 2016 the IASB issued amendments to IAS 12 Income Taxes to clarify the requirements on recognition of
deferred tax assets for unrealized losses.

Disclosure Initiative (Amendments to IAS 7)
In January 2016 the IASB issued amendments to IAS 7 Statement of Cash Flows that require additional disclosures
around changes in liabilities arising from financing activities, including both changes arising from cash flow and
non-cash changes.

New accounting pronouncements issued but not yet effective
The following new standards have been issued by the IASB and were not yet effective for the fiscal year beginning
January 1, 2017. The company is currently evaluating their impact on its consolidated financial statements and does
not expect to adopt any of them in advance of their respective effective dates.

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (‘‘IFRS 9’’)
In July 2014 the IASB issued the complete version of IFRS 9 which will supersede the 2010 version of IFRS 9 currently
applied by the company. This complete version is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018,
with retrospective application, and includes: requirements for the classification and measurement of financial assets
and liabilities; an expected credit loss model that replaces the existing incurred loss impairment model; and new
hedge  accounting  guidance.  The  company  is  nearing  completion  of  its  analysis  of  the  accounting  requirements
under IFRS 9 and has determined that its current classifications of equity investments and financial liabilities will
remain substantially unchanged compared to the 2010 version. The company continues to monitor and consider
evolving  guidance  and  interpretations  related  to  IFRS  9  as  it  works  through  the  classification  analysis  for  its
investments in debt instruments.

IFRIC Interpretation 23 Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments (‘‘IFRIC 23’’)
In June 2017 the IASB issued IFRIC 23 to clarify how the requirements of IAS 12 Income Taxes should be applied when
there is uncertainty over income tax treatments. The interpretation is effective for annual periods beginning on or
after January 1, 2019, with modified retrospective or retrospective application. Adoption of IFRIC 23 is not expected
to have a significant impact on the company’s consolidated financial statements.

4. Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments

In the preparation of the company’s consolidated financial statements, management has made a number of critical
accounting estimates and judgments which are discussed below. Estimates and judgments are continually evaluated
and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to
be reasonable under the circumstances.

Where estimates were made, the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses may differ from the
amounts that would otherwise be reflected if the ultimate outcome of all uncertainties and future earnings were
known at the time the consolidated financial statements were prepared.

Determination of investment entity status
An entity that meets the IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements (‘‘IFRS 10’’) definition of an investment entity is
required  to  measure  its  investments  in  subsidiaries  at  FVTPL  rather  than  consolidate  them  (other  than  those
subsidiaries that provide services to the company).

An investment entity is an entity that obtains funds from one or more investors for the purpose of providing them
with investment management services, commits to its investors that its business purpose is to invest funds solely for
returns  from  capital  appreciation,  investment  income,  or  both,  and  measures  and  evaluates  the  performance  of
substantially all of its investments on a fair value basis. The company has exercised judgment that it continues to
meets  the  definition  of  an  investment  entity,  as  its  strategic  objective  of  investing  in  African  Investments  and

21

FAIRFAX  AFRICA  HOLDINGS  CORPORATION

providing investment management services to investors for the purpose of generating returns in the form of long
term capital appreciation, remains unchanged. The company has also determined that SA Sub and Mauritius Sub
provide investment related services to the company and should continue to be consolidated.

The company may from time to time seek to realize on any of its African Investments. The circumstances under
which the company may sell some or all of its investments include: (i) where the company believes that the African
Investments are fully valued or that the original investment thesis has played out; or, (ii) where the company has
identified  other  investment  opportunities  which  it  believes  present  more  attractive  risk-adjusted  return
opportunities and additional capital is needed to make such alternative investments.

The company may exit its private African Investments either through initial public offerings or private sales. For
publicly traded African Investments, exit strategies may include selling the investments through private placements
or in public markets.

Valuation of Private African Investments
The valuation of the company’s private African Investments are assessed at the end of each reporting period.

For  each  private  African  Investment  acquired  during  the  reporting  period,  the  transaction  price  is  generally
considered  to  be  representative  of  fair  value,  subject  to  the  background  of  the  investment,  changes  in  market
conditions and factors specific to the investee. The company monitors various factors impacting the businesses of its
investees and the transaction price of a private African Investment may no longer be an appropriate estimate of fair
value upon occurrence of certain events such as: significant variances from budgeted earnings; changes in market
conditions; changes to the regulatory environment; movements in interest rates, foreign exchange rates and other
market variables; and the passage of time.

Estimates  and  judgments  for  private  African  Investments  are  continually  evaluated  and  are  based  on  historical
experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the
circumstances. The company utilizes investee company management and Fairfax’s valuation personnel to assist with
the valuation of its investment portfolio. Detailed valuations are performed for those financial instruments that are
priced internally, while external pricing received from independent pricing service providers and third party broker-
dealers are evaluated by the company for reasonableness. The company does not use independent valuation experts
to determine the fair value of its investments. The company’s Chief Financial Officer oversees the valuation function
and  regularly  reviews  valuation  processes  and  results,  including  at  each  quarterly  reporting  period.  Significant
valuation  matters,  particularly  those  requiring  extensive  judgment,  are  communicated  to  the  company’s  Audit
Committee.

Notwithstanding  the  rigour  of  the  company’s  valuation  processes,  the  valuation  of  private  African  Investments
inherently has estimation uncertainty and different assumptions could lead to significantly different fair values.
Refer to note 5 for additional disclosure related to the valuation of the company’s private African Investments.

Income taxes
The company is subject to income taxes in Canada, Mauritius and South Africa, and the company’s determination of
its tax liability or receivable is subject to review by those applicable tax authorities. The company exercised judgment
in assessing that unremitted earnings related to its African Investments, as disclosed in note 10, are not expected to
result in taxable amounts in the foreseeable future; as a consequence no tax has been recorded in the consolidated
financial statements on these unremitted earnings. While the company believes its tax positions to be reasonable,
where  the  company’s  interpretations  differ  from  those  of  tax  authorities  or  the  timing  of  realization  is  not  as
expected, the provision for income taxes may increase or decrease in future periods to reflect actual experience. The
company has tax specialist personnel responsible for assessing the income tax consequences of planned transactions
and events, and undertaking the appropriate tax planning.

Realization of deferred income tax assets is dependent upon the generation of taxable income in those jurisdictions
where  the  relevant  tax  losses  and  temporary  differences  exist.  Tax  legislation  of  each  jurisdiction  in  which  the
company operates is interpreted to determine the provision for (recovery of) income taxes and expected timing of
the reversal of deferred income tax assets and liabilities. The company exercised judgment that certain carryforwards
of unused losses disclosed in note 10 should not be recognized as an asset because it is not probable that they will
be realized.

22

5. African Investments

Public African Investments
The fair values of Atlas Mara, whose shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange and Other African Investments
(comprised  of  common  shares  of  various  public  companies),  whose  shares  are  listed  on  the  Johannesburg  Stock
Exchange, are determined using the bid prices of that investment (without adjustments or discounts) at the balance
sheet date.

Investment in Atlas Mara Limited

Atlas Mara Limited (‘‘Atlas Mara’’) is a Sub-Saharan African financial services group founded in 2013. Atlas Mara’s
vision  is  to  establish  itself  as  a  premier  financial  institution  across  key  markets  in  Sub-Saharan  Africa.  Since  its
inception, Atlas Mara has acquired control or a significant stake in banking operations across seven key Sub-Saharan
African countries: Botswana, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Atlas Mara Convertible Bond

On July 17, 2017 the company invested $100,000 in Atlas Mara through the purchase of a mandatory convertible
bond (the ‘‘Atlas Mara Convertible Bond’’) with an interest rate of 5.0% per annum which increased to 10.0% per
annum on August 31, 2017. On August 31, 2017, concurrent with the closing of the Atlas Mara Equity Offering
(described  below),  the  Atlas  Mara  Convertible  Bond  (including  accrued  interest)  was  converted  into
44,722,222 ordinary shares of Atlas Mara at the Issue Price (defined below).

The change in the fair value of the Atlas Mara Convertible Bond between the date of initial recognition and the
conversion into Atlas Mara ordinary shares resulted in a net realized gain on investment of $5,098 recorded in the
consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive income in 2017.

In 2017 the company recorded interest income on the Atlas Mara Convertible Bond of $1,117 in the consolidated
statements of earnings and comprehensive income.

Atlas Mara Equity Offering

On  August  31,  2017  the  company  acquired  an  additional  26,036,448  ordinary  shares  of  Atlas  Mara  for  $58,582
through participation in Atlas Mara’s equity offering of $100,000 of new ordinary shares (the ‘‘Atlas Mara Equity
Offering’’) at a price of $2.25 per share (the ‘‘Issue Price’’). Fairfax Africa received a fee of $2,800 pursuant to an
agreement to acquire any ordinary shares not taken up by qualifying Atlas Mara shareholders and to purchase a
minimum of 30.0% of the Atlas Mara Equity Offering, resulting in a commitment to acquire Atlas Mara ordinary
shares for net cash consideration of $55,782 (the ‘‘Commitment’’). The company’s Commitment to acquire shares at
a fixed price was determined to be a derivative financial instrument under IFRS. The appreciation of the Atlas Mara
share price to $2.375 per share on the expiry date of the Commitment (August 31, 2017) resulted in the recognition
of  a  net  realized  gain  on  investments  of  $6,055  recorded  in  the  consolidated  statements  of  earnings  and
comprehensive income in 2017.

Additional Atlas Mara Shares Acquired

On  December  22,  2017  the  company  acquired  an  additional  1,200,000  ordinary  shares  of  Atlas  Mara  for  cash
consideration of $2,436.

At December 31, 2017, the fair value of the company’s investment in Atlas Mara was $168,671 and comprised of
71,958,670  ordinary  shares  representing  a  43.3%  equity  interest.  The  changes  in  fair  value  of  the  company’s
investment in Atlas Mara during 2017 is presented in the table disclosed later in note 5.

Other

During the fourth quarter of 2017 the company acquired common shares of various public companies listed on the
Johannesburg Stock Exchange (‘‘Other Public African Investments’’) for aggregate cash consideration of $4,428 (fair
value  of  $4,932  at  December  31,  2017).  The  changes  in  fair  value  of  the  company’s  investment  in  Other  Public
African Investments are presented in the table disclosed later in note 5.

23

FAIRFAX  AFRICA  HOLDINGS  CORPORATION

Private African Investments
The  fair  values  of  Fairfax  Africa’s  Private  African  Investments  cannot  be  derived  from  an  active  market  and
accordingly, are determined using industry accepted valuation techniques and models. Market observable inputs are
used  where  possible,  with  unobservable  inputs  used  where  necessary.  Use  of  unobservable  inputs  can  involve
significant judgment and may materially affect the reported fair value of these investments.

AFGRI Holdings Proprietary Limited

A private company based in South Africa, AFGRI Holdings Proprietary Limited (‘‘AFGRI’’) is an agricultural services
and food processing company with a core focus on grain commodities. It provides services across the entire grain
production and storage cycle, offering financial support and solutions as well as inputs and high-tech equipment
through the John Deere brand supported by a large retail footprint.

AgriGroupe  Investments  LP  (‘‘AgriGroupe  LP’’)  was  a  partnership  formed  to  hold  an  investment  in  Joseph
Investment Holdings (‘‘Joseph Holdings’’), an investment holding company formed to hold an investment in AFGRI.
Ownership percentages and descriptions of capitalization in this paragraph are prior to the transactions described in
the subsequent paragraph. Prior to the IPO, Fairfax as a limited partner, had a 72.6% equity interest in AgriGroupe LP.
Joseph Holdings’ capitalization was comprised of ordinary shares and class A shares. Class A shares are non-voting
except in matters related to the class A shares, redeemable at the option of Joseph Holdings at a fixed price and have a
priority claim on distributions received from AFGRI in the amount of $88,600. Any distributions received by Joseph
Holdings must first be used to redeem the class A shares (to a maximum of $88,600) before holders of the ordinary
shares of Joseph Holdings become eligible to receive any distributions. AgriGroupe LP held all of the ordinary shares
and class A shares of Joseph Holdings (inclusive of Fairfax’s beneficial 65.9% interest in the ordinary shares and
72.6% interest in the class A shares of Joseph Holdings). Joseph Holdings has a 60.0% equity interest in AFGRI.
AgriGroupe LP and Joseph Holdings have no other assets, liabilities (contingent or otherwise) or operations, except
minimal overhead expenses associated with their administration.

Indirect Equity Interest in AFGRI

On February 17, 2017, the company purchased from AgriGroupe LP the beneficial equity interests held by Fairfax in
Joseph Holdings, comprised of 156,055,775 ordinary shares and 49,942,549 class A shares for $25,001 and $49,967
respectively in exchange for 7,284,606 multiple voting shares at $10.00 per multiple voting share. The company also
purchased additional equity interests in Joseph Holdings from certain limited partners of AgriGroupe LP in exchange
for 212,189 subordinate voting shares at $9.50 per subordinate voting share (being $10.00 less a private placement
fee of $0.50 per subordinate voting share). Subsequent to these transactions, the company owned 70.3% equity
interest in the ordinary shares and 73.3% of the class A shares of Joseph Holdings and became the largest beneficial
shareholder of AFGRI with a 42.2% indirect equity interest.

The consideration paid by the company to acquire the indirect equity interest in AFGRI was negotiated between the
company and the general partner of AgriGroupe LP. The process for determining the price or fair value of AFGRI
included a discounted cash flow analysis of Joseph Holdings’ underlying investment in AFGRI based on multi-year
free cash flow projections with assumed after-tax discount rates ranging from 11.3% to 18.2%, and a long term
growth rate of 3.0%. Free cash flow projections were based on EBITDA and working capital projections for AFGRI’s
principal business units prepared as at the date of closing by AFGRI’s management.

At December 31, 2017 the company’s fair value of its indirect equity interest in AFGRI was based on an internal
valuation model which consisted of a discounted cash flow analysis based on multi-year free cash flow projections
with assumed after-tax discount rates ranging from 11.6% to 25.1% and a long term growth rate of 3.0%. Free cash
flow projections were based on EBITDA derived from financial information for AFGRI’s business units prepared in
the fourth quarter of 2017 by AFGRI’s management. Discount rates were based on the company’s assessment of risk
premiums to the appropriate risk-free rate of the economic environment in which AFGRI operates.

At December 31, 2017 the company’s internal valuation model indicated that the fair value of its indirect equity
interest  in  AFGRI,  acquired  through  the  company’s  ownership  in  Joseph  Holdings,  was  $88,314.  Given  that  the
class  A  shares  of  Joseph  Holdings  are  redeemable  at  a  fixed  price  of  $49,967,  the  $38,347  residual  amount  was
allocated to the ordinary shares of Joseph Holdings.

The changes in fair value of the company’s indirect equity interest in AFGRI is presented in the table disclosed later in
note 5.

24

AFGRI Facility

On June 21, 2017 Fairfax Africa entered into a secured lending arrangement with AFGRI, pursuant to which Fairfax
Africa provided AFGRI with $23,255 (300 million South African rand) of financing (the ‘‘AFGRI Facility’’). AFGRI
sought out the financing ahead of an anticipated equity issue by AFGRI to support its growth initiatives. The AFGRI
Facility bears interest at a rate of South African Prime plus 2.0% per annum. Fairfax Africa is entitled to receive a fee
equal to 2.0% of the AFGRI Facility loan proceeds payable at maturity or upon repayment of the AFGRI Facility. The
company earns interest on the fee at the same rate as the AFGRI Facility.

The AFGRI Facility was initially scheduled to mature on December 23, 2017 with an option for AFGRI to repay the
AFGRI Facility in shares, subject to certain conditions on maturity. On December 19, 2017, the company revised the
terms of the AFGRI Facility and extended the maturity date from December 23, 2017 to the earlier of January 31,
2018, or the date the participating AFGRI Shareholders subscribe for shares in AFGRI, pursuant to the AFGRI Rights
Offer (discussed below). During the extension period, the interest rate on the AFGRI facility was increased to South
African Prime plus 6.0% per annum. On January 31, 2018 the AFGRI facility including accrued interest was repaid
in cash.

At  December  31,  2017,  the  company  estimated  the  fair  value  of  the  AFGRI  Facility  based  on  market  rates  and
creditworthiness  to  be  $24,233.  In  2017  the  company  recorded  interest  income  of  $1,982  in  the  consolidated
statements of earnings and comprehensive income related to the AFGRI facility.

Subsequent to December 31, 2017

AFGRI Rights Offer

On January 31, 2018, AFGRI completed its previously announced rights issue and raised $43,676 (518.6 million
South African rand) at 2.27 South African rand per ordinary share (the ‘‘Rights Offer’’). Joseph Holdings maintained
its 60.0% equity interest in AFGRI through the purchase of 137,074,140 ordinary shares for a total purchase price of
$26,206 (311.2 million South African rand). To fund the additional investment in AFGRI, Joseph Holdings requested
its  shareholders  to  provide  funding  on  a  pro  rata  basis  consistent  with  their  equity  interest  in  Joseph  Holdings.
Certain shareholders of Joseph Holdings declined to take up their pro rata share which resulted in the company
acquiring more than its pro rata share to cover the shortfall. Following the completion of the Rights Offering, the
company owned a 72.9% equity interest in the ordinary shares and a 73.3% interest in the class A shares of Joseph
Holdings and a 43.8% indirect equity interest in AFGRI.

Philafrica Bridge Loan

On  February  28,  2018  Fairfax  Africa  entered  into  a  secured  lending  arrangement  with  Philafrica  Foods
Proprietary Ltd. (‘‘Philafrica’’), a wholly-owned subsidiary of AFGRI, pursuant to which Fairfax Africa will provide
Philafrica with $27,958 (330 million South African rand) of financing (the ‘‘Philafrica Bridge Loan’’). The Philafrica
Bridge Loan was provided on an interim basis in advance of an anticipated equity issue by Philafrica, in the form of a
rights offering to the existing AFGRI shareholders. The funds received from the Philafrica Bridge Loan will be used to
complete  a  corporate  reorganization  and  fund  strategic  acquisitions.  Funds  will  be  advanced  within  10  days  of
closing (the ‘‘Advance Date’’), subject to certain conditions being met.

The Philafrica Bridge Loan is guaranteed by AFGRI Operations Proprietary Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of
AFGRI,  and  subordinated  to  commercial  bank  debt.  The  Philafrica  Bridge  Loan  matures  within  210  days  of  the
Advance  Date,  with  an  option  for  Philafrica  to  repay  in  shares,  subject  to  approval  of  at  least  75%  of  AFGRI
shareholders. The Philafrica Bridge Loan bears interest at a rate of South African Prime plus 2.0% per annum, payable
monthly in arrears or capitalized to loan amount at the election of Philafrica. Upon maturity, in the event 75%
AFGRI shareholder approval is not received to repay the loan in shares, the interest rate will be increased retroactively
to  South  African  Prime  plus  4%  per  annum.  Fairfax  Africa  earned  a  fee  equal  to  2.0%  of  the  loan  proceeds  on
signature which is payable at maturity or upon repayment of the Philafrica Bridge Loan. The company earns interest
on the fee at the same rate as the loan.

Nova Pioneer Education Group

Nova Pioneer Education Group (‘‘Nova Pioneer’’) is an independent school network with campuses in South Africa
and Kenya, which offers preschool through secondary education for students from ages 3 through 19.

25

FAIRFAX  AFRICA  HOLDINGS  CORPORATION

Nova Pioneer Facility

On  June  8,  2017  Fairfax  Africa  entered  into  a  secured  lending  arrangement  with  Ascendant  Learning  Limited
(‘‘Ascendant’’), the Mauritius based parent entity of Nova Pioneer. In advance of the secured lending arrangement,
Ascendant was permitted to borrow up to $4,000 (the ‘‘Nova Pioneer Facility’’) for the benefit of Nova Pioneer. The
Nova  Pioneer  Facility  had  an  initial  interest  rate  of  5.0%  per  annum,  which  increased  to  18.0%  per  annum  on
June 30, 2017. The Nova Pioneer Facility was secured against certain assets of Ascendant and its subsidiaries. On
June  8,  2017  and  August  10,  2017,  Ascendant  borrowed  $3,000  and  $1,000,  respectively,  on  the  Nova  Pioneer
Facility.

On August 22, 2017 the Nova Pioneer Facility was converted into the Nova Pioneer Investment (discussed below). In
2017 the company recorded interest income of $94 in the consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive
income related to the Nova Pioneer Facility.

Nova Pioneer Investment

On June 30, 2017 Fairfax Africa announced an investment in Nova Pioneer which consisted of $20,000 of secured
debentures maturing on December 31, 2024 (the ‘‘Nova Pioneer Bonds’’) and 2,000,000 warrants (the ‘‘Nova Pioneer
Warrants’’), collectively the ‘‘Nova Pioneer Investment’’, to be issued in tranches. At December 31, 2017, Ascendant
had issued the full $20,000 of the Nova Pioneer Bonds and 2,000,000 Nova Pioneer Warrants.

