Helios Investment Partners has received a Certified B Corporation (B Corp) status that recognizes the firm’s long-standing commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices

Tope Lawani, Helios’ co-founder and Managing Partner, said: “B Corps meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.”

“We firmly believe this approach creates more valuable and more sustainable businesses with stronger long-term growth prospects. Certifying as a B Corp is a way to signal this commitment.”

The B Corp certification, awarded by B Lab, recognizes that the firm adheres to the highest standards of corporate governance, transparency, accountability, and social and environmental performance – including its investment strategy and activities.

Helios’ mission is to generate globally competitive investment returns and create positive socio-economic development outcomes by building profitable, value-creating and socially responsible businesses in Africa.

B Corp certification underscores the fact that Helios’ mission and values are aligned with those of the B Corp community, whose members use business as a force for good.

“Since the firm’s inception, we have integrated financial, governance, environmental and social considerations into our investment framework, which we believe is essential for creating value and mitigating risk. This is particularly true in the developing markets in which we operate.  Our pioneering approach on the continent and best-in-class operating practices enable us to transform African businesses, delivering both economic and societal benefits,” Lawani said.

To achieve B Corp status, organizations must score at least 80 points in the assessment process. On average, companies that complete the test score around 50 points; Helios is proud to have achieved a total of 97.9 points.

Kate Sandle from B Lab UK, said: “B Lab is delighted that Helios Investment Partners has certified as a B Corp. The firm has met high standards of governance, environmental and social performance which they have chosen to be independently verified by B Lab.”

“This is a testament to the standard of their current practices and their ongoing commitment to creating a positive impact across the whole of their business, both within their own operations and the management of their pan-African portfolios.”