African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM), Africa’s largest dedicated sustainable infrastructure equity manager, has announced two new key appointments to spearhead its African Transition Acceleration Fund (ATAF 1).

Lisa Pinsley was appointed as the Fund Head and new member of the AIIM Executive Committee, and Zoë Pierre, as Investment Manager.

ATAF 1 is AIIM’s newest pan-African investment vehicle, designed to support Africa’s energy transition.

The Fund will focus on early-stage and scaling up investments across three core energy transition themes: clean electrons, clean molecules and sustainable transport.

This innovative fund marks a significant step in addressing Africa’s energy transition finance deficit.

Pinsley (pictured) has over 25 years of experience in emerging markets including 16 years of leadership in energy, infrastructure investments and sustainability across Africa and the Middle East.

Prior to joining AIIM, she was a Partner and Head of Middle East & Africa, Energy at Actis.

She has also held senior positions at American Capital Energy & Infrastructure, Globeleq and AES.

Prior to her energy career, Pinsley spent five years working in the public sector in Afghanistan for the Afghan Finance Minister and for the UN.

“I am excited about this new role for many reasons. First, the ATAF investment strategy addresses a critical gap in the energy transition investment space, taking a commercial approach to funding early-stage sustainable energy businesses. Furthermore, it’s great to join the AIIM team and ecosystem. I’ve known and have enjoyed transacting with the AIIM team for more than a decade, and I respect AIIM’s track record as the region’s largest infrastructure investor,” Pinsley said.

Pierre brings extensive expertise in structuring and executing energy and infrastructure investments, with over a decade of experience across developed and emerging markets.

At Macquarie Asset Management, she successfully led high-value corporate and project finance transactions, driving significant growth in assets under management.

Her strong foundation in financial analysis and risk management, combined with a technical perspective gained as an exploration geophysicist enable her to deliver innovative and impactful solutions.

Olusola Lawson, AIIM's Managing Director and Co-CEO, commented: “We are thrilled to welcome both Lisa and Zoë to the AIIM team as part of our new Energy Transition strategy. With their extensive industry networks and vast experience gained from working with global leaders in the energy and infrastructure sectors, they bring invaluable insights and connections that will greatly benefit the Fund."

"Their addition will not only enhance our ability to drive sustainable energy growth on the continent but also strengthen the broader AIIM platform by fostering collaboration and innovation across our investment portfolio. ATAF 1 is an exciting addition to our stable of infrastructure funds, which includes the African Infrastructure Investment Fund series, the IDEAS fund, and our global emerging markets partnership, Augment Infrastructure.”