The Nova Pioneer Bonds bear interest at a rate of 20.0% per annum and are redeemable by Ascendant at par at any
time after June 30, 2021, except in circumstances relating to a change of control or a value realization event. Each
Nova Pioneer Warrant can be exercised by the company to acquire one ordinary share of Ascendant. Other than in
circumstances  relating  to  a  change  of  control  or  a  value  realization  event,  the  Nova  Pioneer  Warrants  may  be
exercised after June 30, 2021. The Nova Pioneer Bonds are not rated.

At December 31, 2017 the company estimated the fair value of Nova Pioneer Investment (comprised of the Nova
Pioneer Bonds and Nova Pioneer Warrants) using an industry accepted discounted cash flow and option pricing
model that incorporated Nova Pioneer’s estimated credit spread of 18.9%. The estimated credit spread was based on
the credit spreads of a peer group of comparable companies adjusted for credit risk specific to Nova Pioneer.

At December 31, 2017 the fair value of the Nova Pioneer Bonds and Nova Pioneer Warrants was estimated at $19,414
and $520. In 2017 the company recorded interest income of $1,016 in the consolidated statements of earnings and
comprehensive income relating to the Nova Pioneer Bonds. The changes in fair value of the company’s investment
in the Nova Pioneer Bonds and Nova Pioneer Warrants are presented in the table that follows.

Summary of Changes in the Fair Value of the Company’s African Investments
A summary of changes in the fair value of the company’s Public and Private African Investments during 2017 were
as follows:

Public African
Investments

Private African Investments

Common stock

Common stock Loans

Bonds

Balance as of January 1, 2017

Atlas

Mara(1) Other(2)
–

–

Indirect equity

interest in AFGRI

Total
African
AFGRI(3) Facility Investment(4) Investments
–

Nova
Pioneer

–

–

–

Purchases

170,488

4,428

74,968

23,255

20,000

293,139

Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on

investments included in the consolidated
statements of earnings and
comprehensive income

Net foreign exchange gains included in the
consolidated statements of earnings and
comprehensive income

(1,817)

45

4,200

–

(66)

2,362

–

459

9,146

978

–

10,583

Balance as of December 31, 2017

168,671

4,932

88,314

24,233

19,934

306,084

(1) Purchases include a non-cash net realized gain on Atlas Mara Convertible Bond of $5,098 and Atlas Mara Equity Offering of $6,055

(see note 5).

26

(2) Comprised of common shares of various companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

(3) Acquired through the company’s ownership in Joseph Holdings.

(4)

Included a change in unrealized loss of $586 on the Nova Pioneer Bonds, partially offset by a change in unrealized gain of $520 on the
Nova  Pioneer  Warrants.  The  fair  value  of  the  Nova  Pioneer  Bonds  and  Nova  Pioneer  Warrants  were  $19,414  and  $520  at
December 31, 2017.

6. Cash and Investments

Fair Value Disclosures
The  company’s  use  of  quoted  market  prices  (Level  1),  valuation  models  using  observable  market  information  as
inputs (Level 2) and valuation models without observable market information as inputs (Level 3) in the valuation of
securities by type of issuer was as follows:

Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash(1)

Short-term investments – U.S. treasury bills

Loans – AFGRI Facility

Bonds – Nova Pioneer Investment(2)

Common stocks:

Indirect equity interest in AFGRI
Atlas Mara
Other(3)

Total cash and investments

December 31, 2017

Significant
Significant other unobservable

Quoted prices observable inputs
(Level 2)
–
–

(Level 1)
13,012
313,000

inputs Total fair value
of assets
13,012
313,000

(Level 3)
–
–

326,012

32,968

–

–

–
168,671
4,932

173,603

532,583

80.1%

–

–

–

–

–
–
–

–

–

–

–

24,233

19,934

88,314
–
–

88,314

132,481

–%

19.9%

326,012

32,968

24,233

19,934

88,314
168,671
4,932

261,917

665,064

100.0%

(1) Comprised of $150,000 received from the term loan, $162,000 issued as cash collateral and $1,000 of interest received on restricted cash

(see note 7).

(2) Comprised of Nova Pioneer Bonds of $19,414 and Nova Pioneer Warrants of $520 (see note 5).

(3) Comprised of common shares of various companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

Transfers between fair value hierarchy levels are considered effective from the beginning of the reporting period in
which the transfer is identified. During 2017 there were no transfers of financial instruments between Level 1 and
Level  2  and  there  were  no  transfers  of  financial  instruments  in  or  out  of  Level  3  as  a  result  of  changes  in  the
observability of valuation inputs. The changes in fair value of the company’s Private African Investments (classified
as Level 3) are disclosed in note 5.

The  table  that  follows  illustrates  the  potential  impact  on  net  earnings  of  various  combinations  of  changes  in
unobservable  inputs  in  the  company’s  internal  valuation  model  for  its  Private  African  Investments  classified  as
Level 3 at December 31, 2017. The analysis assumes variations within a reasonably possible range determined by the
company based on analysis of the return on various equity indexes, management’s knowledge of the applicable
equity markets and the potential impact of changes in interest rates. This sensitivity analysis excludes the company’s

27

FAIRFAX  AFRICA  HOLDINGS  CORPORATION

investment in the AFGRI Facility as the company determined that there were no significant unobservable inputs
suited for sensitivity analysis.

Investments

Fair
value of
Investment

Valuation
Technique

Significant
unobservable
inputs

Significant
unobservable
inputs used
in the
internal
valuation
models

Hypothetical
$ change
effect on
fair value
measurement(1)

Hypothetical
$ change
effect on
net earnings(1)

Indirect equity interest

in AFGRI

$88,314

Discounted
cash flow

After-tax discount rate
Long term growth rate

11.6% to 25.1%
3.0%

12,949 / (11,609)
4,842 / (4,507)

11,233 / (10,071)
4,200 / (3,910)

Nova Pioneer Bonds

$19,414

Nova Pioneer Warrants

$520

Discounted
cash flow

Discounted
cash flow

Credit Spread

18.9%

712 / (685)

523 / (503)

Share Price

$1.15

55 / (52)

40 / (38)

(1)

The impact on the internal valuation models from changes in significant unobservable inputs deemed to be subject to the most judgment and estimates
disclosed in the above table shows the hypothetical increase (decrease) in net earnings. Changes in the after-tax discount rates (50 basis points), long term
growth rates (25 basis points), credit spreads (100 basis points) and share price (5.0%), each in isolation, would hypothetically change the fair value of the
company’s investments as noted in the table above. Generally, an increase (decrease) in long term growth rates or a decrease (increase) in after-tax discount
rates, credit spreads or share price would result in a higher (lower) fair value of the company’s Private African Investments.

Fixed Income Maturity Profile
Bonds  and  loans  are  summarized  by  their  earliest  contractual  maturity  date  in  the  table  that  follows.  Actual
maturities may differ from maturities shown below due to the existence of call and put features.

Due in 1 year or less
Due after 1 year through 5 years(1)

Effective interest rate(2)

December 31, 2017

Amortized
cost
24,233
20,000

Fair value
24,233
19,414

44,233

43,647

20.0%

(1) Comprised of the Nova Pioneer Bonds, with a fair value of $19,414, which are redeemable by Ascendant at par at any time

after June 30, 2021, except in circumstances relating to a change of control or a value realization event.

(2) Excludes AFGRI Facility

Investment Income
An analysis of investment income for the year ended December 31, 2017 is summarized in the tables that follow:

Interest

Interest:

Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash
Short term investments – U.S. treasury bills
Bonds:

Government of South Africa
Nova Pioneer Bonds
Atlas Mara Convertible Bond

Loans:

AFGRI Facility
Nova Pioneer Facility

Total interest income

28

2017

1,020
1,374
309

677
1,016
1,117

1,982
94

7,589

Net gains (losses) on investments and net foreign exchange gains (losses)

Net gains (losses) on investments:

Bonds:

Government of South Africa
Nova Pioneer Investment(1)
Atlas Mara Convertible Bond

Common stocks:

Indirect equity interest in AFGRI
Atlas Mara
Other(2)

Atlas Mara Equity Offering(3)

Net foreign exchange gains (losses) on:

Cash and cash equivalents
Loans – AFGRI Facility
Common stock – indirect equity interest in AFGRI
Other(4)

2017

Net change in

Net realized
gains

unrealized gains Net gains
(losses)

(losses)

121
–
5,098

–
–
–
6,055

–
(66)
–

4,200
(1,817)
45
–

121
(66)
5,098

4,200
(1,817)
45
6,055

11,274

2,362

13,636

–
–
–
–

–

(16)
978
9,146
518

(16)
978
9,146
518

10,626

10,626

(1)

Included a change in unrealized loss of $586 on the Nova Pioneer Bonds, partially offset by a change in unrealized gain of
$520 on the Nova Pioneer Warrants.

(2) Unrealized gain of $45 related to common shares of various companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

(3) Related to the Commitment derivative on the Atlas Mara Equity Offering (see note 5).

(4) Primarily related to a foreign exchange gain of $459 from common shares of various companies listed on the Johannesburg

Stock Exchange.

7. Borrowings

Secured Term Loan, floating rate due August 31, 2018

(1) Carrying value approximated fair value at December 31, 2017.

Term Loan

December 31, 2017

Principal
150,000

Carrying
value
150,000

Fair
value(1)
150,000

On August 31, 2017 the company completed a secured term loan (the ‘‘Term Loan’’) with a Canadian bank with a
principal amount of $150,000 and bearing interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 100 basis points. In connection with the
Term Loan, the company was required to maintain cash collateral of $150,000, which together with interest received
of $481, is classified as restricted cash on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2017. On January 31, 2018
the company extended the maturity of the Term Loan to August 31, 2018.

Letter of Credit Facility

On August 31, 2017 the company entered into a non-revolving term credit facility available by way of a letter of
credit in the aggregate amount of $153,900 (2 billion South African rand) (the ‘‘LC Facility’’) with a Canadian bank in
connection  with  the  company’s  offer  to  acquire  shares  in  PPC  Limited,  a  South  African  company  listed  on  the
Johannesburg Stock Exchange. The LC Facility incurred interest at a rate of 100 basis points.

29

FAIRFAX  AFRICA  HOLDINGS  CORPORATION

Under  the  terms  of  the  LC  Facility,  the  company  was  required  to  contribute  cash  to  a  cash-collateral  account
equivalent to 105.0% of the LC Facility. At December 31, 2017 the company had placed $162,000 in a cash-collateral
account, which together with interest received of $519, was classified as restricted cash in the consolidated balance
sheet at December 31, 2017.

Interest Income

In 2017 the company earned interest of $728 and $646 on the cash collateral provided for the Term Loan and LC
Facility  which  was  recognized  as  interest  income  in  the  company’s  consolidated  statements  of  earnings  and
comprehensive income.

Interest Expense

The consolidated interest expense of $2,087 is comprised of interest expense of $1,193 and issuance costs of $225
relating  to  the  Term  Loan  and  interest  expense  of  $426  and  issuance  costs  of  $243  relating  to  the  LC  Facility.
These  amounts  are  recognized  as  interest  expense  in  the  company’s  consolidated  statements  of  earnings  and
comprehensive income.

Subsequent to December 31, 2017

On December 7, 2017 the company rescinded its offer to acquire shares in PPC Limited and the LC Facility was
terminated on December 11, 2017. Subsequently, on January 12, 2018, the cash collateral of $162,000 was released
from restricted cash.

8. Total Equity

Common shareholders’ equity

Authorized Capital

The company’s authorized share capital consists of (i) an unlimited number of multiple voting shares that may only
be issued to Fairfax or its affiliates; (ii) an unlimited number of subordinate voting shares; and, (iii) an unlimited
number of preference shares, issuable in series. Except as provided in any special rights or restrictions attaching to
any series of preference shares issued from time to time, the preference shares will not be entitled to vote at any
meeting of the shareholders of the company.

Issued Capital

Issued  capital  at  December  31,  2017  included  30,000,000  (December  31,  2016 – 1)  multiple  voting  shares  and
20,620,189 (December 31, 2016 – nil) subordinate voting shares. Each subordinate voting share carries one vote per
share at all meetings of shareholders except for separate meetings of holders of another class of shares. Each multiple
voting share carries fifty votes per share at all meetings of shareholders except for separate meetings of holders of
another class of shares and are not traded. Fairfax, through its subsidiaries, owns all the issued and outstanding
multiple voting shares. At December 31, 2017 there were no preference shares issued.

Common Stock

The number of shares outstanding was as follows:

Subordinate voting shares – January 1
Issuances during the year

Subordinate voting shares – December 31

Multiple voting shares – January 1
Issuances during the year

Multiple voting shares – December 31

Common shares effectively outstanding – December 31

30

2017
–
20,620,189

20,620,189

1
29,999,999

30,000,000

50,620,189

Capital Transactions

On February 17, 2017 the company completed its IPO of 5,622,000 subordinate voting shares at an issue price of
$10.00 per share for gross proceeds of $56,220 and also issued 22,715,394 multiple voting shares to Fairfax and its
affiliates on a private placement basis, for gross proceeds of $227,154. The company’s subordinate voting shares
began trading on the TSX under the symbol ‘‘FAH.U’’ on February 17, 2017. Concurrent with the IPO and private
placements, certain cornerstone investors purchased 14,378,000 subordinate voting shares, on a private placement
basis, for gross proceeds of $143,780. Also concurrent with the IPO and private placements, the company acquired a
42.2%  indirect  equity  interest  in  AFGRI  (through  the  acquisition  of  the  ordinary  and  class  A  shares  of  Joseph
Holdings as described in note 5) with a fair value of $74,968 in exchange for 7,284,606 multiple voting shares issued
to certain affiliates of Fairfax (upon the winding-up of AgriGroupe LP) and 212,189 subordinate voting shares issued
to certain other Joseph Holdings shareholders (the ‘‘AFGRI Transaction’’). The combined gross proceeds of the IPO,
private placements and AFGRI Transaction were $502,122.

On  March  2,  2017  a  syndicate  of  underwriters  exercised  the  over-allotment  option  and  the  company  issued  an
additional 408,000 subordinate voting shares at an issue price of $10.00 per share for total gross proceeds of $4,080.
The exercise of the over-allotment option increased the combined gross proceeds from the IPO, private placements
and AFGRI Transaction (collectively ‘‘the Offerings’’) to $506,202 (net proceeds of $493,326 after commissions and
expenses of $12,876).

Dividends

The company did not pay any dividends on its total outstanding common shares during 2017.

9. Net Earnings per Share

Net earnings per share is calculated based on the weighted average shares outstanding:

Net earnings – basic and diluted

Weighted average shares outstanding – basic
Contingently issuable subordinate voting shares

Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted

Net earnings per share – basic
Net earnings per share – diluted

2017
23,484

43,329,044
19,423

43,348,467

$
$

0.54
0.54

At December 31, 2017 there were 22,294 contingently issuable subordinate voting shares (19,423 on a weighted
average basis from February 17, 2017 to December 31, 2017) related to the performance fee payable to Fairfax.

The performance fee is accrued quarterly and paid for the period from February 17, 2017 to December 31, 2019. If a
performance fee is payable for the period ending on December 31, 2019, it will be paid in subordinate voting shares
of the company unless the market price per share of those shares is more than two times the then book value per
share, in which event Fairfax may elect to receive that fee in cash. The number of subordinate voting shares to be
issued will be calculated based on the volume weighted average trading price of the subordinate voting shares for the
10 trading days prior to and including the last day of the calculation period in respect of which the performance fee is
paid. Refer to note 12 for further details related to the calculation of the performance fee payable and the impact, if
any, on contingently issuable subordinate voting shares.

31

FAIRFAX  AFRICA  HOLDINGS  CORPORATION

10. Income Taxes

The company’s provision for income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2017 is summarized in the following
table:

Current income tax:

Current year expense

Provision for income taxes

2017

485

485

A significant portion of the company’s earnings or losses before income taxes may be earned or incurred outside of
Canada.  The  statutory  income  tax  rates  for  jurisdictions  outside  of  Canada  generally  differ  from  the  Canadian
statutory income tax rate (and may be significantly higher or lower).

The company’s earnings (loss) before income taxes by jurisdiction and the associated provision for income taxes for
2017 is summarized in the following tables:

Earnings (loss) before income taxes
Provision for income taxes

Net earnings (loss)

2017

Canada Mauritius
23,901
106

(1,757)
–

South Africa
1,825
379

Total
23,969
485

(1,757)

23,795

1,446

23,484

In 2017 the pre-tax losses in Canada were primarily related to interest expense on the Term Loan and LC Facility,
investment and advisory fees and performance fees. The pre-tax profitability in Mauritius was principally related to
the  net  realized  gains  on  the  Atlas  Mara  Equity  Offering  and  the  Atlas  Mara  Convertible  Bond  (see  note  5 –
Investment  in  Atlas  Mara  Limited)  and  net  foreign  exchange  gains  and  unrealized  gains  on  the  indirect  equity
interest in AFGRI. The pre-tax profitability in South Africa was primarily related to interest earned on the AFGRI
Facility and net foreign exchange gains.

A  reconciliation  of  the  provision  for  income  taxes  calculated  at  the  Canadian  statutory  income  tax  rate  to  the
provision  for  income  taxes  at  the  effective  tax  rate  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements  for  the  year  ended
December 31, 2017 is summarized in the following table:

Canadian statutory income tax rate
Provision for income taxes at the Canadian statutory income tax rate
Tax rate differential on income earned outside of Canada
Change in unrecorded tax benefit of losses and temporary differences
Foreign exchange effect
Other including permanent differences

Provision for income taxes

2017
26.5%
6,352
(4,531)
2,678
(3,994)
(20)

485

The tax rate differential on income earned outside of Canada of $4,531 in 2017 principally reflected the net change
in unrealized gain of a foreign affiliate that was not subject to tax in Mauritius or Canada.

The change in unrecorded tax benefit of losses and temporary differences of $2,678 in 2017 principally reflected net
operating loss carryforwards incurred by the company. At December 31, 2017 deferred tax assets in Canada of $6,115
were not recorded by the company because it was not probable that the related pre-tax losses would be realized.

Foreign  exchange  effect  of  $3,994  in  2017  principally  reflected  the  impact  of  fluctuations  in  the  value  of  the
Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar as the company computes its corporate tax liability in Canadian dollars
pursuant to the requirements of Canadian tax authorities whereas the functional currency of the company and its
subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar.

32

Changes in net income taxes payable for the year ended December 31, 2017 were as follows:

Balance – January 1

Amounts recorded in the consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive income
Payments made during the year

Balance – December 31

2017

485
(403)

82

Management  reviews  the  recoverability  of  the  deferred  income  tax  asset  on  an  ongoing  basis  and  adjusts,  as
necessary, to reflect its anticipated realization of $6,115. Deferred income tax balances at December 31, 2017 were nil
as  the  company  has  not  recorded  deferred  tax  assets  that  are  related  to  costs  of  the  offerings  of  $2,456  and  net
operating losses of $3,659. The net operating loss carryforwards expire in 2037.

Deferred income tax has not been recognized for withholding and other taxes that may be payable on unremitted
earnings of certain African Investments. At December 31, 2017 deferred income tax of approximately $1,800 has not
been  recognized  on  unremitted  earnings  of  approximately  $6,700  that  are  not  likely  to  be  repatriated  in  the
foreseeable future.

11. Financial Risk Management

Overview

The  primary  goals  of  the  company’s  financial  risk  management  are  to  ensure  that  the  outcomes  of  activities
involving elements of risk are consistent with the company’s objectives and risk tolerance, while maintaining an
appropriate balance between risk and reward and protecting the company’s consolidated balance sheet from events
that  have  the  potential  to  materially  impair  its  financial  strength.  The  company’s  activities  expose  it  to  certain
financial risks during or at the end of the reporting period. These risks, and the company’s management thereof, are
described below.

Market Risk

Market risk (comprised of foreign currency risk, interest rate risk and other price risk) is the risk that the fair value or
future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate due to changes in market price. The company is exposed to
market risk principally in its investing activities and to the extent that those activities expose the company to foreign
currency risk. The valuation of the company’s investment portfolio is dependent upon the underlying performance
of  the  companies  within  the  portfolio.  These  may  be  affected,  along  with  other  financial  statement  items  by
fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, and market prices.

Foreign Currency Risk

Foreign currency risk is the risk that the fair value or cash flows of a financial instrument or another asset or liability
will fluctuate because of changes in exchange rates and as a result, could produce an adverse effect on net earnings
and  common  shareholders’  equity  when  measured  in  U.S.  dollars,  the  company’s  functional  currency.  At
December 31, 2017 the majority of assets were denominated in U.S. dollars which is the functional and presentation
currency of the company. As a result, the company  common shareholders’ equity and net earnings may  not be
significantly  affected  by  foreign  currency  movements  except  for  items  denoted  in  the  table  that  follows.  The
company has not hedged its foreign currency risk.

