Impact investing in West Africa
Investments made into companies, organisations and funds with the intention to generate a significant beneficial social or environmental impact alongside financial returns are called impact investments.
Mon, 05 Dec 2016 14:12:47 GMT
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AI Generated Summary
- Mobilizing the private sector for impact investment, particularly in clean energy, presents significant opportunities and challenges for West Africa.
- Lessons from the UK and continental Europe highlight the importance of a strong regulatory framework and collaboration in driving sustainable investments.
- Financial instruments like green bonds offer innovative ways to attract investments in green energy and environmental initiatives.
Impact investing, defined as investments made into companies, organizations, and funds with the intention to generate a significant beneficial social or environmental impact alongside financial returns, is gaining momentum in West Africa. Dr. Ese Owie, Director and CEO of the Centre for International Trade and Policy in Geneva, and Dr. Xi Liang, Senior Lecturer at the University of Edinburgh, shed light on this growing trend in a recent CNBC Africa interview. The focus of the discussion revolved around mobilizing the private sector for impact investment, particularly in clean energy, and the opportunities and challenges this presents for the region. As Africa strives to address its energy generation deficit and attract green investments, lessons from the UK and continental Europe provide valuable insights on creating an enabling environment for investors. The conversation also delved into innovative financial instruments like green bonds and the importance of collaboration to drive sustainable impact in the region. Dr. Liang emphasized the need for a strong regulatory framework to entice institutional investors, while Dr. Owie underscored the significance of forming partnerships and coalitions to drive impactful change. With the right strategies and a collaborative approach, West Africa can unlock the potential of green investments and pave the way for a sustainable future.