An estimated $4 trillion is needed annually from private investors to help finance development priorities and accelerate sustainable, inclusive growth around the world. It is commonly said that the money is in the global financial system, and that investors have a unique opportunity to generate yield in emerging and developing economies while potentially financing development impact. But despite the talk, Africa has so far struggled to attract and effectively absorb impact investment flows. Is Africa truly an attractive investment destination for investors looking to have impact? What are the opportunities, and how does risk measure up against reward? Scale is often cited as the reason for an apparent lack of investor interest—so how can impact investing be scaled to create appealing investment sizes? Can public markets play a role, as they are increasingly doing in more developed markets? What more is needed—and from whom—so that Africa can meaningfully seize on the impact investing opportunity? 

Moderator

Mary Ellen Iskenderian

CEO and President, Women's World Banking

Speakers

Clare Akamanzi

CEO, Rwanda Development Board

Matt Christensen

Global Head of Sustainable and Impact Investing, Allianz Global Investors

Jake Cusack

Managing Partner, CrossBoundary

Mohammed Dewji

President, MeTL Group

Rekha Unnithan

Global Head of Impact Private Equity, Nuveen