33

FAIRFAX  AFRICA  HOLDINGS  CORPORATION

The company’s total foreign currency exposure on balances denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar
(expressed in U.S. dollars) are comprised as follows:

Canadian dollars
South African rand(1)
Mauritius rupees

Total

December 31, 2017

Cash and
cash
equivalents
1,024
139
32

Investments
–
119,593
–

Total
exposure
1,024
119,732
32

1,195

119,593

120,788

(1) The  company  is  exposed  to  the  South  African  rand  primarily  due  to  its  indirect  equity  interest  in  AFGRI  and  the

AFGRI Facility.

If the South African rand (the foreign currency to which the company has the most exposure) appreciated by 5.0%
relative to the U.S. dollar, with all other variables held constant, the effect on pre-tax earnings and net earnings
would be a hypothetical increase of $6,058 and $4,453. The hypothetical impact relates principally to the company’s
indirect equity interest in AFGRI and AFGRI Facility. Certain shortcomings are inherent with this method of analysis,
including  the  assumption  that  the  5.0%  depreciation  of  the  U.S.  dollar  occurred  with  all  other  variables
held constant.

Interest Rate Risk

Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair values or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of
changes in market interest rates. Typically, as interest rates rise, the fair value of fixed income investments decline
and, conversely, as interest rates decline, the fair value of fixed income investments rise. In each case, the longer the
maturity  of  the  financial  instrument,  the  greater  the  consequence  of  a  change  in  interest  rates.  The  company’s
interest rate risk management strategy is to position its fixed income portfolio based on its view of future interest
rates and the yield curve, balanced with liquidity requirements. General economic conditions, political conditions
and many other factors can also adversely affect the bond markets and, consequently, the value of fixed income
securities held. Interest rate movements in African countries may affect the company’s common shareholders’ equity
and  net  earnings.  The  Portfolio  Advisor  and  Fairfax  actively  monitor  interest  rates  in  African  countries  for  the
potential impact changes in interest rates may have on the company’s investment portfolio.

The table that follows displays the potential impact of changes in interest rates on the company’s fixed income
portfolio  based  on  parallel  200  basis  point  shifts  up  and  down  in  100  basis  point  increments.  This  analysis  was
performed on each individual security, with the hypothetical effect on net earnings calculated on an after-tax basis.
The impact of the hypothetical change effect on net earnings relating to the AFGRI Facility has not been included in
the below sensitivity analysis due to the short duration to maturity.

Change in interest rates
200 basis point rise
100 basis point rise
No change
100 basis point decline
200 basis point decline

December 31, 2017

Fair value of
fixed income
portfolio

Hypothetical $ Hypothetical %
change in fair
value

change effect on
net earnings

18,078
18,729
19,414
20,126
20,629

(982)
(504)
–
524
893

(6.9)%
(3.5)%
–
3.7%
6.3%

Certain shortcomings that are inherent in the method of analysis presented above. Computations of the prospective
effects of hypothetical interest rate changes are based on numerous assumptions, including the maintenance of the
level and composition of fixed income securities at the indicated date and these should not be relied on as indicative
of  future  results.  Actual  values  may  differ  from  the  projections  presented  should  market  conditions  vary  from

34

assumptions used in the calculation of the fair value of individual securities; these variations include non-parallel
shifts in the term structure of interest rates and a change in individual issuer credit spreads.

Market Price Fluctuations

Market price fluctuation is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of an equity investment will fluctuate due
to changes in market prices (other than those arising from interest rate risk or foreign currency risk), whether those
changes are caused by factors specific to the individual investment or its issuer, or other factors affecting all similar
investments in the market.

The company holds significant equity investments. The market value and the liquidity of these investments are
volatile and may vary dramatically either up or down in short periods, and their ultimate value will therefore only be
known over a period of time or on disposition.

Refer  to  note  6  for  the  potential  impact  on  net  earnings  of  various  combinations  of  changes  in  significant
unobservable inputs in the company’s internal valuation models for the company’s investments classified as Level 3
(indirect equity interest in AFGRI, Nova Pioneer Bonds and Nova Pioneer Warrants).

The following table illustrates the potential impact on pre-tax earnings (loss) and net earnings (loss) of a 10.0%
change  in  the  fair  value  of  the  company’s  Level  1  equity  investments  (Atlas  Mara  and  Other  Public  African
Investments).

Change in equity markets
Level 1 equity investments, fair value at December 31

Hypothetical $ change effect on pre-tax earnings (loss)

Hypothetical $ change effect on net earnings (loss)

Credit Risk

December 31,
2017

+10.0% (cid:1)10.0%

173,603

173,603

17,360

(17,360)

15,060

(15,060)

Credit risk is the risk of loss resulting from the failure of a counterparty to honour its financial obligations to the
company  and  arises  predominantly  with  respect  to  cash  and  cash  equivalents,  short  term  investments  and
investments in debt instruments.

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short Term Investments

At December 31, 2017, the company’s cash and cash equivalents of $13,012 were primarily held at the holding
company in high credit quality Canadian financial institutions. Restricted cash of $313,000 at December 31, 2017
was held by Canadian financial institutions to support the Term Loan and LC Facility described in note 7.

At December 31, 2017, the company’s short term investments in U.S. treasury bills of $32,968 were rated Aaa by
Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (‘‘Moody’s’’) and AA+ by Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (‘‘S&P’’).

The company monitors risks associated with cash and cash equivalents, and short term investments by regularly
reviewing the financial strength and creditworthiness of these financial institutions.

Investments in Debt Instruments

The company’s risk management strategy for debt instruments is to limit the amount of credit exposure with respect
to any one corporate issuer. While the company reviews third party credit ratings, it also carries out its own analysis
and does not delegate the credit decision to rating agencies. The company endeavours to limit credit exposure by
monitoring  fixed  income  portfolio  limits  on  individual  corporate  issuers  and  limits  based  on  credit  quality.  At
December 31, 2017 the company’s debt instruments were all considered to be subject to credit risk with a fair value of
$43,647 representing 6.6% of the total cash and investment portfolio (12.4% excluding restricted cash of $313,000 at
December 31, 2017).

35

FAIRFAX  AFRICA  HOLDINGS  CORPORATION

The composition of the company’s fixed income portfolio, including loans and bonds is presented in the table below:

Loans – AFGRI Facility(1)
Bonds – Nova Pioneer Bonds(1)

Total loans and bonds

(1) AFGRI Facility and Nova Pioneer Bonds are not rated. 

South African Credit Rating Downgrade

December 31, 2017
24,233
19,414

43,647

The  foreign  currency  credit  rating  applies  to  U.S.  dollar  currency  debt,  which  accounts  for  about  10%  of  the
government  of  South  Africa’s  debt.  The  local  currency  credit  rating  applies  to  debt  raised  in  South  African  rand
through the domestic market. On November 24, 2017 Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (‘‘S&P’’) downgraded
the  foreign  currency  credit  rating  of  the  government  of  South  Africa  bonds  from  BB+  to  BB,  citing  a  further
deterioration in the country’s economic outlook arising from weaker growth expectations, a wider budget deficit and
rising government debt. S&P also lowered the local currency credit rating from BBB – to BB+. However, S&P raised the
outlook on both the foreign and local currency credit ratings to stable from negative, citing their expectation that
offsetting  fiscal  measures  will  be  proposed  in  the  forthcoming  2018  budget.  Also  in  November  2017  Moody’s
Investors Services, Inc. (‘‘Moody’s’’) placed South Africa on watch for a downgrade.

The company did not have any investment in U.S. dollar denominated debt of the Government of South Africa at
December 31, 2017.

Liquidity Risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the company will encounter difficulty in meeting obligations associated with financial
liabilities  that  are  settled  by  delivering  cash  or  another  financial  asset.  The  company  manages  liquidity  risk  by
maintaining sufficient cash and cash equivalents to enable settlement of financial commitments on their respective
due dates. All accounts payable and accrued liabilities are due within three months, and income taxes payable, if any,
must be remitted to the respective tax jurisdictions as they are due.

The company believes that cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2017 provides adequate liquidity to meet the
company’s known significant commitments in 2018, which are principally comprised of investment and advisory
fees, corporate income taxes and general and administration expenses. The Term Loan matures in August 2018 and
the company will use the cash collateral classified as restricted cash to repay the principal amount of the loan. The
company expects to continue to receive investment income on its holdings of fixed income securities to supplement
its cash and cash equivalents. Accordingly, the company has adequate working capital to support its operations.

Refer to note 12 for details on the settlement of the performance fees, if any, at the end of the first calculation period,
December 31, 2019.

The company is actively seeking investment opportunities in Africa and will continue to re-direct capital from its
fixed income portfolio into African Investments as and when those opportunities are identified.

Concentration Risk

The company’s cash and investments are primarily concentrated in Africa and in African businesses or businesses
with  customers,  suppliers  or  business  primarily  conducted  in,  or  dependent  on,  Africa.  The  market  value  of  the
company’s investments, the income generated by the company and the company’s performance will be particularly
sensitive to changes in the economic condition, interest rates, and regulatory environment of African countries in
which  company  has  investments.  Adverse  changes  to  the  economic  condition,  interest  rates  or  regulatory
environment in those African countries may have a material adverse effect on the company’s business, cash flows,
financial condition and net earnings.

36

The company’s total cash and investments composition by the issuer’s region of domicile was as follows:

December 31, 2017

Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash
Short term investments
Loans – AFGRI Facility
Bonds – Nova Pioneer Investment
Common stocks:

Indirect equity interest in AFGRI(1)
Atlas Mara(2)
Other(3)

Total cash and investments

657
–

North
Africa America
12,355
313,000
32,968
–
–

24,233
19,934

88,314
168,671
4,932

–
–
–

Total
13,012
313,000
32,968
24,233
19,934

88,314
168,671
4,932

306,741

358,323

665,064

(1) Acquired through the company’s ownership in Joseph Holdings.

(2) Atlas Mara is listed on the London Stock Exchange with its businesses primarily invested in Africa.

(3) Comprises common shares of various companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

The company’s holdings of Public and Private African Investments (see note 5) at December 31, 2017 are summarized
by the issuer’s primary sector in the table below:

Financial services
Agriculture
Education
Other

December 31, 2017
168,671
112,547
19,934
4,932

306,084

The  company  will  not  make  an  African  Investment  if,  after  giving  effect  to  such  investment,  the  total  invested
amount  of  such  investment  would  exceed  20.0%  of  the  company’s  total  assets  at  the  time  of  the  investment,
provided, however, that the company is permitted to complete up to two African Investments where, after giving
effect to each such investment, the total invested amount of each such investment would be less than or equal to
25.0% of the company’s total assets (the ‘‘Investment Concentration Restriction’’).

African Investments may be financed through equity or debt offerings as part of the company’s objective to reduce its
cost of capital and provide returns to common shareholders. At December 31, 2017 the company determined that it
was in compliance with the Investment Concentration Restriction.

Capital Management

The company’s objectives when managing capital are to protect its lenders, to safeguard its ability to continue as a
going concern in order to provide returns for common shareholders and to maintain an optimal capital structure to
reduce the cost of capital. The company will seek attractive risk-adjusted returns, but will at all times seek downside
protection and attempt to minimize the loss of capital. Total capital at December 31, 2017, comprised of the Term
Loan  and  common  shareholders’  equity,  was  $666,736  compared  to  a  deficit  of  $74  at  December  31,  2016.  The
significant increase in total capital principally reflected the impact of the net proceeds received from the Offerings
(see note 8) and the Term Loan and net earnings in 2017.

The company had entered into the Term Loan and LC Facility on August 31, 2017 (see note 7 – Borrowings).

The  company  will  continue  to  use  its  capital  resources  to  acquire  African  Investments  and  pending  such
investments, the company will invest exclusively in permitted investments.

37

FAIRFAX  AFRICA  HOLDINGS  CORPORATION

12. Related Party Transactions

Payable to Related Parties

The company’s payable to related parties was comprised as follows:

Performance fees
Investment and advisory fees
Other

December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
–
–
860

319
1,395
(232)

1,482

860

At December 31, 2016, payable to related parties of $860 related to IPO expenses which were paid by Fairfax on behalf
of the company. Subsequent to closing of the IPO on February 17, 2017 the company settled the amount owing to
Fairfax in cash.

Investment Advisory Agreement

The company and its subsidiaries have entered into an agreement with Fairfax and the Portfolio Advisor to provide
administration  and  investment  advisory  services  to  the  company  (the  ‘‘Investment  Advisory  Agreement’’).  As
compensation  for  the  provision  of  these  services,  the  company  pays  an  investment  and  advisory  fee,  and  if
applicable, a performance fee. Such fees are determined with reference to the company’s common shareholders’
equity.

Performance Fee

The  performance  fee,  if  applicable,  is  accrued  quarterly  and  paid  for  the  period  from  February  17,  2017  to
December  31,  2019  (the  ‘‘first  calculation  period’’)  and  for  each  consecutive  three-year  period  thereafter.  It  is
calculated on a cumulative basis, as 20.0% of any increase in common shareholders’ equity per share (including
distributions) above a 5.0% per annum increase. The amount of common shareholders’ equity per share at any time,
which must be achieved before any performance fee would be payable, is sometimes referred to as the ‘‘hurdle per
share’’. The company determined that a performance fee of $319 should be accrued at December 31, 2017 as the book
value per share of $10.21 (before factoring in the impact of the performance fee) at December 31, 2017 was greater
than the hurdle per share at that date of $10.17.

If a performance fee is payable for the first calculation period, it will be paid within 30 days after the company issues
its annual audited consolidated financial statements, in subordinate voting shares of the company unless the market
prices per share of those shares is more than two times the then book value per share, in which event Fairfax may
elect to receive that fee in cash. The number of subordinate voting shares to be issued will be calculated based on the
volume-weighted average trading price of the company’s subordinate voting shares for the 10 trading days prior to
and including the last day of the calculation period in respect of which the performance fee is paid. At December 31,
2017 there were 22,294 contingently issuable subordinate voting shares relating to the performance fee payable
to Fairfax.

In 2017 a performance fee of $319 was recorded in the consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive
income.

Investment and Advisory Fee

The investment and advisory fee is calculated and payable quarterly as 0.5% of the value of undeployed capital and
1.5%  of  the  company’s  common  shareholders’  equity  less  the  value  of  undeployed  capital.  For  the  year  ended
December 31, 2017 the company determined a significant portion of its assets were either invested in permitted
investments or cash collateral related to the LC Facility. In 2017 the investment and advisory fee recorded in the
consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive income was $3,400.

Management Compensation

Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, Fairfax is required to provide a Chief Executive Officer, a Chief
Financial Officer and a Corporate Secretary to the company. For so long as the Investment Advisory Agreement

38

remains  in  effect,  all  compensation  payable  to  the  Chief  Executive  Officer,  the  Chief  Financial  Officer  and  the
Corporate Secretary of the company will be borne by Fairfax.

Director Compensation

Compensation for the company’s Board of Directors in 2017 was $150.

Other

Other receivable of $232 at December 31, 2017 is primarily comprised of receivable from related party for expenses
incurred by the company on behalf of Fairfax and the Portfolio Advisor.

13. Segment Reporting

A business segment is a group of assets and operations engaged in providing products or services that are subject to
risks and returns that are different from those of other business segments. A geographical segment is engaged in
providing products or services within a particular economic environment that is subject to risks and returns, that are
different from those of segments operating in other economic environments.

The company has concluded that Fairfax Africa is engaged in a single geographic and business segment, that of
investing in Africa and African investments.

14. General and Administration Expenses

General and administration expenses for the year ended December 31 were comprised as follows:

Brokerage fees
Audit, legal and tax professional fees
Salaries and employee benefit expenses
Administrative expenses

2017
27
1,253
418
378

2,076

2016
–
–
–
74

74

15. Supplementary Cash Flow Information

Details of certain cash flows included in the consolidated statements of cash flows for the year ended December 31,
2017 were as follows:

(a) Purchases of investments classified as FVTPL

Loans
Bonds
Common Stocks

(b) Sales of investments classified as FVTPL

Bonds

(c) Net interest

Interest received
Interest paid on borrowings

(d) Income taxes paid

39

2017

(23,255)
(69,614)
(162,646)

(255,515)

48,973

48,973

3,861
(1,720)

2,141

(403)

FAIRFAX  AFRICA  HOLDINGS  CORPORATION

Index to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Notes to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations . . . . . . .
Business Developments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capital Transactions
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
African Investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Business Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investment Objective . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investment Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investment Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investment Restrictions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
African Investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cautionary Statement Regarding Financial Information of Significant African Investments . . . . . . . . . . .
Summary of African Investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Summary of Changes in Fair Value of the Company’s African Investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Public African Investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Private African Investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Results of Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated Balance Sheet Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Financial Risk Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capital Resources and Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Book Value per Share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Liquidity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contractual Obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Related Party Transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounting and Disclosure Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Management’s Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Significant Accounting Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Future Accounting Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Risk Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Risks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Quarterly Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stock Prices and Share Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compliance with Corporate Governance Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forward-Looking Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

41
41
41
41
42
42
43
43
43
44
45
45
45
46
46
46
50
56
58
59
59
59
60
61
61
61
61
61
62
62
62
62
62
63
69
69
70
70
70

40

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
(as of March 9, 2018)

(Figures and amounts are in US$ and $ thousands except share and per share amounts and as otherwise indicated. Figures may
not add due to rounding.)

Notes to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

(1) Readers of the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
(‘‘MD&A’’) should review the entire Annual Report for additional commentary and information. Additional
information  relating  to  the  company,  including  its  annual  information  form,  can  be  found  on
SEDAR  at  www.sedar.com.  Additional  information  can  also  be  accessed  from  the  company’s  website
www.fairfaxafrica.ca

(2) The MD&A contains references to book value per share. On any date, book value per share is calculated as
common shareholders’ equity divided by the total number of common shares of the company outstanding
on that date. Book value per share is a key performance measure of the company and is closely monitored as
it is used to calculate the performance fee payable, if any, to Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited (‘‘Fairfax’’).

(3) Unless otherwise noted, consolidated financial information of the company within this MD&A is derived
from  the  consolidated  financial  statements  of  the  company  prepared  in  accordance  with  International
Financial Reporting Standards (‘‘IFRS’’) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (‘‘IASB’’),
and is presented in U.S. dollars which is also the functional currency of the company and its consolidated
subsidiaries.

Business Developments

Overview

In April 2016 Fairfax took the initiative in creating Fairfax Africa Holdings Corporation (‘‘the company’’ or ‘‘Fairfax
Africa’’), and is Fairfax Africa’s ultimate parent and acts as its administrator. Fairfax is a holding company which,
through its subsidiaries, is principally engaged in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance and investment
management. Fairfax is a Canadian reporting issuer with securities listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (‘‘TSX’’) and
trading in Canadian dollars under the symbol FFH for over 30 years and in U.S. dollars under the symbol FFH.U.

Hamblin  Watsa  Investment  Counsel  Ltd.  (the  ‘‘Portfolio  Advisor’’),  a  wholly-owned  subsidiary  of  Fairfax  and
registered portfolio manager in the province of Ontario, is the portfolio advisor of the company and its consolidated
subsidiaries, responsible to source and advise with respect to all investments.

Capital Transactions

On February 17, 2017 the company completed its initial public offering (‘‘IPO’’) of 5,622,000 subordinate voting
shares at an issue price of $10.00 per share for gross proceeds of $56,220 and also issued 22,715,394 multiple voting
shares  to  Fairfax  and  its  affiliates  on  a  private  placement  basis,  for  gross  proceeds  of  $227,154.  The  company’s
subordinate voting shares began trading on the TSX under the symbol ‘‘FAH.U’’ on February 17, 2017. Concurrent
with the IPO and private placements, certain cornerstone investors purchased 14,378,000 subordinate voting shares,
on a private placement basis, for gross proceeds of $143,780. Also concurrent with the IPO and private placements,
the company acquired a 42.2% indirect equity interest in AFGRI (through the acquisition of the ordinary and class A
shares  of  Joseph  Investment  Holdings  (‘‘Joseph  Holdings’’)  as  described  in  note  5  (African  Investments)  to  the
consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017) with a fair value of $74,968 in exchange for
7,284,606  multiple  voting  shares  issued  to  certain  affiliates  of  Fairfax  (upon  the  winding-up  of  AgriGroupe
Investments  LP)  and  212,189  subordinate  voting  shares  issued  to  certain  other  Joseph  Holdings  shareholders
(the ‘‘AFGRI Transaction’’). The combined gross proceeds of the IPO, private placements and AFGRI Transaction
were $502,122.

On  March  2,  2017  a  syndicate  of  underwriters  exercised  the  over-allotment  option  and  the  company  issued  an
additional 408,000 subordinate voting shares at an issue price of $10.00 per share for total gross proceeds of $4,080.
The exercise of the over-allotment option increased the combined gross proceeds from the IPO, private placements
and AFGRI Transaction (collectively ‘‘the Offerings’’) to $506,202 (net proceeds of $493,326 after commissions and
expenses of $12,876).

