Why?

Leapfrogging Investment Vision Proposition

Why AfricaSIF Matters...

"Sustainability- oriented investing is rapidly making its way to the core of investment thinking in many parts of the world, but has been slow to reach African shores where it can do the most good for people and precious natural resources. Africa's competitiveness may surpass all expectations if we are able to unleash sustainable investing on the continent. AfricaSIF finally brings the information and networks to make it happen." - Louise Gardiner, IFC consultant, Shenzhen, China and South Africa.

“AfricaSIF will provide the needed expertise that is required to ensure that investment delivers for human development while ensuring that the Natural Capital, that everything depends on, is preserved” - Stanley Nyoni, Natural Capital, Stockholm, Sweden and Zimbabwe.

"AfricaSIF facilitates the integration of ESG factors in Africa investments ensuring that progressive businesses and ideas are rewarded with investment capital, thus accelerating the pace of development in the region." - Ike Nwagbara, MIFFT 2010, London Business School, London and Nigeria.

"I strongly believe that through its mission to promote the systematic inclusion of environmental, social, and governance dimensions in the investment process; as well as through its Network / Knowledgebase / Advocacy structure, AfricaSIF will positively contribute to our continent's sustainable development." - Roselyne Yao, Research Analyst, JPS Global Investments, San Francisco, USA and Senegal.

"My past work and academic experience showed me the important role informed investing plays within international development. AfricaSIF creates a space where investors and practitioners can communicate and make responsible investment decisions, which will ultimately lead to more sustainable development." - Cathy Richards, MPA 2010, Monterey Institute of International Studies, California, USA.

“Through my previous work experience, I have become passionate about both economic development in Africa and sustainable investing. The AfricaSIF Project merges these interests in a unique way, and I am confident that the project will contribute to increasing both the quantity and quality of investment on the continent for years to come.” – Kelly Knorr, MBA 2010, Haas School at UC-Berkeley, California, USA.

“A think tank of professionals that dedicate their time and skill to advocate sustainable development (capital, infrastructure, education etc.) to meet the continents imperatives by providing thought leadership on ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) issues.” – Loyiso Mabece, ASISA [Association for Savings & Investment South Africa], Cape Town, South Africa.

"In order for sustainable investment to be a reality in Africa, transparency, collaboration and knowledge-sharing will be essential: this is what AfricaSIF offers. It is a multi-faceted resource that clearly articulates the value proposition of investment in Africa."Matt Stephenson, MBA Candidate 2011, The Wharton School of Business, Pennsylvania USA.

"AfricaSIF is a builder of Africa showcasing its potential, establishing and projecting its attractive form, through amongst others high quality data, an essential ingredient for sustainability to thrive.” - Mandisa Zungu, Old Mutual Investment Group South Africa [OMIGSA], Cape Town, South Africa.

2010 is set to be a landmark year for Africa. With the world’s eyes on the FIFA World Cup 2010, massive infrastructure development is taking place and the knock-on effects for the economy and business opportunities at large is immense. Africa has about the same number of potential consumers as India or China. After 40 years of sub-par growth, Africa's GDP grew at 5% for five straight years from 2002-2007, putting Africa back on the global investment radar.

AfricaSIF aims to attract new capital in new ways to Africa - investment that integrates environmental, social and governance factors. AfricaSIF is an independent, pan-African, not-for-profit network of investment practitioners who see AfricaSIF as a community of individuals and institutions that can help grow sustainable investment on the continent by taking a long-term interest in Africa’s economic development. By working together, AfricaSIF members will increase the market for sustainable investment in Africa.

Analysis in March 2009 indicates approximately USD 6.9 trillion [2007] including USD 300 billion [2009] in emerging markets was invested integrating ESG factors.

But how much of this sustainable investment is in Africa? The AfricaSIF vision is to ensure that the finance and investment sector practising their profession in/into Africa advances sustainable development through integrating ESG factors into all investment decisions. AfricaSIF will provide services and opportunities for our members to work together to align investment profitability with social and environmental responsibility in Africa.

Views from Across Africa

"The asset owners in the Principal Officers Association are increasingly driving alignment of their fund managers and service providers toward the sustainable investment theme. AfricaSIF is a new element of the investment ecosystem that will play a vital catalytic role across Africa in accelerating this process." - Wanjiru Kirima, chairperson of the Principal Officers’ Association and AfricaSIF co-founder at AfricaSIF launch at JSE on 9 June 2010.

"After decades of stagnation, Africa’s economies experienced a marked acceleration in growth during the past ten years. The magnitude of the continent’s development story is startling in its specifics and the opportunity it presents. What factors underpinned Africa’s growth and the continent’s prospects? The rate of return on foreign investment is higher in Africa than in any other developing region." "Global executives and investors must pay heed. The continent’s growth story isn’t entirely about the extractive industries. The region has already made great strides below the radar. It now stands to become the developing world’s next great success story." - McKinsey Quarterly, June 2010

"I have come here to Ghana for a simple reason. The 21st Century will be shaped by what happens not just in Rome or Moscow or Washington, but by what happens in Ghana as well. Development depends upon good governance. And that is a responsibility that can only be met by Africans" US President Barack Obama address to Ghanaian parliament July 2009. See video message on R. Nelson Mandela's birthday 2008 video.

Why AfricaSIF?