The Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN), a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the scale and effectiveness of impact investing around the world, has appointed Ashley Elliot as Global Liaison for East Africa. 

Elliot will work out of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to help the GIIN build strategic partnerships, promote impact investing and support GIIN members across the region.  

He becomes the GIIN’s fourth global liaison, highlighting the GIIN’s growing global presence and support for the international impact investing community. 

Elliot has a longstanding commitment to impact investing and a deep knowledge of the region. 

Alongside his work with the GIIN, he is a Managing Partner at research and strategy firm Sofala Partners, which gives on-the-ground expert advice to organizations operating in sub-Saharan Africa, including impact investors, traditional investors and non-financial institutions such as development agencies and non-governmental organizations. 

Prior to joining Sofala Partners, he advised global companies on investment strategy in East Africa as General Manager at Africa Practice Tanzania, having begun his career at the World Bank Group.

Commenting on his appointment, Elliot said: “East Africa has huge potential. Impact investors are already making real returns and impacts in fields such as agribusiness, mobile financial services, off-grid solar and basic services – from affordable housing to education, health and sanitation. These investee companies are addressing critical needs with innovative ideas, and that has the potential to change lives.”

“At the recent GIIN Investor Forum in Amsterdam, we asked a room packed with impact investors from around the world whether they were interested in East Africa. More than 80% raised their hands. There’s clearly massive demand to find and finance viable projects in the region, and I’m delighted to be part of the GIIN team helping to make that happen,” he added.

Elliot’s extensive experience in the region and expertise in impact investing ideally place him to support the development of the regional impact investing market and strengthen connections between East Africa and the global impact investing community. 

“Ashley is a fantastic addition to the GIIN’s network of global liaisons. He brings a deep local expertise in a region that is of particular interest to a growing community of impact investors,” said Amit Bouri, CEO and co-founder of the GIIN. 

“The GIIN continues to expand our local presence in regions around the world to increasingly support those investing in solutions to global challenges. Having Ashley on board helps us do just that,” he said.