41

FAIRFAX  AFRICA  HOLDINGS  CORPORATION

On August 31, 2017 the company completed a secured term loan (the ‘‘Term Loan’’) with a Canadian bank with a
principal amount of $150,000 and bearing interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 100 basis points. In connection with the
Term Loan, the company was required to maintain cash collateral of $150,000, which together with interest received
of $481, is classified as restricted cash in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2017. On January 31, 2018
the company extended the maturity of the Term Loan to August 31, 2018.

On August 31, 2017 the company entered into a non-revolving term credit facility available by way of a letter of
credit in the aggregate amount of $153,900 (2 billion South African rand) (the ‘‘LC Facility’’) with a Canadian bank in
connection  with  the  company’s  offer  to  acquire  shares  in  PPC  Limited,  a  South  African  company  listed  on  the
Johannesburg Stock Exchange. The LC Facility incurred interest at a rate of 100 basis points. Under the terms of the
LC Facility, the company was required to contribute cash to a cash-collateral account equivalent to 105.0% of the LC
Facility. At December 31, 2017 the company had placed $162,000 in a cash-collateral account, which together with
interest received of $519, was classified as restricted cash in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2017. On
December  7,  2017  the  company  rescinded  its  offer  to  acquire  shares  in  PPC  Limited  and  the  LC  Facility  was
terminated on December 11, 2017. Subsequently, on January 12, 2018, the cash collateral of $162,000 was released
from restricted cash.

African Investments

Full descriptions of the African Investments acquired during 2017 are provided in the African Investments section of
this MD&A.

Operating Environment

Strong Growth Prospects

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (‘‘USDA’’), the GDP of Africa has approximately doubled
since  2000.  The  company  believes  that  this  growth  has  been  driven  largely  by  investments  in  infrastructure,  a
thriving  services  sector,  and  agricultural  output.  The  USDA  forecasts  for  GDP  in  many  African  countries  show
long-term future growth at over 5.0% per year including certain African markets such as Ethiopia, Mozambique,
Kenya and Rwanda.

Population Growth and Emergence of Middle Class

According to the African Development Bank, Africa’s emerging middle class now comprises more than one-third of
all Africans. The company believes that this African middle class will spend increasing levels of discretionary income
primarily on consumer goods, energy and education, all of which are key contributors to the forecast economic
growth.

Furthermore, according to the United Nations, the African continent has the fastest growing population in the world
with  Africans  projected  to  account  for  over  half  of  the  2.4  billion  people  projected  to  be  added  to  the  global
population by 2050. The United Nations projects that by 2030 the African continent’s population will be larger than
both  India  and  China,  and  will  account  for  approximately  20.0%  of  the  world’s  population.  The  World  Bank
considers Sub-Saharan Africa to have the world’s youngest population with as many as 11 million young Africans
expected to enter the workforce each year until 2024. A growing workforce will provide a stable foundation for future
productivity enhancements and GDP growth.

Improved Political Stability and Governance

Over the last decade, several countries across the African continent have experienced improved overall governance,
political participation and human rights, sustainable economic opportunity, and human development, as measured
by the 2016 Ibrahim Index of African Governance. The Ibrahim Index of African Governance provides an annual
statistical  assessment  of  the  quality  of  governance  in  every  African  country.  Further,  Africa  has  experienced
improvement in economic freedom, with 30 Sub-Saharan African economies posting annual score improvements
since 2013 on the Heritage Foundation 2016 Economic Freedom Index which tracks property rights, freedom from
corruption, regulatory efficiency, and the openness of markets.

In December 2017 Cyril Ramaphosa was elected to replace Jacob Zuma as president of South Africa’s ruling African
National Congress (‘‘ANC’’). On February 14, 2018 Mr. Zuma resigned the presidency with immediate effect, and the
following day the ANC elected Mr. Ramaphosa to the presidency. As the head of the ANC, Mr. Ramaphosa, in all

42

likelihood, will be the party’s candidate for president in the 2019 elections, which he is widely expected to win. His
plan entails the following:

(cid:127) Job creation – create at least 1 million jobs within five years;

(cid:127) Prioritize growth and investment – target growth of 3.0% next year (currently 0.7%) and 5.0% by 2023;

(cid:127) Contain state debt and spending;

(cid:127) Give the black majority a bigger stake in the economy;

(cid:127) Reduce the cost of doing business – less onerous regulations for small businesses, energy price regulations and

improved infrastructure;

(cid:127) Improve the education system; and

(cid:127) Improve the management of state companies.

Business and trade unions appear cautiously optimistic after Mr. Ramaphosa’s election, although the extent of work
required to transform the country should not be under-estimated.

South African Foreign and Local Currency Credit Ratings

On November 24, 2017 Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (‘‘S&P’’) downgraded the foreign currency credit
rating  of  the  government  of  South  Africa  bonds  from  BB+  to  BB,  citing  a  further  deterioration  in  the  country’s
economic outlook arising from weaker growth expectations, a wider budget deficit and rising government debt. S&P
also lowered the local currency credit rating from BBB(cid:1) to BB+. However, S&P raised the outlook on both the foreign
and local currency credit ratings to stable from negative, citing their expectation that offsetting fiscal measures will
be proposed in the forthcoming 2018 budget. Also in November 2017 Moody’s Investors Services, Inc. (‘‘Moody’s’’)
placed South Africa on watch for a downgrade.

Business Objectives

Investment Objective

Fairfax  Africa  is  an  investment  holding  company.  Its  investment  objective  is  to  achieve  long  term  capital
appreciation, while preserving capital, by investing in public and private equities and debt instruments in Africa and
African businesses or other businesses with customers, suppliers or business primarily conducted in, or dependent
on, Africa (‘‘African Investments’’).

Investment Strategy

The company will employ a conservative, fundamental value based approach to identifying and investing in high
quality  African  businesses,  including  both  public  and  private  businesses.  The  company’s  strategy  is  designed  to
compound book value per share over the long term. The company will seek attractive risk adjusted returns, but will at
all times seek downside protection and to minimize the loss of capital. The company anticipates that its portfolio will
be concentrated, provided that the net proceeds of the Offerings will be invested in at least six different African
Investments, such that the impact of any single investment on the performance of the company is moderated.

The company utilizes and expects to benefit significantly from, the experience and expertise of its management,
Fairfax,  the  Portfolio  Advisor,  Pactorum  Limited  (‘‘Pactorum’’),  a  Mauritius  and  South  African-based  third-party
strategic consultant, and their respective networks in Africa, to source and evaluate investment opportunities for the
company.

The company invests in businesses that are expected to benefit from Africa’s demographic trends that are expected to
underpin growth for several years. Sectors of the African economy that the company believes will benefit most from
such trends include the energy, food and agricultural, financial services, infrastructure and logistics and consumer
products and retail sectors. The company, however, is not limited to investing solely in these sectors and intends to
invest in other sectors as and when opportunities arise.

The company intends to make African Investments with a view to being a strategic partner to grow the business and
optimize investment returns for the shareholders of Fairfax Africa. The level and nature of this strategic investment
will vary by investment. Such a position may include one or more of the following, as deemed appropriate by the

43

FAIRFAX  AFRICA  HOLDINGS  CORPORATION

company:  (i)  board  appointment  or  nomination  rights,  (ii)  board  observer  rights,  (iii)  input  on  management
selection, (iv) the provision of managerial assistance, and (v) ongoing monitoring and cooperation with the board
and  management  of  the  portfolio  business  to  ensure  that  its  strategy  is  being  implemented  in  a  manner  that  is
consistent with the investment objectives of the company, and with Fairfax’s fundamental values (as set forth in
Fairfax’s guiding principles which are included in Fairfax’s publicly available annual reports).

Fairfax Africa’s involvement with the African Investments may include providing specialized guidance or expertise in
limited circumstances or on a temporary basis and does not extend to any involvement in the day-to-day operations
of  those  African  Investments.  Activities  are  expected  to  be  ancillary  and  undertaken  to  maximize  returns  from
investments. Board representation is sought only to maintain protective rights and to maximize the value of the
company’s investment for its shareholders.

Notwithstanding the company’s expected long-term investment horizon, the company may at any time and from
time to time, seek to realize on any of its African Investments. The circumstances under which the company may sell
some or all of an investment include: (i) where the company believes that the African Investment is fully valued or
that the original investment plan has been achieved; or (ii) where the company has identified other investment
opportunities  that  it  believes  present  more  attractive  risk-adjusted  return  opportunities  and  additional  capital  is
needed to make such alternative investments. The company may exit its private African Investments either through
an initial public offering or a private sale. For publicly traded investments, exit strategies may include selling the
African Investments through private placements or public markets.

In addition, the company may in the future establish one or more infrastructure or private equity funds focused on
investments in Africa. In such an event, the company would, directly or indirectly, manage such infrastructure and
private equity funds in order to generate fee revenue for the company.

Investment Selection

To identify potential investments, the company principally relies on the expertise of its management, the Portfolio
Advisor and Pactorum and their respective extensive networks in Africa. Pactorum provides, on an exclusive basis to
the Portfolio Advisor, and for the benefit of the company, investment research and analysis, transaction origination,
due  diligence  and  similar  consulting  services  with  respect  to  investments  of  the  company  and  its  subsidiaries.
Pactorum, in its capacity as a strategic consultant, assists the company and the Portfolio Advisor in researching and
identifying  investment  opportunities  for  the  company  and  its  subsidiaries.  As  a  result  of  its  proximity  to  the
investment  opportunities  in  Africa  and  its  immersion  in  certain  key  African  marketplaces,  the  Pactorum  team
identifies  many  of  the  investment  opportunities  for  the  company  and  frequently  conducts,  together  with  the
company and the Portfolio Advisor, the initial suitability screen when evaluating potential African Investments.

Pactorum  works  closely  with  the  company  and  the  Portfolio  Advisor  in  respect  of  the  review  and  evaluation  of
potential investment opportunities for the company.

The Portfolio Advisor may employ other strategic or other consultants to provide services to it, for the benefit of the
company, with respect to evaluating African Investments.

The following is an illustrative list of criteria that the company, the Portfolio Advisor and Pactorum believe to be
paramount when identifying and investing in African Investments:

Attractive  valuation:  The  company’s  conservative  fundamental  value  approach  focuses  on  businesses  that  have
positive, stable cash flows that can be purchased at what the company believes are attractive valuations. While the
company does not intend to invest in start-up businesses or businesses that have speculative business plans, it may
invest a portion its capital in early-stage companies where the company views potential for growth and positive and
stable cash flows and the opportunity for additional investment in the future.

Experienced  and  aligned  management:  The  company  focuses  on  businesses  with  experienced,  entrepreneurial
management teams with strong, long term track records and commitment to high ethical standards. The company
generally requires the portfolio businesses to have in place, either prior to or immediately following an investment
by  the  company,  proper  management  incentives  to  drive  the  businesses’  profitability  and  maintain  effective
governance structures.

Strong competitive position in industry: The company seeks to invest in businesses that hold leading and defendable
market positions, possess strong brand power and are well-positioned to capitalize on the growth opportunities that
the  Portfolio  Advisor  expects  exist  in  the  African  economy.  The  company  seeks  to  invest  in  businesses  that

44

demonstrate significant competitive advantages relative to their peers, such that they are in a position to protect
their market position and profitability.

Alignment of the management team with the values of the company: The company, Fairfax, the Portfolio Advisor and
Pactorum all seek to adhere to the highest standards of business practices and ethics. The company requires that the
management teams at each of its portfolio businesses adhere to a similar standard of business practices and ethics
and adhere to the company’s fundamental values as described above.

The Portfolio Advisor, Pactorum and the company and their respective affiliates conduct thorough due diligence
investigations when evaluating any African Investments prior to a recommendation from the Portfolio Advisor to
make  an  investment.  This  generally  includes  consultations  with  Fairfax’s  network  of  current  and  former
management  teams,  consultants,  competitors,  investment  bankers  and  senior  executives  to  assess,  among  other
things, the industry dynamics, the character of the management team and the viability of the business plan.

More specifically, due diligence in respect of a particular investment opportunity typically includes, among other
items as deemed necessary from time to time: (i) review of historical and projected financial information; (ii) on-site
visits;(iii)  interviews  with  management,  employees,  customers  and  vendors;  (iv)  review  of  material  agreements;
(v) background checks; and (vi) research relating to the businesses’ management, industry, markets, products and
services, and competitors.

Investment Restrictions

The  company  will  not  make  an  African  Investment  if,  after  giving  effect  to  such  investment,  the  total  invested
amount  of  such  investment  would  exceed  20.0%  of  the  company’s  total  assets  at  the  time  of  the  investment,
provided, however, that the company is permitted to complete up to two African Investments where, after giving
effect to each such investment, the total invested amount of each such investment would be less than or equal to
25.0%  of  the  company’s  total  assets  (the  ‘‘Investment  Concentration  Restriction’’).  African  Investments  may  be
financed through equity or debt offerings as part of the company’s objective to reduce its cost of capital and provide
returns to common shareholders.

The company intends to make multiple different investments as part of its prudent investment strategy in a manner
that complies with Investment Concentration Restriction. At December 31, 2017 the company determined that it
was in compliance with the Investment Concentration restriction.

African Investments

Cautionary Statement Regarding Financial Information of Significant African
Investments

Fairfax  Africa  has  agreed  to  voluntarily  provide  within  its  MD&A,  summarized  unaudited  financial  information
prepared  for  all  of  its  African  Investments  for  which  it  had  previously  filed  a  business  acquisition  report  in
accordance  with  section  8.2  of  National  Instrument  51-102  Continuous  Disclosure  Obligations.  AFGRI  Holdings
Proprietary Limited (‘‘AFGRI’’) prepares its financial statements in accordance with IFRS as issued by IASB and are
presented in U.S. dollars. Atlas Mara Limited (‘‘Atlas Mara’’), a listed entity on London Stock Exchange, prepares its
financial statements in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European Union and are presented in U.S. dollars.
Fairfax Africa is limited in respect to the amount of independent verification it is able to perform with respect to the
financial  statements  of  AFGRI  and  Atlas  Mara.  Such  financial  information  is  the  responsibility  of  the  respective
managements.

The unaudited summarized financial information for AFGRI and Atlas Mara included in this MD&A are the latest
information  available  to  Fairfax  Africa’s  management  and  should  be  read  in  conjunction  with  Fairfax  Africa’s
consolidated  financial  statements  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2017  and  the  notes  thereto  and  the  related
MD&A as well as Fairfax Africa’s other public filings, including the company IPO prospectus filed on February 8,
2017. Fairfax Africa has no knowledge that would indicate that the unaudited summarized financial information of
AFGRI and Atlas Mara contained herein requires material modifications. However, readers are cautioned that the
AFGRI and Atlas Mara unaudited summarized financial information contained in the MD&A may not be appropriate
for their purposes.

45

FAIRFAX  AFRICA  HOLDINGS  CORPORATION

Summary of African Investments

The table below provides a summary of the company’s African Investments completed at December 31, 2017:

Public African Investments:
Atlas Mara ordinary shares(1)
Other(2)

Private African Investments:

Indirect equity interest in AFGRI(3)
AFGRI Facility
Nova Pioneer Investment

Total African Investments completed at December 31,

2017

Date Acquired Ownership %

Cost

Fair value at
December 31,
2017

Net
Change

August 31, 2017

43.3% 170,488
4,428

<5%

174,916

February 17, 2017
June 21, 2017
August 22, 2017

42.2% 74,968
23,255
20,000

–
–

168,671
4,932

173,603

88,314
24,233
19,934

(1,817)
504

(1,313)

13,346
978
(66)

118,223

132,481

14,258

293,139

306,084

12,945

(1) Cost includes a non-cash net realized gain on Atlas Mara Convertible Bond of $5,098 and Atlas Mara Equity Offering of $6,055 (see note 5

(African Investments) to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017).

(2) Comprised of common shares of various companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

(3) Acquired through the company’s ownership in Joseph Holdings.

Summary of Changes in Fair Value of the Company’s African Investments

A summary of changes in the fair value of the company’s Public and Private African Investments during 2017 were
as follows:

Public African
Investments

Private African Investments

Common stock Common stock Loans

Bonds

Indirect equity

Nova

Balance as of January 1, 2017
Purchases
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on

investments included in the consolidated
statements of earnings and comprehensive
income

Net foreign exchange gains included in the
consolidated statements of earnings and
comprehensive income

Atlas

Mara(1) Other(2)

–
170,488

–
4,428

interest in AFGRI

AFGRI(3) Facility Investment(4)

Pioneer Total African
Investments

–
74,968

–
23,255

–
20,000

–
293,139

(1,817)

45

4,200

–

(66)

2,362

–

459

9,146

978

–

10,583

Balance as of December 31, 2017

168,671

4,932

88,314

24,233

19,934

306,084

(1)

Purchases include a non-cash net realized gain on Atlas Mara Convertible Bond of $5,098 and Atlas Mara Equity Offering of $6,055 (see note 5
(African Investments) to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017).

(2) Comprised of common shares of various companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

(3) Acquired through the company’s ownership in Joseph Holdings.

(4)

Included a change in unrealized loss of $586 on the Nova Pioneer Bonds, partially offset by a change in unrealized gain of $520 on the Nova
Pioneer Warrants. The fair value of the Nova Pioneer Bonds and Nova Pioneer Warrants were $19,414 and $520 at December 31, 2017.

Public African Investments

The fair values of Atlas Mara, whose shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange and Other African Investments,
whose shares are listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, are determined using the bid prices of that investment
(without adjustments or discounts) at the balance sheet date.

46

Atlas Mara Limited

Business Overview

Atlas Mara Limited (‘‘Atlas Mara’’ or the ‘‘Group’’) is a Sub-Saharan African financial services group founded in 2013
and is listed on the London Stock Exchange under the symbol ATMA. Atlas Mara’s goal is to establish itself as a
premier financial institution across key markets in Sub-Saharan Africa. Since its inception, Atlas Mara has acquired a
controlling or significant stake in banking operations in seven countries: Botswana, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda,
Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Atlas Mara focuses on execution across three business lines: Retail and Commercial Banking, Markets and Treasury,
and Fintech.

Retail and Commercial Banking

Atlas Mara’s banking business provides banking services to retail, small- and medium-sized enterprises (‘‘SMEs’’) and
corporate clients through physical branch networks, third party partnerships and digital channels.

The banking unit provides a wide range of products for SMEs and corporate clients including short term working
capital finance, trade finance services, medium and long term investment credit, treasury services and transactional
banking.  Atlas  Mara  leverages  its  regional  footprint  to  facilitate  investment  and  funds  flows  for  regional  and
multinational corporate clients domiciled in its presence countries.

The business line offers a full suite of customer lifecycle products to its retail customers through current and savings
accounts, personal short term loans, auto, home and mortgage financing.

Markets and Treasury

The  markets  and  treasury  line  of  business  provides  transaction  capabilities  for  its  clients’  foreign  exchange  and
hedging requirements and manages the Atlas Mara surplus liquidity and funding requirements.

Atlas  Mara’s  onshore  strategy  of  income  diversification  across  fixed  income,  currencies  and  balance  sheet
management  has  benefited  the  company  during  2017,  despite  a  slow  foreign  exchange  environment  in  several
markets.  The  focus  of  the  onshore  markets  business  continues  to  be  on  diversifying  both  product  range  and
client base.

Fintech

Fintech is focused on reaching a broader, often un-banked or under-banked, African population through technology,
especially  mobile  applications  through  partnerships.  Atlas  Mara  has  secured  strategic  partnerships  with  VISA,
MasterCard, Safaricom (a Vodafone company) and Orange Telecommunications for various initiatives.

Additional information can be accessed from Atlas Mara’s website: www.atlasmara.com.

Transaction Description

Investment in Atlas Mara Limited

Atlas Mara Convertible Bond

On July 17, 2017 the company invested $100,000 in Atlas Mara through the purchase of a mandatory convertible
bond (the ‘‘Atlas Mara Convertible Bond’’) with an interest rate of 5.0% per annum which increased to 10.0% per
annum on August 31, 2017. On August 31, 2017, concurrent with the closing of the Atlas Mara Equity Offering
(described  below),  the  Atlas  Mara  Convertible  Bond  (including  accrued  interest)  was  converted  into
44,722,222 ordinary shares of Atlas Mara at the Issue Price (defined below).

47

FAIRFAX  AFRICA  HOLDINGS  CORPORATION

Atlas Mara Equity Offering

On  August  31,  2017  the  company  acquired  an  additional  26,036,448  ordinary  shares  of  Atlas  Mara  for  $58,582
through participation in Atlas Mara’s equity offering of $100,000 of new ordinary shares (the ‘‘Atlas Mara Equity
Offering’’) at a price of $2.25 per share (the ‘‘Issue Price’’). Fairfax Africa received a fee of $2,800 pursuant to an
agreement to acquire any ordinary shares not taken up by qualifying Atlas Mara shareholders and to purchase a
minimum of 30.0% of the Atlas Mara Equity Offering, resulting in a commitment to acquire Atlas Mara ordinary
shares for net cash consideration of $55,782 (the ‘‘Commitment’’).

