In this month’s issue of Africa Global Funds, we meet with Haley Littleton of Shuraako, which manages the Nordic Fund, the first impact fund of its kind in the Somali. He believes this new financial model for investment in fragile regions is an example of creating an effective partnership with international investors, local officials, and entrepreneurs to promote growth, peace, and prosperity, foster entrepreneurship, create jobs and create a sustainable business environment. Read on p.13.

In addition, Edmund Higenbottam of Verdant Capital shares his thoughts on the financial technology (fintech) ecosystem in Africa. He says it is entering into a new, exciting and challenging phase with more capital, more competition from incumbents from different quarters and more consolidation (M&A). As key segments grow, the rewards and risks grow for challengers and incumbents. Learn more on pp.14-15. 

In this month’s edition, we also meet with Ronald J. Samuels, CEO of Botswana Life Insurance. We discuss the firm, its investment strategy, trends in Botswana insurance sector and challenges on pp.16-17.

Our commentary is on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and how it can drive profitability and enhance an asset manager’s brand. The new BEE.conomics 2021 report by 27four Investment Managers finds that a strong business case exists as to why DEI should be embedded into organisational strategy (p. 22).

On the new funds in Africa, STANLIB has launched a Pan Africa Debt Fund. Meanwhile, AFC has created an independent asset management arm, AFC Capital Partners, with a debut offering - the Infrastructure Climate Resilient Fund (ICRF); and ARM-Harith launched Urban Climate Infrastructure Fund for West Africa (read news on pp.4-6)