Additional Atlas Mara Shares Acquired

On  December  22,  2017  the  company  acquired  an  additional  1,200,000  ordinary  shares  of  Atlas  Mara  for  cash
consideration of $2,436.

At December 31, 2017, the fair value of the company’s investment in Atlas Mara was $168,671 and comprised of
71,958,670 ordinary shares representing a 43.3% equity interest. At December 31, 2017 the company held four out of
the nine board representatives of Atlas Mara.

Key Business Drivers, Events, and Risks

Financial services is a key sector underpinning Africa’s emergence. According to Pew Research Center, approximately
65.0% of the Sub-Saharan African population lacks a bank account, and access to credit remains difficult in many
African economies. However, rapid technological advancements are increasing Africans’ access to financial services,
such as electronic payments with over 70.0% mobile penetration in some countries.

According to McKinsey & Company, Africa is urbanizing faster than any other continent as between 2015 and 2025
Africa is projected to add 187 million people to its cities, resulting in a projected 11 cities with a population between
5 and 10 million people and 4 cities with a population greater than 10 million. This influx of sophisticated urban
consumers is expected to support ongoing demand for 21st century financial services across the continent.

These macro developments strengthen Atlas Mara’s position as a significant pan-African financial services platform
with the ability to invest in currently under-serviced sectors, including credit, trade finance, payments and identity.

During the third quarter of 2017 Atlas Mara secured $30 million long-term line of credit with the French and Dutch
Development Finance Institutions, Proparco French Development Agency and FMO Entrepreneurial Development
Bank, to support Banque Populaire du Rwanda, part of the Atlas Mara Group in Rwanda. Proceeds from this funding
will be used to support Atlas Mara’s SMEs, corporate and Fintech operations.

In October 2017 the CFO stepped down and has been replaced on an interim basis by the Managing Director of
Strategy and Investments.

Other key developments in Atlas Mara’s key business lines are as follows:

Retail and Commercial Banking

In  March  2017,  Atlas  Mara  closed  a  $40  million  debt  facility  provided  by  the  Overseas  Private  Investment
Corporation (‘‘OPIC’’) to its subsidiary Botswana operation. The facility will be used to provide access to finance for
SMEs and to support the acceleration of digital finance initiatives.

Acquisitions  and  organic  growth  remain  a  core  tenet  of  Atlas  Mara’s  strategy.  On  October 1,  2017,  Atlas  Mara
completed  its  investment  in  the  Union  Bank  of  Nigeria  (‘‘UBN’’)  of  13.4%  for  a  total  cash  consideration  of
$55 million, increasing Atlas Mara’s equity interest in UBN to 44.5%.

In September 2017 UBN launched a 49.7 billion Nigerian Naira (approximately $135 million) rights issue, which
closed on October 30, 2017 and received regulatory clearance in December 2017. Approximately 80% of the proceeds
will  be  used  by  UBN  for  working  capital  and  to  enhance  the  banks  regulatory  capital  requirements,  with  the
remainder directed towards investments in financial technology, digitalization and enhanced service delivery. Atlas
Mara fully subscribed to the rights related to its pre-existing 44.5% shareholding, and acquired through the rights
issue, additional shares representing a 3.5% shareholding, at an aggregate cost of $75 million. Following completion
of the rights issue, Atlas Mara’s equity interest in UBN increased from 44.5% to 48.0%.

48

Atlas Mara recapitalised the Tanzania business during the third quarter to increase the capital adequacy ratio from
13.4% to 18.0%.

In  November  2017  a  re-branding  of  banking  operations  in  Zambia  was  completed  through  the  combination  of
African Banking Corporation Zambia Limited and Finance Bank Zambia Limited (‘‘FBZ’’) under the name Atlas Mara
Zambia. Zambia is the first country where the operational entities carry the Atlas Mara brand. Integration of FBZ
(acquired in 2016) continues with staff reductions and the launching of a harmonized product set and tariff guide for
retail and corporate banking.

In Zimbabwe, more than 1,000 point of sale terminals were rolled out during the year. Deployments continue to
grow rapidly as cash shortages persist.

Markets and Treasury

In the third quarter of 2017, Atlas Mara launched offshore sales and trading capability in foreign exchange and fixed
income to broaden its services offered to clients with an initial focus on strategic hedging, which has positively
impacted net earnings by reducing currency risk exposure.

Fintech

Atlas Mara also launched agency banking services in Tanzania during the fourth quarter of 2017 in partnership with
Maxcom  Telecommunications,  through  8,000  points  of  sale  nationwide.  Agency  banking  services  were  also
introduced in Mozambique, where 5 agents have been on-boarded.

As the newest business line, Fintech revenue remains low relative to the overall consolidated results of Atlas Mara,
but growth is accelerating.

Valuation and Consolidated Financial Statement Impact

Atlas Mara Convertible Bond

In 2017 the company recorded interest income on the Atlas Mara Convertible Bond of $1,117 and a net realized gain
on the conversion of the Atlas Mara Convertible bond of $5,098 in the consolidated statements of earnings and
comprehensive income in 2017.

Atlas Mara Equity Offering and Additional Shares Acquired

The company’s Commitment to acquire shares at a fixed price was determined to be a derivative financial instrument
under IFRS. The appreciation of the Atlas Mara share price to $2.375 per share on the expiry date of the Commitment
(August  31,  2017)  resulted  in  the  recognition  of  a  net  realized  gain  on  investments  of  $6,055  recorded  in  the
consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive income in 2017.

At December 31, 2017 the fair value of the company’s investment in Atlas Mara was $168,671. The change in fair
value of the company’s investment in Atlas Mara is presented in the table disclosed earlier in the African Investments
section of this MD&A. Atlas Mara’s share price decreased slightly by 1.3% from $2.375 at initial acquisition to $2.344
per share at December 31, 2017.

49

FAIRFAX  AFRICA  HOLDINGS  CORPORATION

Atlas Mara’s Summarized Financial Information

Atlas Mara and the company’s fiscal years both end on December 31. As of March 9, 2018, Atlas Mara had not yet
released its December 31, 2017 audited financial statements and as a result were not made available to Fairfax Africa.
Summarized below are Atlas Mara’s balance sheets at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

Balance Sheets
(unaudited – US$ thousands)

Current assets
Non-current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Shareholders’ equity

September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
2,168,075
587,917
1,884,275
345,662
526,055

2,230,900
723,500
1,855,800
341,100
757,500

Current assets increased primarily due to an increase in cash as a result of the completion of the Atlas Mara Equity
Offering and investment securities, partially offset by a decline in financial assets held for trading and loans and
advances arising from slower growth in the face of challenging macro conditions.

Non-current assets increased primarily due to an increase in other assets and a higher investment in associate balance
due to share of profits recorded from Atlas Mara’s equity accounted investment in UBN.

Current liabilities decreased primarily due to lower accruals and payables.

Non-current liabilities decreased primarily due to decreased long term borrowings arising from repayment of debt.

Shareholders’  equity  increased  primarily  due  to  foreign  exchange  translation  gains,  share  issuances  including  a
private placement in February 2017 and the Atlas Mara Equity Offering and net earnings during the period.

Summarized below are Atlas Mara’s statements of earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

Statements of Earnings
(unaudited – US$ thousands)

Revenue
Earnings before taxes
Net earnings

Nine months
ended
September 30, 2017
169,600
20,800
15,800

Nine months
ended
September 30, 2016
163,800
4,100
4,000

Revenues  increased  primarily  due  to  higher  net  interest  income  from  FBZ,  partially  offset  by  lower  non-interest
income from Botswana and Mozambique, which experienced a decline in trading revenue. Net earnings increased
primarily due to a reduction in cost of funds, a decrease in operating expenses arising from cost saving initiatives as
well as a reduction in transaction, restructuring and reorganization expenses.

Other

During the fourth quarter of 2017 the company acquired common shares of various public companies listed on the
Johannesburg Stock Exchange (‘‘Other Public African Investments’’) for aggregate cash consideration of $4,428 (fair
value of $4,932 at December 31, 2017). The change in fair value of the company’s investment in these Other Public
African Investments are presented in the table disclosed earlier in the African Investments section of this MD&A.

Private African Investments

Cautionary Statement Regarding the Valuation of Private African Investments

In the absence of an active market for the company’s Private African Investments, fair values of these investments are
determined by management using industry acceptable valuation methodologies after considering the history and
nature of the business, operating results and financial conditions, outlook and prospects, general economic, industry
and market conditions, contractual rights relating to the investment, public market comparables (if available) and,

50

where applicable, other pertinent considerations. The process of valuing investments for which no active market
exists is inevitably based on inherent uncertainties and the resulting values may differ from values that would have
been used had an active market existed. The amounts at which the company’s private African Investments could be
disposed of may differ from the fair values assigned and those differences may be material.

AFGRI Holdings Proprietary Limited

Business Overview

AFGRI Holdings Proprietary Limited (‘‘AFGRI’’) is a leading agricultural services and food processing company with a
core focus on grain commodities. It provides services across the entire grain production and storage cycle, offering
financial support and solutions as well as inputs and high-tech equipment through the John Deere brand supported
by a large retail footprint and is one of the largest John Deere distributors outside of the United States, with a presence
in several markets in Africa and Western Australia.

AFGRI’s long-term growth strategy is based on a vision to drive food security across Africa. AFGRI currently has
operational activities aimed at supporting agriculture in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Nigeria, Ghana, Congo-
Brazzaville, Botswana and Uganda with plans to expand into additional African countries. AFGRI also has a John
Deere operation in Australia, an animal feeds research and development venture in the United Kingdom and an
investment  in  animal  feeds  in  the  United  States  of  America.  AFGRI’s  current  strategic  initiatives  also  includes
growing  its  existing  financial  services  business,  which  is  currently  centered  on  providing  credit,  trade  and
commodity finance, insurance, payments and related products and services to the agricultural sector.

During 2017 AFGRI undertook a corporate reorganization to create a holding company structure with independent
invested companies. The primary purpose of the reorganization is to create portfolios of similar businesses that are
well-positioned  to  capture  opportunities  in  the  market  and  lead  the  next  phase  of  AFGRI’s  growth,  align
management incentives and to better facilitate capital deployment at each company as required. The reorganization
was completed in the fourth quarter of 2017.

AFGRI’s principal lines of business are as follows:

AFGRI Agricultural Services

Agricultural services focuses on grain management, silos, equipment, agricultural finance and insurance, retail and
farmer development. AFGRI manages critical components of the food value chain to enable food production and
agricultural sector growth in Africa. It is also a market leader in grain management solutions, with leading market
share in South Africa, and is one of Africa’s largest grain storage companies with 69 silos and 15 bunkers across South
Africa, which have more than 5 million tonnes of storage capacity. AFGRI also manages one of South Africa’s loan
books to the agricultural sector on behalf of the Land Bank, with an average loan book value for fiscal year 2017 of
approximately $0.7 billion (10.3 billion South African rand).

Philafrica Foods (‘‘Philafrica’’)

Philafrica owns and operates maize mills, wheat mills, oilseed-crushing and extraction of oil and other raw materials
into  edible  oils,  fats  and  proteins  for  human  consumption  (primarily  for  the  food  processing  and  quick-service
restaurant industries). Philafrica is as also one of South Africa’s leading animal feed manufacturers with a production
capacity of approximately 1 million tonnes per annum.

AFGRI Investment Services

AFGRI investment services is focused on finance and technology to the agriculture sector and non-agriculture joint
ventures.  The  investment  services  operations  also  provide  collateral  management  solutions,  such  as  monitoring
status,  quality  and  quantity  of  collateral  of  various  parties,  in  13  African  countries  on  behalf  of  banks,  insurers
and customers.

AFGRI International

AFGRI International is focused on operations outside of South Africa.

Additional information can be accessed from AFGRI’s website https://www.afgri.co.za.

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FAIRFAX  AFRICA  HOLDINGS  CORPORATION

Transaction Description

Indirect Equity Interest in AFGRI

On February 17, 2017 the company purchased from AgriGroupe LP the beneficial equity interests held by Fairfax in
Joseph Holdings, comprised of 156,055,775 ordinary shares and 49,942,549 class A shares for $25,001 and $49,967
respectively in exchange for 7,284,606 multiple voting shares at $10.00 per multiple voting share. The company also
purchased additional equity interests in Joseph Holdings from certain limited partners of AgriGroupe LP in exchange
for 212,189 subordinate voting shares at $9.50 per subordinate voting share (being $10.00 less a private placement
fee of $0.50 per subordinate voting share). Subsequent to these transactions, the company owned 70.3% equity
interest in the ordinary shares and 73.3% of the class A shares of Joseph Holdings and became the largest beneficial
shareholder of AFGRI with a 42.2% indirect equity interest.

Fairfax had invested in AFGRI prior to the company’s February 2017 investment and was able to recommend for
appointment five board representatives, out of the ten board members, through Joseph Holdings. At December 31,
2017 the company did not have any additional board representation in AFGRI, but is considered to have board
representation through the original Fairfax board representatives.

AFGRI Facility

On June 21, 2017 Fairfax Africa entered into a secured lending arrangement with AFGRI, pursuant to which Fairfax
Africa provided AFGRI with $23,255 (300 million South African rand) of financing (the ‘‘AFGRI Facility’’). AFGRI
sought out the financing ahead of an anticipated equity issue by AFGRI to support its growth initiatives. The AFGRI
Facility bears interest at a rate of South African Prime plus 2.0% per annum. Fairfax Africa is entitled to receive a fee
equal to 2.0% of the AFGRI Facility loan proceeds payable at maturity or upon repayment of the AFGRI Facility. The
company earns interest on the fee at the same rate as the AFGRI Facility.

The AFGRI Facility was initially scheduled to mature on December 23, 2017 with an option for AFGRI to repay the
AFGRI Facility in shares, subject to certain conditions on maturity. On December 19, 2017, the company revised the
terms of the AFGRI Facility and extended the maturity date from December 23, 2017 to the earlier of January 31,
2018, or the date the participating AFGRI Shareholders subscribe for shares in AFGRI, pursuant to the AFGRI Rights
Offer (discussed below). During the extension period, the interest rate on the AFGRI facility was increased to South
African Prime plus 6.0% per annum. On January 31, 2018 the AFGRI facility including accrued interest was repaid.

Subsequent to December 31, 2017

AFGRI Rights Offer

On January 31, 2018, AFGRI completed its previously announced rights issue and raised $43,676 (518.6 million
South African rand) at 2.27 South African rand per ordinary share (the ‘‘Rights Offer’’). Joseph Holdings maintained
its 60.0% equity interest in AFGRI through the purchase of 137,074,140 ordinary shares for a total purchase price of
$26,206 (311.2 million South African rand). To fund the additional investment in AFGRI, Joseph Holdings requested
its  shareholders  to  provide  funding  on  a  pro  rata  basis  consistent  with  their  equity  interest  in  Joseph  Holdings.
Certain shareholders of Joseph Holdings declined to take up their pro rata share which resulted in the company
acquiring more than its pro rata share to cover the shortfall. Following the completion of the Rights Offering, the
company owned a 72.9% equity interest in the ordinary shares and a 73.3% interest in the class A shares of Joseph
Holdings and a 43.8% indirect equity interest in AFGRI.

Philafrica Bridge Loan

On  February  28,  2018  Fairfax  Africa  entered  into  a  secured  lending  arrangement  with  Philafrica  Foods
Proprietary Ltd. (‘‘Philafrica’’), a wholly-owned subsidiary of AFGRI, pursuant to which Fairfax Africa will provide
Philafrica with $27,958 (330 million South African rand) of financing (the ‘‘Philafrica Bridge Loan’’). The Philafrica
Bridge Loan was provided on an interim basis in advance of an anticipated equity issue by Philafrica, in the form of a
rights offering to the existing AFGRI shareholders. The funds received from the Philafrica Bridge Loan will be used to
complete  a  corporate  reorganization  and  fund  strategic  acquisitions.  Funds  will  be  advanced  within  10  days  of
closing (the ‘‘Advance Date’’), subject to certain conditions being met.

The Philafrica Bridge Loan is guaranteed by AFGRI Operations Proprietary Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of
AFGRI,  and  subordinated  to  commercial  bank  debt.  The  Philafrica  Bridge  Loan  matures  within  210  days  of  the
Advance  Date,  with  an  option  for  Philafrica  to  repay  in  shares,  subject  to  approval  of  at  least  75%  of  AFGRI

52

shareholders. The Philafrica Bridge Loan bears interest at a rate of South African Prime plus 2.0% per annum, payable
monthly in arrears or capitalized to loan amount at the election of Philafrica. Upon maturity, in the event 75%
AFGRI shareholder approval is not received to repay the loan in shares, the interest rate will be increased retroactively
to  South  African  Prime  plus  4%  per  annum.  Fairfax  Africa  earned  a  fee  equal  to  2.0%  of  the  loan  proceeds  on
signature which is payable at maturity or upon repayment of the Philafrica Bridge Loan. The company earns interest
on the fee at the same rate as the loan.

Key Business Drivers, Events, and Risks

In December 2017 Cyril Ramaphosa was elected to replace Jacob Zuma as president of South Africa’s ruling African
National Congress (‘‘ANC’’). On February 14, 2018, Mr. Zuma resigned the presidency with immediate effect, and the
following  day  the  ANC  elected  Mr.  Ramaphosa  to  the  presidency.  As  the  head  of  the  ANC,  Ramaphosa,  in  all
likelihood, will be the party’s candidate for president in 2019 elections, which he is widely expected to win.

On November 24, 2017, S&P downgraded the foreign currency credit rating of government of South Africa bonds
from  BB+  to  BB,  citing  a  further  deterioration  in  the  country’s  economic  outlook  arising  from  weaker  growth
expectations, a wider budget deficit and rising government debt. S&P also lowered the local currency credit rating
from BBB – to BB+. However, S&P raised the outlook on both the foreign and local currency credit ratings to stable
from  negative,  citing  their  expectation  that  offsetting  fiscal  measures  will  be  proposed  in  2018.  Also  in
November 2017, Moody’s placed South Africa on watch for a downgrade.

Notwithstanding the political and economic climate, AFGRI’s South African businesses are taking advantage of the
current favourable agricultural environment following the end of last year’s harsh drought. Drought conditions in
southern Africa have eased in recent months, with rainfall substantially above historical averages in many of the
South African provinces in which AFGRI operates. As a result, management expects trading conditions to improve to
normalized  levels  during  the  2018  fiscal  year.  According  to  the  South  Africa  Crop  Estimates  Committee,  South
Africa’s national maize forecast is 16.7 million tonnes for calendar year 2017, more than doubling from 2016 and
representing one of South Africa’s most productive grain outputs since 1981. AFGRI is already seeing the benefit of
this turnaround in increased receipts in its grain silos and an uptick in equipment sales. The exceptional harvest is
expected to positively impact profitability not only in grain management, but also in the mechanization businesses
in the 2018 fiscal year, as farmers use their higher income to catch up on equipment purchases delayed during the
prior two-year drought.

The business environment in the rest of Africa remains challenging amid the retraction in global commodity prices
and political uncertainty in some countries.

As part of a strategy to expand its financial services businesses, AFGRI announced in February 2017 that it had agreed
to acquire National Bank of Greece Group’s (‘‘NBG’s’’) 99.8% stake in the South African Bank of Athens (‘‘SABA’’). The
sale by NBG, Greek’s second largest bank by total assets, was part of the bank’s restructuring plan agreed with banking
regulators to boost its capital position. Established in 1947, SABA provides banking services to medium-sized local
businesses. It offers comprehensive traditional business banking such as lending, transaction banking, treasury and
foreign exchange. The acquisition of SABA provides AFGRI with a retail and alliance banking platform for current
and prospective AFGRI customers that allows AFGRI to continue with its focus on innovation as an enabler to food
security. The acquisition was approved by the competition authorities, with closing still expected by the first quarter
of 2018, subject to approvals from each of the South African Reserve Bank and Ministry of Finance.

Philafrica recently appointed Roland DeCorvet as a new Chief Executive Officer to focus on growth in this segment.

Valuation and Consolidated Financial Statement Impact

Indirect Equity Interest in AFGRI

At  December  31,  2017  the  fair  value  of  the  company’s  indirect  equity  interest  in  AFGRI,  acquired  through  the
company’s  ownership  in  Joseph  Holdings,  was  $88,314.  Given  that  the  class  A  shares  of  Joseph  Holdings  are
redeemable at a fixed price of $49,967, the $38,347 residual amount was allocated to the ordinary shares of Joseph
Holdings. The fair value was based on an internal valuation model which consisted of a discounted cash flow analysis
based on multi-year free cash flow projections with assumed after-tax discount rates ranging from 11.6% to 25.1%
and  a  long  term  growth  rate  of  3.0%.  Free  cash  flow  projections  were  based  on  EBITDA  derived  from  financial
information for AFGRI’s business units prepared in the fourth quarter of 2017 by AFGRI’s management. Discount
rates were based on the company’s assessment of risk premiums to the appropriate risk-free rate of the economic
environment in which AFGRI operates. 

53

FAIRFAX  AFRICA  HOLDINGS  CORPORATION

The change in fair value of the company’s indirect equity interest in AFGRI is presented in the table at the outset of
the African Investments section of this MD&A. The $13,346 increase in fair value is primarily due to an unrealized
foreign exchange gain of $9,146 arising from a decline in the South African rand and an unrealized gain of $4,200
arising from improved operating results as AFGRI recovered from the impact of a drought from the previous year.

AFGRI Facility

At  December  31,  2017,  the  company  estimated  the  fair  value  of  the  AFGRI  Facility  based  on  market  rates  and
creditworthiness to be $24,233. The change in the fair value of the AFGRI Facility reflects an unrealized foreign
exchange gain of $978 arising from a decline in the South African rand.

In 2017 the company had also recorded interest income of $1,982 in the consolidated statements of earnings and
comprehensive income related to the AFGRI facility.

AFGRI’s Summarized Financial Information

The company’s fiscal year ends on December 31 and AFGRI’s fiscal year ends on March 31. As of March 9, 2018,
AFGRI had not yet released its December 31, 2017 unaudited interim financial statements and as a result were not
made available to Fairfax Africa. Summarized below are AFGRI’s balance sheets at September 30, 2017 and its most
recent fiscal year end March 31, 2017.

Balance Sheets
(unaudited – US$ thousands)

Current assets
Non-current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Shareholders’ equity

September 30, 2017 March 31, 2017
400,236
334,342
339,121
253,071
142,386

499,474
357,341
450,111
257,286
149,418

The increase in current assets primarily reflected an increase in inventories, trade and other receivables, cash and
cash equivalents arising from improved operating results due to a recovery from the drought in the previous year,
partially offset by a reduction in derivative financial instruments. The increase in non-current assets primarily related
to an increase in financial receivables, capital expenditures, goodwill and deferred tax assets, partially offset by a
decrease in other intangible assets, and loans to and investments in joint ventures. The increase in current liabilities
primarily  related  to  increases  in  trade  and  other  payables,  the  short-term  portion  of  long-term  borrowings,
commodity  finance  and  borrowings  from  banks  to  finance  trade  receivables,  partially  offset  by  a  reduction  in
derivative financial instruments. Non-current liabilities primarily comprised long-term loans and borrowings.

Summarized below are AFGRI’s statements of earnings for the six months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

Statements of Earnings
(unaudited – US$ thousands)

Revenue
Earnings before taxes
Net earnings

Six months ended
September 30, 2017
478,331
13,027
8,656

Six months ended
September 30, 2016
385,043
(4,045)
(3,650)

AFGRI’s  revenue  and  net  earnings  were  favourably  impacted  by  rainfall  in  2017  that  was  substantially  above
historical averages, partially offset by the foreign exchange impact of the depreciation of the South African rand and
high volatility of agricultural commodity prices.

54

Nova Pioneer Education Group

Business Overview

Nova  Pioneer  Education  Group  (‘‘Nova  Pioneer’’)  is  an  African  independent  school  network  offering  preschool
through secondary education for students from ages 3 through 19. Nova Pioneer was started in 2014, and launched
its  first  campus  in  2015  in  South  Africa,  and  in  2017  operated  6  schools  across  5  campuses  with  a  combined
approximately 1,300 students: approximately 400 in Kenya across 2 schools and approximately 900 in South Africa
across 4 schools. Average tuition per student is approximately $3,000 per year and is priced to target emerging middle
to upper-middle income families.

Additional information can be accessed from Nova Pioneer’s website: www.novapioneer.com.

Transaction Description

Nova Pioneer Facility

On June 8, 2017 Fairfax Africa, through a wholly owned subsidiary, entered into a secured lending arrangement with
Ascendant Learning Limited (‘‘Ascendant’’), the Mauritius based parent entity of Nova Pioneer. In advance of the
secured lending arrangement, Ascendant was permitted to borrow up to $4,000 (the ‘‘Nova Pioneer Facility’’) for the
benefit of Nova Pioneer. The Nova Pioneer Facility had an initial interest rate of 5.0% per annum, which increased to
18.0% per annum on June 30, 2017. The Nova Pioneer Facility was secured against certain assets of Ascendant and its
subsidiaries. On June 8, 2017 and August 10, 2017, Ascendant borrowed $3,000 and $1,000, respectively, on the
Nova Pioneer Facility.

On August 22, 2017 the Nova Pioneer Facility was converted into the Nova Pioneer Investment (discussed below).

Nova Pioneer Investment

On June 30, 2017 Fairfax Africa announced an investment in Nova Pioneer which consisted of $20,000 of secured
debentures maturing on December 31, 2024 (the ‘‘Nova Pioneer Bonds’’) and 2,000,000 warrants (the ‘‘Nova Pioneer
Warrants’’), collectively the ‘‘Nova Pioneer Investment’’, to be issued in tranches. At December 31, 2017, Ascendant
had issued the full $20,000 of the Nova Pioneer Bonds and 2,000,000 Nova Pioneer Warrants. The proceeds of the
Nova Pioneer Investment will be used to support Nova Pioneer’s growth initiatives, as well as for working capital
requirements and for general corporate purposes.

The Nova Pioneer Bonds bear interest at a rate of 20.0% per annum and are redeemable by Ascendant at par at any
time after June 30, 2021, except in circumstances relating to a change of control or a value realization event. Each
Nova Pioneer Warrant can be exercised by the company to acquire one ordinary share of Ascendant. Other than in
circumstances  relating  to  a  change  of  control  or  a  value  realization  event,  the  Nova  Pioneer  Warrants  may  be
exercised after June 30, 2021. The Nova Pioneer Bonds are not rated.

At December 31, 2017 the company did not have any board representation in Nova Pioneer.

Key Business Drivers, Events, and Risks

The middle class has rapidly expanded across key regions in Africa. As a result, the demand for affordable, quality
private education has grown in excess of available supply. Nova Pioneer is well-positioned to become a leading brand
in the African education sector. Nova Pioneer’s management is targeting a rollout of more than 20 new campuses
across East, South and West Africa over the next 5 years. The enrollment is expected to increase by approximately
11,000  students,  with  an  enrollment  capacity  of  approximately  25,000  students.  Each  African  market  will  be
developed with a specific entry plan tailored to local markets, target communities and related political framework.

Companies in Africa must consider the local market conditions for success before transplanting an existing model
that has worked elsewhere within the continent. Taking this into consideration, the Nova Pioneer team intends to
secure strategic local partnerships in advance of entering a new local market.

Nova Pioneer is committed to putting educational excellence above short term growth. Rigorous leadership and
teacher  training  are  critical  to  ensuring  the  success  of  the  schools.  Nova  Pioneer  schools  typically  only  enroll  a
limited number of grades when starting a school, and thereafter enroll one to two grades at a time each year in order
to infuse the right culture in the campus.

55

FAIRFAX  AFRICA  HOLDINGS  CORPORATION

Valuation and Consolidated Financial Statement Impact

Nova Pioneer Facility

In 2017 the company recorded interest income of $94 in the consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive
income related to the Nova Pioneer Facility.

Nova Pioneer Investment

In  2017  the  company  recorded  interest  income  of  $1,016  in  the  consolidated  statements  of  earnings  and
comprehensive income relating to the Nova Pioneer Bonds.

At December 31, 2017 the company estimated the fair value of Nova Pioneer Investment (comprised of the Nova
Pioneer Bonds and Nova Pioneer Warrants) using an industry accepted discounted cash flow and option pricing
model that incorporated Nova Pioneer’s estimated credit spread of 18.9%. The estimated credit spread was based on
the credit spreads of a peer group of comparable companies adjusted for credit risk specific to Nova Pioneer.

At December 31, 2017 the fair value of the Nova Pioneer Bonds was estimated at $19,414 and the Nova Pioneer
Warrants at $520. The changes in fair value of the company’s Nova Pioneer Investment is presented in the table
disclosed earlier in the African Investments section of this MD&A.

Results of Operations

Fairfax Africa’s consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive income for 2017 and the period April 28,
2016 (date of incorporation) to December 31, 2016 are shown in the following table:

April 28-
2017 December 31, 2016

Income

Interest
Net realized gains on investments
Net change in unrealized gains on investments
Net change in foreign exchange gains

Expenses

Investment and advisory fees
Performance fees
General and administration expenses
Interest expense

Earnings (loss) before income taxes
Provision for income taxes

Net earnings (loss) and comprehensive income (loss)

Net earnings per share (basic and diluted)

7,589
11,274
2,362
10,626

31,851

3,400
319
2,076
2,087

7,882

23,969
485

23,484

$ 0.54

–
–
–
–

–

–
–
74
–

74

(74)
–

(74)

$ –

Total income of $31,851 in 2017 was principally comprised of net realized gains on investments of $11,274 primarily
related to realized gains on the Atlas Mara Commitment derivative of $6,055 and the conversion of the Atlas Mara
Convertible Bond of $5,098 (see Atlas Mara Investment within African Investments section of this MD&A for further
details),  and  net  foreign  exchange  gains  of  $10,626  (principally  relating  to  the  foreign  exchange  gain  in  the
company’s indirect equity interest in AFGRI and the AFGRI Facility). Interest income of $7,589 in 2017 primarily
related to the interest earned on the AFGRI Facility, restricted cash, cash and cash equivalents, Atlas Mara Convertible
Bond and the Nova Pioneer Bonds. In addition, the net change in unrealized gains on investments of $2,362 in 2017
primarily related to net change in unrealized gains on the indirect equity interest in AFGRI of $4,200, which was
partially offset by a net change in unrealized loss on the Atlas Mara ordinary shares of $1,817.

56

Net gains (losses) on investments and net foreign currency gains (losses) in 2017 were comprised as follows:

Net gains (losses) on investments:

Bonds:

Government of South Africa
Nova Pioneer Investment(1)
Atlas Mara Convertible Bond

Common stocks:

Indirect equity interest in AFGRI
Atlas Mara
Other(2)

Atlas Mara Equity Offering(3)

Net foreign exchange gains (losses) on:

Cash and cash equivalents
Loans – AFGRI Facility
Common stock – indirect equity interest in AFGRI
Other(4)

2017

Net change in

Net realized
gains

unrealized gains Net gains
(losses)

(losses)

121
–
5,098

–
–
–
6,055

–
(66)
–

4,200
(1,817)
45
–

121
(66)
5,098

4,200
(1,817)
45
6,055

11,274

2,362

13,636

–
–
–
–

–

(16)
978
9,146
518

(16)
978
9,146
518

10,626

10,626

(1)

Included a change in unrealized loss of $586 on the Nova Pioneer Bonds, partially offset by a change in unrealized gain of
$520 on the Nova Pioneer Warrants.

(2) Unrealized gain of $45 related to common shares of various companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

(3) Related  to  the  Commitment  derivative  on  the  Atlas  Mara  Equity  Offering  (see  note  5  (African  Investments)  to  the

consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017).

(4) Primarily related to a foreign exchange gain of $459 from common shares of various companies listed on the Johannesburg

Stock Exchange.

Total expenses of $7,882 in 2017 were primarily comprised of investment and advisory fees of $3,400 (principally
related to the company’s increased holdings of African Investments), interest expense incurred on the company’s
term loan and letter of credit facility of $2,087 and general and administration expenses of $2,076 (related to audit,
legal, tax and other professional fees).

The investment and advisory fee is calculated and payable quarterly as 0.5% of the value of undeployed capital and
1.5% of the company’s common shareholders’ equity less the value of undeployed capital.

The  performance  fee,  if  applicable,  is  accrued  quarterly  and  paid  for  the  period  from  February  17,  2017  to
December  31,  2019  (the  ‘‘first  calculation  period’’)  and  for  each  consecutive  three-year  period  thereafter.  It  is
calculated on a cumulative basis, as 20.0% of any increase in common shareholders’ equity per share (including
distributions) above a 5.0% per annum increase. The amount of common shareholders’ equity per share at any time,
which must be achieved before any performance fee would be payable, is sometimes referred to as the ‘‘hurdle per
share’’. The company determined that a performance fee of $319 should be accrued at December 31, 2017 as the book
value per share of $10.21 (before factoring in the impact of the performance fee) at December 31, 2017 was greater
than the hurdle per share at that date of $10.17.

The provision for income taxes of $485 in 2017 differed from the provision for income taxes determined by applying
the  company’s  Canadian  statutory  income  tax  rate  of  26.5%  to  the  company’s  earnings  before  income  taxes
primarily due to income earned outside the local jurisdiction and foreign exchange fluctuations, partially offset by
the unrecorded benefit of Canadian deferred tax assets.

57

FAIRFAX  AFRICA  HOLDINGS  CORPORATION

The company’s reported net earnings of $23,484 (net earnings of $0.54 per basic and diluted share) in 2017 were
primarily  related  to  realized  gains  on  investments,  net  foreign  exchange  gains  and  interest  income  which  were
partially offset by investment and advisory fees, general and administration expenses and interest expense.

Consolidated Balance Sheet Summary

Total Assets

Total assets at December 31, 2017 of $669,111 (December 31, 2016 – $786) were principally comprised as follows:

Total cash and investments of $665,064 at December 31, 2017 (December 31, 2016 – nil) composition by the
issuer’s country of domicile was as follows:

December 31, 2017

Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash
Short term investments
Loans – AFGRI Facility
Bonds – Nova Pioneer Investment
Common stocks:

Indirect equity interest in AFGRI(1)
Atlas Mara(2)
Other(3)

Total cash and investments

657
–

North
Africa America
12,355
313,000
32,968
–
–

24,233
19,934

Total
13,012
313,000
32,968
24,233
19,934

88,314
168,671
4,932

–
–
–

88,314
168,671
4,932

306,741

358,323

665,064

(1) Acquired through the company’s ownership in Joseph Holdings.

(2) Atlas Mara is listed on the London Stock Exchange with its businesses primarily invested in Africa.

(3) Comprised of common shares of various companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

Cash and cash equivalents of $13,012 at December 31, 2017 (December 31, 2016 – nil) primarily reflected the net
proceeds received from the Offerings completed in the first quarter of 2017 principally held at the holding company.

Restricted cash of $313,000 at December 31, 2017 (December 31, 2016 – nil) were comprised of cash posted as
collateral to support the company’s outstanding term loan and letter of credit facility (see note 7 (Borrowings) to the
consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017).

Short  term  investments  of  $32,968  at  December  31,  2017  (December  31,  2016 – nil)  was  comprised  of
U.S. treasury bills.

Loans, Bonds and Common stocks – The company is actively seeking investment opportunities in Africa and
will  continue  to  redirect  capital  from  its  cash  and  cash  equivalents,  short  term  investments  and  loan  and  bond
portfolio  into  African  Investments  as  and  when  those  opportunities  are  identified.  For  more  information  about
recent  African  Investments,  see  the  African  Investments  section  of  this  MD&A.  For  more  information  on  the
company’s total cash and investment holdings of $665,064 at December 31, 2017 see note 6 (Cash and Investments)
to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017

Interest  Receivable  of  $3,506  at  December  31,  2017  (December  31,  2016 – nil)  was  comprised  of  interest
receivable from the AFGRI Facility ($2,115), Nova Pioneer Bonds ($1,016) and the Term Loan and LC Facility ($374).

Total Liabilities

Total liabilities at December 31, 2017 of $152,375 (December 31, 2016 – $860) were principally comprised as follows:

Payable to related parties of $1,482 at December 31, 2017 (December 31, 2016 – $860) primarily reflected the
investment and advisory fees payable to Fairfax and the accrual of the performance fee, partially offset by a receivable
for expenses incurred by the company on behalf of Fairfax and the Portfolio Advisor.

Term loan of $150,000 related to the term loan completed on August 31, 2017.

58

Financial Risk Management

The primary goals of the company’s financial risk management program are to ensure that the outcomes of activities
involving elements of risk are consistent with the company’s objectives and risk tolerance, while maintaining an
appropriate balance between risk and reward and protecting the company’s consolidated balance sheets from events
that have the potential to materially impair its financial strength. There were no significant changes in the types of
the  company’s  risk  exposures  or  the  processes  used  by  the  company  for  managing  those  risk  exposures  at
December 31, 2017 compared to those identified and disclosed in the company’s annual information form filed on
March 31, 2017 and outlined in note 11 (Financial Risk Management) to the consolidated financial statements for
the year ended December 31, 2017.

Capital Resources and Management

The company’s objectives when managing capital are to protect its lenders, to safeguard its ability to continue as a
going concern in order to provide returns for common shareholders and to maintain an optimal capital structure to
reduce the cost of capital. The company will seek attractive risk-adjusted returns, but will at all times seek downside
protection and attempt to minimize the loss of capital. Total capital at December 31, 2017, comprised of the Term
Loan  and  common  shareholders’  equity,  was  $666,736  compared  to  a  deficit  of  $74  at  December  31,  2016.  The
significant increase in total capital principally reflected the impact of the net proceeds received from the Offerings
(see note 8 (Total Equity) to the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017)
and the Term Loan and net earnings in 2017.

On  August  31,  2017  the  company  had  entered  into  the  Term  Loan  and  LC  Facility  (refer  to  Overview – Capital
Transactions section of this MD&A for further details).

The  company  will  continue  to  use  its  capital  resources  to  acquire  African  Investments  and  pending  such
investments, the company will invest exclusively in permitted investments.

Book Value per Share

Common shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2017 was $516,736 (December 31, 2016 – deficit of $74). The book
value per share at December 31, 2017 was $10.21 primarily reflecting the net proceeds received from the Offerings of
$493,326 and net earnings in 2017 of $23,484.

Common shareholders’ equity and the book value per share at December 31, 2017 was as follows:

Common shareholders’ equity
Number of common shares effectively outstanding
Book value per share

December 31, 2017
516,736
50,620,189
10.21

$

The company has issued common shares since it was federally incorporated on April 28, 2016 as follows:

Date
2016 – issuance of shares(2)
2017 – issuance of shares(3)

Number of
subordinate
voting
shares
–

Number
of
multiple
voting
shares(1)
1
20,620,189 29,999,999

Total
number

Average issue

of shares price per share Net proceeds
$
10
$493,326

1
50,620,188

$10
$10

20,620,189 30,000,000

50,620,189

(1) Multiple voting shares that may only be issued to Fairfax or its affiliates.

(2) Average issue price per shares and net proceeds from issuance of shares for 2016 are shown in whole U.S. dollars.

(3)

Includes  $74,968  in-kind  contribution  of  an  indirect  equity  interest  in  AFGRI  from  Fairfax  (see  Private  African
Investments section of this MD&A).

59

FAIRFAX  AFRICA  HOLDINGS  CORPORATION

Liquidity

The company believes that cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2017 provides adequate liquidity to meet the
company’s known significant commitments in 2018, which are principally comprised of investment and advisory
fees, corporate income taxes and general and administration expenses. The Term Loan matures in August 2018 and
the company will use the cash collateral classified as restricted cash to repay the principal amount of the loan. The
company expects to continue to receive investment income on its holdings of fixed income securities to supplement
its cash and cash equivalents. Accordingly, the company has adequate working capital to support its operations.
Refer to the contractual obligations section of this MD&A for details on the settlement of the performance fees, if
any, at the end of the first calculation period, December 31, 2019. Highlights for the year ended December 31, 2017
of major components of cash flow are presented in the following table:

Operating activities

Cash used in operating activities before the undernoted
Net purchases of short term investments classified as FVTPL
Purchases of investments classified as FVTPL
Sales of investments classified as FVTPL
Increase in restricted cash in support of investment

Financing activities

Issuance of Term Loan, net of issuance costs
Increase in restricted cash in support of term loan
Issuance of subordinate voting shares, net of issuance costs
Issuance of multiple voting shares

Increase in cash and cash equivalents during the year

2017

(2,920)
(32,659)
(255,515)
48,973
(162,519)

149,775
(150,481)
191,204
227,154

13,012

Cash used in operating activities before the undernoted is comprised of net earnings adjusted for items not affecting
cash and cash equivalents and changes in operating assets and liabilities. Cash used in operating activities before the
undernoted  of  $2,920  in  2017  primarily  related  to  payment  of  investment  and  advisory  fees,  general  and
administrative  expenses  and  interest  expense,  partially  offset  by  interest  income  received  on  the  company’s
investments.

Net  purchases  of  short  term  investments  classified  as  FVTPL  of  $32,659  in  2017  are  related  to  net  purchases  of
U.S. treasury bills.

Purchases  of  investments  classified  as  FVTPL  of  $255,515  in  2017  related  to  the  investments  in  Atlas  Mara,
Government of South Africa bonds, the AFGRI facility, Nova Pioneer Bonds and purchases of common shares of
various companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

Sales of investments classified as FVTPL of $48,973 in 2017 are related to proceeds from the sale of Government of
South Africa bonds to support the company’s purchases of African Investments.

Increase in restricted cash in support of investment of $162,519 in 2017 is related to cash collateral as described in
note 7 (Borrowings) to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Issuance of term loan (net of issuance costs) related to a secured term loan with a Canadian bank for $150,000 in
respect of which a cash collateral of $150,000 is maintained by the company. The cash collateral is classified as
restricted  cash  as  at  December  31,  2017.  On  January  31,  2018  the  maturity  date  of  the  $150,000  term  loan  was
extended to August 31, 2018.

Issuance of subordinate voting shares, net of issuance costs of $191,204 and issuance of multiple voting shares of
$227,154 in 2017 reflected net proceeds received from the Offerings. Issuance costs were primarily comprised of fees
paid to underwriters of the subordinate voting shares. Refer to note 8 (Total Equity) to the consolidated financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 for details.

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Contractual Obligations

Under the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement, the company and its subsidiaries are contractually obligated
to pay Fairfax an investment and advisory fee and, if applicable, a performance fee. These fees will vary based on the
company’s common shareholders’ equity and book value per share.

In  2017  the  investment  and  advisory  fee  recorded  in  the  consolidated  statement  earnings  and  comprehensive
income was $3,400. The performance fee is accrued quarterly and paid for the period from February 17, 2017 to
December  31,  2019  (the  ‘‘first  calculation  period’’)  and  for  each  consecutive  three-year  period  thereafter.  It  is
calculated on a cumulative basis, as 20.0% of any increase in common shareholders’ equity per share (including
distributions) above a 5.0% per annum increase. The amount of common shareholders’ equity at any time which
must be achieved before any performance fee would be payable is sometimes referred to as the ‘‘hurdle per share’’.
The company determined that a performance fee of $319 should be accrued at December 31, 2017 as the book value
per share of $10.21 (before factoring in the impact of the performance fee) at December 31, 2017 was greater than the
hurdle per share at that date of $10.17.

If a performance fee is payable for the first calculation period, it will be paid within 30 days after the company issues
its annual audited consolidated financial statements, in subordinate voting shares of the company unless the market
price per share of those shares is more than two times the then book value per share, in which event Fairfax may elect
to receive that fee in cash. The number of subordinate voting shares to be issued will be calculated based on the
volume-weighted average trading price of the company’s subordinate voting shares for the 10 trading days prior to
and including the last day of the calculation period in respect of which the performance fee is paid. At December 31,
2017 there were 22,294 contingently issuable subordinate voting shares relating to the performance fee payable
to Fairfax.

Related Party Transactions

The company’s related party transactions are disclosed in note 12 (Related Party Transactions) to the consolidated
financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Accounting and Disclosure Matters

Management’s Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of the company’s management, including the company’s CEO and
CFO,  the  company  conducted  an  evaluation  of  the  effectiveness  of  its  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  as  of
December  31,  2017,  as  required  by  the  Canadian  securities  legislation.  Disclosure  controls  and  procedures  are
designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by Fairfax Africa in the reports it files or submits
under  securities  legislation  is  recorded,  processed,  summarized  and  reported  on  a  timely  basis  and  that  such
information is accumulated and reported to management, including the company’s CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to
allow  required  disclosures  to  be  made  in  a  timely  fashion.  Based  on  their  evaluation,  the  CEO  and  CFO  have
concluded that as of December 31, 2017, the company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial
reporting (as defined under National Instrument 52-109). The company’s internal control over financial reporting is
a  process  designed  to  provide  reasonable  assurance  regarding  the  reliability  of  financial  reporting  and  the
preparation  of  financial  statements  for  external  purposes  in  accordance  with  International  Financial  Reporting
Standards (‘‘IFRS’’) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (‘‘IASB’’). A company’s internal control
over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in
reasonable  detail,  accurately  and  fairly  reflect  the  transactions  and  dispositions  of  the  assets  of  the  company;
(ii)  provide  reasonable  assurance  that  transactions  are  recorded  as  necessary  to  permit  preparation  of  financial
statements in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are
being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide
reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the
company’s assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

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FAIRFAX  AFRICA  HOLDINGS  CORPORATION

Because  of  its  inherent  limitations,  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  may  not  prevent  or  detect
misstatements.  Also,  projections  of  any  evaluation  of  effectiveness  to  future  periods  are  subject  to  the  risk  that
controls  may  become  inadequate  because  of  changes  in  conditions,  or  that  the  degree  of  compliance  with  the
policies or procedures may deteriorate.

The company’s management assessed the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting as
of December 31, 2017. In making this assessment, the company’s management used the criteria set forth by the
Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway  Commission  (‘‘COSO’’)  in  Internal  Control – Integrated
Framework (2013). The company’s management, including the CEO and CFO, concluded that, as of December 31,
2017, the company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective based on the criteria in Internal Control –
Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.

Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments

Please refer to note 4 (Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments) to the consolidated financial statements for the
year ended December 31, 2017.

Significant Accounting Changes

The company completed its initial public offering on February 17, 2017 and commenced its investment activities
shortly thereafter. Please refer to note 3 (Summary of Significant Accounting Policies) to the consolidated financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 for a detailed discussion of the company’s accounting policies.

Future Accounting Changes

Certain IFRS standards are currently undergoing modification or are yet to be issued for the first time. New standards
and amendments that have been issued but are not yet effective are described in note 3 (Summary of Significant
Accounting Policies) to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017.

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (‘‘IFRS 9’’)

In July 2014 the IASB issued the complete version of IFRS 9 which will supersede the 2010 version of IFRS 9 currently
applied by the company. This complete version is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018,
with retrospective application, and includes: requirements for the classification and measurement of financial assets
and liabilities; an expected credit loss model that replaces the existing incurred loss impairment model; and new
hedge accounting guidance.

The company evaluated the impact of IFRS 9 by assessing its business models and the cash flow characteristics of its
financial assets to determine their appropriate classifications under the new standard, and is nearing completion of
that analysis. The company expects equity investments held within the company’s investment portfolio to continue
to  be  classified  as  FVTPL  under  IFRS  9,  and  the  classification  of  financial  liabilities  to  also  remain  substantially
unchanged compared to the 2010 version. The company continues to monitor and consider evolving guidance and
interpretations  related  to  IFRS  9  as  it  works  through  the  classification  analysis  for  its  investments  in  debt
instruments. Upon adopting IFRS 9 on January 1, 2018 the company does not expect to restate comparative periods,
and will record any necessary adjustments to opening retained earnings as permitted by the standard.

Risk Management

Overview

The primary goals of the company’s financial risk management program are to ensure that the outcomes of activities
involving elements of risk are consistent with the company’s objectives and risk tolerance, while maintaining an
appropriate balance between risk and reward and protecting the company’s consolidated balance sheets from events
that have the potential to materially impair its financial strength. There were no significant changes in the types of
the  company’s  risk  exposures  or  the  processes  used  by  the  company  for  managing  those  risk  exposures  at
December 31, 2017 compared to those identified and disclosed in the company’s annual information form filed on
March 31, 2017 and outlined in note 11 (Financial Risk Management) to the consolidated financial statements for
the year ended December 31, 2017.

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Risks

The following risks, among others, should be considered in evaluating the outlook for the company. Additional risks
not currently known to the company or that are currently deemed immaterial may also impair business operations.
The company, its consolidated subsidiaries, Fairfax, the Portfolio Advisor and Pactorum monitor these risks on an
on-going basis and take actions as needed to mitigate their impact.

Geographic Concentration of Investments

All  of  the  company’s  investments  will  be  made  in  Africa  and  in  African  businesses  or  other  businesses  with
customers,  suppliers  or  business  primarily  conducted  in,  or  dependent  on,  Africa.  As  a  result,  the  company’s
performance  will  be  particularly  sensitive  to  economic  changes  in  Africa.  The  market  value  of  the  company’s
investments, the income generated by the company and the company’s performance will be particularly sensitive to
changes  in  the  condition  and  regulatory  environment  in  Africa.  Adverse  changes  in  the  economic  condition  or
regulatory environment of Africa may have a material adverse effect on the company’s business, cash flows, financial
condition and results of operations.

Financial Market Fluctuations

The  company  invests  in  both  private  businesses  and  publicly  traded  businesses.  With  respect  to  publicly  traded
businesses, fluctuations in the market prices of such securities may negatively affect the value of such investments. In
addition,  general  instability  in  the  public  debt  market  and  other  securities  markets  may  impede  the  ability  of
businesses to refinance their debt through selling new securities, thereby limiting the company’s investment options
with regard to a particular portfolio investment.

Global capital markets have experienced extreme volatility and disruption in recent years as evidenced by the failure
of major financial institutions, significant write-offs suffered by the financial services sector, the re-pricing of credit
risk, the unavailability of credit or the downgrading and the possibility of default by sovereign issuers, forced exit or
voluntary withdrawal of countries from a common currency and/or devaluation. Despite actions of government
authorities,  these  events  have  contributed  to  a  worsening  of  general  economic  conditions,  high  levels  of
unemployment in Western economies and the introduction of austerity measures by governments.

Such worsening of financial market and economic conditions may have a negative effect on the valuations of, and
the ability of the company to exit or partially divest from, investment positions. Adverse economic conditions may
also decrease the value of collateral securing some of its positions, and require the company to contribute additional
collateral.

Depending  on  market  conditions,  the  company  may  incur  substantial  realized  and  unrealized  losses  in  future
periods, all of which may materially adversely affect its results of operations and the value of any investment in
the company.

Pace of Completing Investments

The company’s business is to identify, with the assistance of the Portfolio Advisor, suitable investment opportunities,
pursuing such opportunities and consummating such investment opportunities. If the company is unable to source
and manage its investments effectively, it would adversely impact the company’s financial position and results of
operations.  There  can  be  no  assurance  as  to  the  pace  of  finding  and  implementing  investment  opportunities.
Conversely, there may only be a limited number of suitable investment opportunities at any given time. This may
cause the company, while it deploys cash proceeds (from Net Proceeds of the Offering, from future inflows of capital,
or otherwise) not yet invested, to hold significant levels of permitted investments. A lengthy period prior to which
capital is deployed may adversely affect the company’s overall performance.

Minority Investments

The company may make minority equity investments in businesses in which the company does not participate in
the  management  or  otherwise  control  the  business  or  affairs  of  such  businesses.  The  company  will  monitor  the
performance  of  each  investment  and  maintain  an  ongoing  dialogue  with  each  business’s  management  team.
However, it will be primarily the responsibility of the management of the business to operate the business on a
day-to-day basis and the company may not have the right to control such business.

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FAIRFAX  AFRICA  HOLDINGS  CORPORATION

Reliance on Key Personnel and Risks Associated with the Investment Advisory Agreement

The management and governance of the company depends on the services of certain key personnel, including the
Portfolio Advisor, Fairfax, as administrator, and certain executive officers of the company. The loss of the services of
any key personnel, particularly V. Prem Watsa, Paul Rivett, Quinn McLean and Michael Wilkerson, could have a
material adverse effect on the company and materially adversely affect the company’s financial condition and results
of operations.

The company relies on the Portfolio Advisor and any of its sub-advisors or consultants, from time to time, including
Pactorum, with respect to the sourcing and advising, as applicable, with respect to their investments. Consequently,
the company’s ability to achieve its investment objectives depends in large part on the Portfolio Advisor and its
ability to identify and advise the company on attractive investment opportunities. This means that the company’s
investments  are  dependent  upon  the  Portfolio  Advisor’s  business  contacts,  its  ability  to  successfully  hire,  train,
supervise and manage its personnel and its ability to maintain its operating systems. If the company were to lose the
services provided by the Portfolio Advisor or its key personnel or if the Portfolio Advisor fails to satisfactorily perform
its  obligations  under  the  Investment  Advisory  Agreement,  the  company’s  investments  and  growth  prospects
may decline.

The company may be unable to duplicate the quality and depth of management from the Portfolio Advisor if the
company  were  to  source  and  manage  its  own  investments  or  if  it  were  to  hire  another  investment  advisor.
Prospective investors should not purchase any securities of the company unless they are prepared to rely on the
Directors, the Sub Directors, each of their respective executive officers and the Portfolio Advisor. The Investment
Advisory  Agreement  may  be  terminated  in  certain  circumstances  and  is  only  renewable  on  certain  conditions.
Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the company will continue to have the benefit of the Portfolio Advisor’s
services, or Fairfax’s services, including their respective executive officers, that the Portfolio Advisor will continue to
be the company’s investment advisor or that Fairfax will continue to provide investment administration services. If
the Portfolio Advisor should cease for whatever reason to be the investment advisor of the company or Fairfax should
cease to provide investment administration services to the company, the cost of obtaining substitute services may be
greater  than  the  fees  the  company  will  pay  the  Portfolio  Advisor  and  Fairfax  under  the  Investment  Advisory
Agreement. Such increased fees may adversely affect the company’s ability to meet its objectives and execute its
strategy  which  could  materially  and  adversely  affect  the  company’s  cash  flows,  operating  results  and  financial
condition.

Operating and Financial Risks of African Investments

Businesses  in  which  the  company  invests  could  deteriorate  as  a  result  of,  among  other  factors,  an  adverse
development in their business operations, a change in the competitive environment or an economic downturn. As a
result,  businesses  that  the  company  expects  to  be  stable  may  operate  at  a  loss  or  have  significant  variations  in
operating  results,  may  require  substantial  additional  capital  to  support  their  operations  or  to  maintain  their
competitive position, or may otherwise have a weak financial condition or experience financial distress. In some
cases,  the  success  of  the  company’s  investment  strategy  will  depend,  in  part,  on  the  ability  of  the  company  to
restructure  and  effect  improvements  in  the  operations  of  a  business  in  which  it  has  invested.  The  activity  of
identifying  and  implementing  restructuring  programs  and  operating  improvements  at  businesses  entails  a  high
degree  of  uncertainty.  There  can  be  no  assurance  that  the  company  will  be  able  to  successfully  identify  and
implement such restructuring programs and improvements.

Valuation Methodologies Involve Subjective Judgments

For purposes of IFRS-compliant financial reporting, the company’s financial assets and liabilities will be valued in
accordance with IFRS. Accordingly, the company is required to follow a specific framework for measuring the fair
value of its assets and liabilities and, in its consolidated financial statements, to provide certain disclosures regarding
the use of fair value measurements.

The  fair  value  measurement  accounting  guidance  establishes  a  hierarchal  disclosure  framework  that  ranks  the
observability of market inputs used in measuring financial instruments at fair value. The observability of inputs
depends  on  a  number  of  factors,  including  the  type  of  financial  instrument,  the  characteristics  specific  to  the
financial  instrument  and  the  state  of  the  marketplace,  including  the  existence  and  transparency  of  transactions
between  market  participants.  Financial  instruments  with  readily  quoted  prices,  or  for  which  fair  value  can  be

64

measured from quoted prices in active markets, generally will have a high degree of market price observability and
less judgment applied in determining fair value.

A portion of the company’s portfolio investments are in the form of securities that are not publicly traded. The fair
value of securities and other investments that are not publicly traded may not be readily determinable. The company
will value these securities quarterly at fair value as determined in good faith by the company. However, the company
may  be  required  to  value  its  securities  at  fair  value  as  determined  in  good  faith  by  the  company  to  the  extent
necessary to reflect significant events affecting the value of its securities. The company may utilize the services of an
independent valuation firm to aid it in determining the fair value of these securities. The types of factors that may be
considered  in  fair  value  pricing  of  the  company’s  investments  include  the  nature  and  realizable  value  of  any
collateral,  the  portfolio  business’  ability  to  make  payments  and  its  earnings,  the  markets  in  which  the  portfolio
investment  does  business,  comparison  to  publicly  traded  companies,  discounted  cash  flow  and  other  relevant
factors.  Because  such  valuations,  and  particularly  valuations  of  private  securities  and  private  companies,  are
inherently uncertain, such valuations may fluctuate over short periods of time and may be based on estimates, and
the company’s determinations of fair value may differ materially from the values that would have been used if a
ready  market  for  these  securities  existed.  The  value  of  the  company’s  total  assets  could  be  materially  adversely
affected if the company’s determinations regarding the fair value of its investments were materially higher than the
values that it ultimately realizes upon the disposition of such securities.

The value of the company’s investment portfolio may also be affected by changes in accounting standards, policies or
practices.  From  time  to  time,  the  company  will  be  required  to  adopt  new  or  revised  accounting  standards  or
guidance. It is possible that future accounting standards that the company is required to adopt could change the
valuation of the company’s assets and liabilities.

Due to a wide variety of market factors and the nature of certain securities to be held by the company, there is no
guarantee that the value determined by the company or any third-party valuation agents will represent the value
that will be realized by the company on the eventual disposition of the investment or that would, in fact, be realized
upon an immediate disposition of the investment. Moreover, the valuations to be performed by the company or any
third-party valuation agents are inherently different from the valuation of the company’s securities that would be
performed if the company were forced to liquidate all or a significant portion of its securities, which liquidation
valuation could be materially lower.

Lawsuits

The  company  may,  from  time  to  time,  become  party  to  a  variety  of  legal  claims  and  regulatory  proceedings  in
Canada, Africa, Mauritius or elsewhere. The existence of such claims against the company or its affiliates, directors or
officers could have various adverse effects, including the incurrence of significant legal expenses defending such
claims, even those claims without merit. The company manages day-to-day regulatory and legal risk primarily by
implementing appropriate policies, procedures and controls. Internal and external legal counsel also work closely
with the company to identify and mitigate areas of potential regulatory and legal risk.

Use of Leverage

The company may rely on the use of leverage when making its investments. As such, the ability to achieve attractive
rates of return on such investments will significantly depend on the company’s continued ability to access sources of
debt financing on attractive terms. An increase in either market interest rates or in the risk spreads demanded by
lenders would make it more expensive for the company to finance its investments and, in turn, would reduce net
returns  therein.  Increases  in  interest  rates  could  also  make  it  more  difficult  for  the  company  to  locate  and
consummate investments because other potential buyers, including operating companies acting as strategic buyers,
may be able to bid for an asset at a higher price due to a lower overall cost of capital. Availability of capital from debt
capital  markets  is  subject  to  significant  volatility  and  the  company  may  not  be  able  to  access  those  markets  on
attractive terms, or at all, when completing an investment. Any of the foregoing circumstances could have a material
adverse effect on the financial condition and results of operations of the company.

Foreign Currency Fluctuation

All of the company’s portfolio investments have been and will be made in Africa and in African businesses or other
businesses with customers, suppliers or business primarily conducted in, or dependent on, Africa, or in permitted
investments, and the financial position and results for these investments are expected to be principally denominated

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FAIRFAX  AFRICA  HOLDINGS  CORPORATION

in currencies other than the United States dollar (other than permitted investments). The company’s functional and
reporting currency is the United States dollar. Accordingly, the revenues and expenses of such African Investments
will be translated at average rates of exchange in effect during the applicable reporting period. Assets and liabilities
will be translated at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. As a result, the company’s consolidated
financial  position  is  subject  to  foreign  currency  fluctuation  risk,  which  could  materially  adversely  impact  its
operating results and cash flows. Although the company may enter into currency hedging arrangements in respect of
its foreign currency cash flows, there can be no assurance that the company will do so or, if they do, that the full
amount of the foreign currency exposure will be hedged at any time.

South African Currency Fluctuations

As a company incorporated in South Africa, SA Sub could be subject to fluctuations in the value of the South African
Rand. In recent years, the value of the Rand as measured against the United States dollar, has fluctuated considerably.
Fluctuations  in  the  exchange  rate  between  the  Rand  and  the  United  States  dollar  could  have  an  impact  on  the
United  States  dollar  or  Canadian  dollar  equivalent  of  any  dividends  and  distributions  of  SA  Sub’s  shares,  the
comparability of SA Sub’s results between financial periods and the amount in Rand of any non-Rand denominated
debt. In addition, fluctuations in currency exchanges between the Rand and currencies in African countries where SA
Sub invests could impact on the value of these investments and net profit.

Investments May Be Made In Foreign Private Businesses Where Information Is Unreliable
or Unavailable

In  pursuing  the  company’s  investment  strategy,  the  company  may  seek  to  make  one  or  more  investments  in
privately-held businesses. As minimal public information exists about private businesses, the company could be
required to make investment decisions on whether to pursue a potential investment in a private business on the basis
of limited information, which may result in an investment in a business that is not as profitable as the company
initially suspected, if at all.

Investments in private businesses pose certain incremental risks as compared to investments in public businesses,
including that they:

(cid:127) have reduced access to the capital markets, resulting in diminished capital resources and ability to withstand

financial distress;

(cid:127) may have limited financial resources and may be unable to meet their obligations under their debt securities
that the company may hold, which may be accompanied by a deterioration in the value of any collateral and a
reduction in the likelihood of the company realizing any guarantees that it may have obtained in connection
with its investment;

(cid:127) may have shorter operating histories, narrower product lines and smaller market shares than larger businesses,
which tend to render them more vulnerable to competitors’ actions and changing market conditions, as well
as general economic downturns;

(cid:127) are more likely to depend on the management talents and efforts of a small group of persons; therefore, the
death, disability, resignation or termination of one or more of these persons could have a material adverse
impact on a portfolio investment and, as a result, the company; and

(cid:127) generally  have  less  predictable  operating  results,  may  from  time  to  time  be  parties  to  litigation,  may  be
engaged in rapidly changing businesses with products subject to a substantial risk of obsolescence, and may
require  substantial  additional  capital  to  support  their  operations,  finance  expansion  or  maintain  their
competitive position.

Significant Ownership by Fairfax May Adversely Affect the Market Price of the Subordinate
Voting Shares

As of March 8, 2018, Fairfax and its affiliates hold a 98.8% and 64.2% voting and equity interest, respectively, in the
company  through  ownership  of  all  of  the  30,000,000  issued  and  outstanding  Multiple  Voting  Shares  and
2,500,000 Subordinate Voting Shares.

66

For so long as Fairfax, either directly or through one or more subsidiaries, maintains a significant voting interest in
the company, Fairfax will have the ability to exercise substantial influence with respect to the company’s affairs and
significantly  affect  the  outcome  of  shareholder  votes,  and  may  have  the  ability  to  prevent  certain  fundamental
transactions.

Accordingly, the Subordinate Voting Shares may be less liquid and trade at a relative discount compared to such
Subordinate  Voting  Shares  in  circumstances  where  Fairfax  did  not  have  the  ability  to  significantly  influence  or
determine matters affecting the company. Additionally, Fairfax’s significant voting interest in the company may
discourage transactions involving a change of control of the company, including transactions in which an investor,
as a holder of Subordinate Voting Shares, might otherwise receive a premium for its Subordinate Voting Shares over
the then-current market price.

Emerging Markets

The  company’s  investment  objective  is  to  achieve  long-term  capital  appreciation,  while  preserving  capital,  by
investing in African Investments. Foreign investment risk is particularly high given that the company invests in
securities of issuers based in or doing business in emerging market countries.

The economies of emerging market countries have been and may continue to be adversely affected by economic
conditions  in  the  countries  with  which  they  trade.  The  economies  of  emerging  market  countries  may  also  be
predominantly based on only a few industries or dependent on revenues from particular commodities. In addition,
custodial services and other investment-related costs may be more expensive in emerging markets than in many
developed  markets,  which  could  reduce  the  company’s  income  from  securities  or  debt  instruments  of  emerging
market country issuers.

Certain  African  countries  still  have  some  form  of  exchange  control  regulation  that  can  lead  to  additional  costs,
delays  and/or  restrictions/requirements  on  the  repatriation  of  profits  for  the  company.  There  is  a  heightened
possibility  of  imposition  of  withholding  taxes  on  interest  or  dividend  income  generated  from  emerging  market
securities. It is also possible that certain African revenue authorities will apply a withholding tax in breach of the
relevant tax treaty and the company may be unable to reclaim this undue tax in the form of a tax credit.

Governments of emerging market countries may engage in confiscatory taxation or expropriation of income and/or
assets  to  raise  revenues  or  to  pursue  a  domestic  political  agenda.  In  the  past,  emerging  market  countries  have
nationalized assets, companies and even entire sectors, including the assets of foreign investors, with inadequate or
no compensation to the prior owners. Certain governments in African countries may also restrict or control the
ability of foreign investors to invest in securities by varying degrees. These restrictions and controls may limit or
preclude foreign investment, require governmental approval, special licences, impose certain costs and expenses,
and/or limit the amount of foreign investment, or limit such investment to certain classes of securities that may be
less advantageous than the classes available for purchase by domestic investors. There can be no assurance that the
company will not suffer a loss of any or all of its investments or, interest or dividends thereon, due to adverse fiscal or
other policy changes in emerging market countries.

Governments of many emerging market countries have exercised and continue to exercise substantial influence over
many aspects of the private sector. In some cases, the government owns or controls many companies, including
some of the largest in the country. Crime, corruption and fraud in certain African countries, as well as ties between
government, agencies or officials and the private sector, have resulted, and could in the future result, in preferential
treatment for local competitors, inefficient resource allocation, arbitrary decisions and other practices or policies.
Accordingly, government actions could have a significant effect on economic conditions in an emerging country
and on market conditions, prices and yields of securities in the company’s portfolio.

Bankruptcy law and creditor reorganization processes in the African countries in which the company may invest
may differ substantially from those in Canada and the United States, resulting in greater uncertainty as to the rights
of creditors, the enforceability of such rights, reorganization timing and the classification, seniority and treatment of
claims.  In  certain  emerging  market  countries,  although  bankruptcy  laws  have  been  enacted,  the  process  for
reorganization remains highly uncertain. In addition, it may be impossible to seek legal redress against an issuer that
is a sovereign state.

Also, because publicly traded debt instruments of emerging market issuers represent a relatively recent innovation in
the world debt markets, there is little historical data or related market experience concerning the attributes of such
instruments under all economic, market and political conditions.

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FAIRFAX  AFRICA  HOLDINGS  CORPORATION

Other heightened risks associated with emerging markets investments include without limitation: (i) risks due to less
social,  political  and  economic  stability,  including  the  risk  of  war,  terrorism,  nationalization,  limitations  on  the
removal of funds or other assets, or diplomatic developments that affect investments in these countries; (ii) the
smaller size of the market for such securities and a lower volume of trading, resulting in a lack of liquidity and in price
volatility;  (iii)  certain  national  policies  which  may  restrict  the  company’s  investment  opportunities,  including
restrictions on investing in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to relevant national interests and requirements that
government approval be obtained prior to investment by foreign persons; (iv) certain national policies that may
restrict the company’s repatriation of investment income, capital or the proceeds of sales of securities, including
temporary restrictions on foreign capital remittances; (v) the lack of uniform accounting and auditing standards
and/or  standards  that  may  be  significantly  different  from  the  standards  required  in  Canada;  (vi)  less  publicly
available  financial  and  other  information  regarding  issuers;  (vii)  potential  difficulties  in  enforcing  contractual
obligations;  (viii)  higher  rates  of  inflation,  higher  interest  rates  and  other  economic  concerns;  and  (ix)  less
development  and/or  obsolescence  in  banking  systems  and  practices,  postal  systems,  communications  and
information technology and transportation networks. The company may invest to a substantial extent in emerging
market securities that are denominated in currencies other than the United States dollar, subjecting the company to a
greater  degree  of  foreign  currency  risk.  Also,  investing  in  emerging  market  countries  may  entail  purchases  of
securities  of  issuers  that  are  insolvent,  bankrupt  or  otherwise  of  questionable  ability  to  satisfy  their  payment
obligations as they become due, subjecting the company to a greater amount of credit risk and/or high yield risk.

As reflected in the above discussion, investments in emerging market securities involve a greater degree of risk than,
and special risks in addition to the risks associated with, investments in domestic securities or in securities of foreign
developed countries.

South African Black Economic Empowerment

As a company that is seeking to invest in South Africa and that has made the AFGRI Investment, the entities in which
the  company  may  invest  could  be  required  to  comply  with  the  South  African  government’s  policy  and  legal
framework relating to black economic empowerment in respect of any South African investments. Black economic
empowerment is governed generally by the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act of 2003 and the Codes
of Good Practice, promulgated under that Act. The relevant South African entities will be required to comply with
local procurement, employment equity, ownership and other regulations which are designated to address social and
economic transformation issues, redress social and economic inequalities and ensure socio-economic stability from
time  to  time.  Compliance  with  the  said  legislation  and  policies,  including  the  need  to  meet  minimum  equity
ownership targets depending on the sector of the proposed investment, may result in the dilution of the company’s
indirect interest in its South African investments whilst non-compliance with the said legislation and policies may
result  in  financial  penalties,  the  loss  of  key  customer  contacts  with  state  owned  entities  and  parastatals  or  the
suspension or revocation of any underlying licenses that the relevant entity requires in order to conduct its business
which,  in  either  case,  could  have  an  adverse  effect  on  the  company’s  business,  financial  condition  and  results
of operations.

Economic Risk

The economies of certain African countries have grown rapidly during the past several years and there is no assurance
that this growth rate will be maintained. Certain countries in Africa may experience substantial (and, in some cases,
extremely  high)  rates  of  inflation  or  economic  recessions  causing  a  negative  effect  on  such  economies.  Certain
countries in Africa may also impose restrictions on the exchange or export of currency, institute adverse currency
exchange rates or experience a lack of available currency hedging instruments. Any of these events could have a
material adverse effect on their respective economies.

Taxation Risks

The company structures its business according to prevailing taxation law and practice in Canada, Mauritius and
South Africa. Any change in tax policy, tax legislation (including in relation to taxation rates), the interpretation of
tax policy or legislation or practice could adversely affect the company’s return earned on investments and on the
capital  available  to  be  invested.  Further,  taxes  and  other  constraints  that  would  apply  to  the  company  and  its
consolidated subsidiaries in such jurisdictions may not apply to other parties, and such parties may therefore have a
significantly lower effective cost of capital and a corresponding competitive advantage in pursuing investments. A
number of other factors may increase the effective tax rates, which would have a negative impact on net earnings.

68

These include, but are not limited to, changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities, and any
reassessment of taxes by a taxation authority. The company has tax specialist personnel for assessing the income tax
consequences of planned transactions and events and undertaking the appropriate tax planning. The company also
consults  with  external  tax  professionals  as  needed.  Tax  legislation  of  each  jurisdiction  in  which  the  company
operates is interpreted to determine income taxes and expected timing of the reversal of deferred income tax assets
and liabilities.

Tax Laws in African Jurisdictions

In February 2013 the South African Minister of Finance, when tabling the 2013/14 Budget, announced that the
South African Government will initiate a tax review ‘‘to assess our tax policy framework and its role in supporting the
objectives of inclusive growth, employment, development and fiscal sustainability’’. The committee set up to conduct the
review is known as The Davis Tax Committee (‘‘DTC’’). The terms of reference of the DTC are to inquire into the role
of the tax system in the promotion of inclusive economic growth, employment creation, development and fiscal
sustainability.  Aspects  that  are  to  receive  specific  attention  from  the  DTC  include  a  review  of  the  corporate  tax
system, whether the current mining tax regime is appropriate and the efficiency and effectiveness of the VAT system
(sub  committees  have  been  set  up  to  deal  with  specific  items  in  the  terms  of  reference).  The  DTC  will  make
recommendations to the Minister of Finance and any tax proposals arising from these recommendations will be
announced  as  part  of  the  usual  budget  and  legislative  processes.  The  DTC  has  not  concluded  all  of  its
recommendations but published 6 final reports in November 2017. Accordingly, it is possible that SA Sub and its
investments  in  South  Africa  could  become  subject  to  taxation  outlined  in  the  reports  that  is  not  currently
anticipated, or it may become subject to a higher rate of taxation, which could have a materially adverse effect on its
business, financial condition and results of operations in South Africa.

Changes in Law

The Republic of Mauritius or South African legal framework under which Mauritius Sub and SA Sub, respectively,
invest  in  Africa  may  undergo  changes  in  the  future,  which  could  impose  additional  costs  or  burdens  on  the
Company’s  operations.  Future  changes  to  Mauritian  or  South  African  law,  or  the  relevant  tax  treaties,  or  the
interpretations given to them by regulatory authorities, could impose additional costs or obligations on Mauritius
Sub’s  and  SA  Sub’s  activities  in  Mauritius  or  South  Africa.  Significant  adverse  tax  consequences  could  result  if
Mauritius Sub or SA Sub do not qualify for benefits under the relevant tax treaties. There can be no assurance that
Mauritius Sub or SA Sub will continue to qualify for or receive the benefits of the relevant tax treaties or that the terms
of the relevant tax treaties will not be modified. It is possible that provisions of the relevant tax treaties will be
overridden by local legislation in a way that materially adversely affects the Company, Mauritius Sub and SA Sub.
Further, there can be no assurance that changes in the law or government policies of Mauritius or South Africa that
may  limit  or  eliminate  a  non-Mauritian  or  non-South  African  investor’s  ability  to  make  investments  into  other
countries in Africa via Mauritius or South Africa will not occur.

Trading Price of Common Shares Relative to Book Value per Share

The company is neither a mutual fund nor an investment fund, and due to the nature of its business and investment
strategy, and the composition of its investment portfolio, the market price of its common shares, at any time, may
vary significantly from its book value per share. This risk is separate and distinct from the risk that the market price of
the common shares may decrease.

Other

Quarterly Data (unaudited)

US$ thousands, except per share amounts
2017
Income (loss)
Expenses (recovery)
Provision for (recovery of) income taxes
Net earnings (loss)
Net earnings (loss) per share (basic and diluted)

First

Fourth
Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter

Second

Third

Full Year

2,501
594
1,357
550
$ 0.02

4,139
1,187
(812)
3,764
$ 0.07

41,640
8,189
432
33,019
$ 0.65

(16,429)
(2,088)
(492)
(13,849)
$ (0.27)

31,851
7,882
485
23,484
$ 0.54

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FAIRFAX  AFRICA  HOLDINGS  CORPORATION

Total loss of $16,429 in the fourth quarter of 2017 primarily related to a net change in unrealized loss on Atlas Mara
ordinary shares of $26,866 and an unrealized loss on the indirect equity interest in AFGRI of $1,794, partially offset
by  net  foreign  exchange  gains  of  $9,684  principally  related  to  the  indirect  equity  interest  in  AFGRI  and  the
AFGRI Facility.

Total recovery of $2,088 in the fourth quarter of 2017 primarily related to a recovery of performance fees of $5,314
(as a result of common shareholder’s equity decreasing in the fourth quarter of 2017), partially offset by investment
advisory fees of $1,395, interest expense of $1,195 and general and administration expenses of $636.

Individual quarterly results have been (and are expected to continue to be) significantly impacted by net unrealized
gains or losses on investments, the timing of which is not predictable.

Stock Prices and Share Information

At March 9, 2018, the company had 20,620,189 subordinate voting shares and 30,000,000 multiple voting shares
outstanding (an aggregate of 50,620,189 common shares outstanding). Each subordinate voting share carries one
vote per share at all meetings of shareholders except for separate meetings of holders of another class of shares. Each
multiple voting share carries fifty votes per share at all meetings of shareholders except for separate meetings of
holders of another class of shares. The multiple voting shares are not publicly traded.

The  table  that  follows  presents  the  Toronto  Stock  Exchange  high,  low  and  closing  U.S.  dollar  prices  of  the
subordinate voting shares of Fairfax Africa, trading under the symbol FAH.U, for each quarter of 2017.

First

Second

Fourth
Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter
($US)

Third

2017

High
Low
Close

10.05
9.65
10.00

10.75
9.90
10.75

14.70
10.45
14.20

15.90
14.05
14.16

Compliance with Corporate Governance Rules

Fairfax Africa is a Canadian reporting issuer with securities listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and trading in
U.S. dollars under the symbol FAH.U. It has in place corporate governance practices that comply with all applicable
rules and substantially comply with all applicable guidelines and policies of the Canadian Securities Administrators
and the practices set out therein.

The company’s Board of Directors has adopted a set of Corporate Governance Guidelines (which include a written
mandate  of  the  Board),  established  an  Audit  Committee  and  Governance,  Compensation  and  Nominating
Committee, approved written charters for all of its committees, approved a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
applicable to all directors, officers and employees of the company and established, in conjunction with the Audit
Committee,  a  Whistleblower  Policy.  The  company  continues  to  monitor  developments  in  the  area  of  corporate
governance as well as its own procedures.

Forward-Looking Statements

This annual report may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation.
Forward-looking statements may relate to the company’s or an African Investment’s future outlook and anticipated
events or results and may include statements regarding the financial position, business strategy, growth strategy,
budgets, operations, financial results, taxes, dividends, plans and objectives of the company. Particularly, statements
regarding  future  results,  performance,  achievements,  prospects  or  opportunities  of  the  company,  an  African
Investment, or the African market are forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be
identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as ‘‘plans’’, ‘‘expects’’ or ‘‘does not expect’’, ‘‘is expected’’,
‘‘budget’’, ‘‘scheduled’’, ‘‘estimates’’, ‘‘forecasts’’, ‘‘intends’’, ‘‘anticipates’’ or ‘‘does not anticipate’’ or ‘‘believes’’, or
variations  of  such  words  and  phrases  or  state  that  certain  actions,  events  or  results  ‘‘may’’,  ‘‘could’’,  ‘‘would’’,
‘‘might’’, ‘‘will’’ or ‘‘will be taken’’, ‘‘occur’’ or ‘‘be achieved’’.

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Forward-looking statements are based on our opinions and estimates as of the date of this annual report and they are
subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results,
level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such
forward-looking statements, including but not limited to the following factors that are described in greater detail
elsewhere  in  this  prospectus  or  in  the  documents  incorporated  by  reference  herein:  taxation  of  the  company;
taxation of Fairfax Africa Holdings Investments Limited (‘‘Mauritius Sub’’) and Fairfax Africa Investments Proprietary
Limited (‘‘SA Sub’’); substantial loss of capital; shareholders are not entitled to vote on our proposed investments;
long term nature of investment; limited number of investments; geographic concentration of investments; potential
lack  of  diversification;  financial  market  fluctuations;  pace  of  completing  investments;  control  or  significant
influence position risk; minority investments; ranking of the company’s investments and structural subordination;
follow-on investments; prepayments of debt investments; risks upon dispositions of investments; bridge financings;
reliance on key personnel and risks associated with the administration and investment advisory services agreement;
effect of fees; performance fee could induce Fairfax to make speculative investments; operating and financial risks of
African  investments;  allocation  of  personnel;  potential  conflicts  of  interest;  the  liability  of  Hamblin  Watsa
Investment Counsel Ltd. (the ‘‘Portfolio Advisor’’) is limited; employee misconduct at the Portfolio Advisor could
harm the company; valuation methodologies involve subjective judgments; lawsuits; foreign currency fluctuation;
derivative risks; unknown merits and risks of future investments; opinions from independent investment banks or
accounting firms are not contemplated; resources could be wasted in researching investment opportunities that are
not ultimately completed; investments may be made in foreign private businesses where information is unreliable or
unavailable;  material,  non-public  information;  illiquidity  of  investments;  competitive  market  for  investment
opportunities;  use  of  leverage;  investing  in  leveraged  businesses;  regulation;  potential  volatility  of  Subordinate
Voting  Share  price;  dilution;  market  discount;  limited  control;  financial  reporting  and  other  public  company
requirements; limited voting rights of the Subordinate Voting Shares; significant ownership by Fairfax may adversely
affect the market price of the Subordinate Voting Shares; United States Investment company Act of 1940; emerging
markets; corporate disclosure, governance and regulatory requirements; legal and regulatory risks; volatility of the
African securities markets; political, economic, social and other factors; governance issues risk; tax laws in African
jurisdictions;  changes  in  law;  South  African  exchange  control  regulations;  South  African  currency  fluctuations;
South African bilateral investment treaties; South African black economic empowerment; enforcement of rights;
smaller  company  risk;  due  diligence  and  conduct  of  potential  investment  entities;  reliance  on  trading  partners;
natural disaster risks; sovereign debt risk; and economic risk. Additional risks and uncertainties are described in the
company’s annual information form which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the company’s website
at www.fairfaxafrica.ca. These factors and assumptions are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors and
assumptions that could affect the company. These factors and assumptions, however, should be considered carefully.

Although the company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially
from  those  contained  in  forward-looking  statements,  there  may  be  other  factors  that  cause  results  not  to  be  as
anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as
actual  results  and  future  events  could  differ  materially  from  those  anticipated  in  such  statements.  Accordingly,
readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The company does not undertake to update
any forward-looking statements contained herein, except as required by applicable securities laws.

71

Directors of the Company

Hisham Ezz Al-Arab
Chairman and Managing Director
Commercial International Bank

Christopher D. Hodgson
President
Ontario Mining Association

Quinn McLean
Managing Director, Middle East and Africa
Hamblin Watsa Investment Counsel

Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli
Managing Partner
Sahel Consulting Agriculture and Nutrition Ltd.

Richard Okello
Co-Founder and Partner
Sango Capital Management

Paul C. Rivett
Vice Chairman of the Company

V. Prem Watsa
Chairman of the Company

Michael Wilkerson
Chief Executive Officer of the Company

Louis von Zeuner
Chairman
African Bank

Operating Management

Fairfax Africa Investments Proprietary Limited

Fairfax Africa Holdings Investments Limited

Dylan Buttrick
Managing Director, South Africa and Mauritius

Officers of the Company

Guy Bentinck
Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary

Paul C. Rivett
Vice Chairman of the Company

V. Prem Watsa
Chairman of the Company

Michael Wilkerson
Chief Executive Officer of the Company

Head Office

95 Wellington Street West
Suite 800
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5J 2N7
Telephone: (416) 367-4755
Website: www.fairfaxafrica.ca

Auditor

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Transfer Agents and Registrars

Computershare Trust Company of Canada, Toronto

Share Listing

Toronto Stock Exchange
Stock Symbol: FAH.U

Annual Meeting

The annual meeting of the shareholders of
Fairfax Africa Holdings Corporation will be
held on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 at 2:30 p.m.
(Toronto time) at The Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel,
Provincial Ballroom North, 2nd Floor,
123 Queen Street West, Toronto, Canada

72