Investing for Impact
British International Investment is the UK's development finance institution and impact investor, backed by the UK Government. With over 75 years of experience, it invests in businesses across Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. The podcast explores how investment can create productive, sustainable, and inclusive economic outcomes. It discusses partnerships with over 1,000 businesses to help them grow and have a positive impact.
Episodes
IMPACT= Mobilising capital for Asia's climate transition
South and South-East Asia sit at the heart of the global climate transition, with rapidly growing economies and significant investment opportunities in renewable energy, climate infrastructure and sustainable development. Yet mobilising the scale of private capital needed remains one of the region's biggest challenges.In this episode, Jo Fry (British International Investment) is joined by Gillian
IMPACT= Post COP30 reflections on mobilising capital for climate and development
In this post‑COP30 debrief, BII’s Amal‑Lee Amin is joined by two leading voices in climate finance - Nick Mabey, CEO of E3G and founder of London Climate Action Week, and Rhian‑Mari Thomas, CEO of the Green Finance Institute, to share their reflections on what the summit delivered and how progress can be accelerated.Together, they discuss the key outcomes from COP30, examine the funding gaps that
IMPACT= Investing for gender equity and climate resilience
In this episode, we explore intersection between gender equity and climate resilience in emerging markets. Recorded during London Climate Action Week, this fireside chat features Lori Kerr, CEO of FinDev Canada, and Leslie Maasdorp, CEO of British International Investment, in conversation at our London office.Together, they discuss how integrated investments in gender and climate are already drivi
IMPACT = Using blended finance to increase private capital in emerging markets
Across North America and Europe, international development budgets are being slashed. Development Finance Institutions need to ensure that every dollar invested delivers maximum possible impact. Blended finance - where concessionary capital provided by DFIs and others - is used to attract private capital to address acute climate and development needs, is becoming an increasingly important vehicle
IMPACT = Podcast with Cherie Blair, CBE KC
For this special International Women’s Day episode, we are joined by Cherie Blair, CBE KC, a distinguished barrister and human rights lawyer. A passionate advocate for women’s rights, Cherie is a true champion for gender equality.In this episode we discuss with her the impactful work of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, which she founded in 2008. The Foundation empowers women entrepreneurs in
IMPACT = Pioneering catalytic capital – A decade of learning
In this special episode of the Impact = podcast, we reflect on 10 years of pioneering catalytic capital through BII’s Catalyst portfolio. Since its launch in 2014, Catalyst has committed $1.6 billion to high-impact investments, supporting over 108,000 jobs, enabling 100% renewable power production, and reaching 7.7 million farmers.We held an event to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Catalyst
IMPACT = Lessons from six years in gender investing
Worldwide, gender inequality is deeply ingrained in systems and institutions. And women’s economic participation is limited by the discrimination and unequal opportunities they face. Despite progress, the world isn’t on track to achieve gender equality by the end of this decade.At British International Investment (BII), we are committed to making our investments work for women and, in 2018, we lau
IMPACT = Podcast with Mohamed Nasheed, Chair of the Climate Vulnerable Forum and former President of the Maldives
Mohamed Nasheed, the former President of Maldives - a prominent climate activist and distinguished politician joins us for this episode of the IMPACT= Podcast. He is Chair of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF), an international partnership of countries highly vulnerable to climate change that advocates for stronger global climate action. The CVF works to amplify the voices of the most affected na
IMPACT = Podcast with Tom Hall, Head of Social Impact & Philanthropy at UBS on philanthropic investing's role in the impact economy
In this episode of the IMPACT= Podcast, we talk to Tom Hall, Head of Social Impact and Philanthropy at UBS, one of the world’s leading wealth managers.With nearly 20 years' experience working in impact and philanthropy, Tom is passionate about finding ways to catalyse scalable solutions to the pressing social and environmental problems the world is facing.In this conversation, Tom shares his exper
IMPACT = Podcast with Manfred Schepers, CEO and Founder of ILX Management on why pension funds should be partners with development finance institutions
In this episode of the IMPACT= Podcast, we talk to Manfred Schepers, the founder and CEO of ILX Management, the Amsterdam-based manager of emerging market-focused private credit fund, ILX Fund.He believes that not only are development finance institutions among the best emerging market investors in the world, but pension funds should be looking to commit capital alongside them.ILX provides institu
IMPACT = Podcast with Jane Goodland, Group Head of Sustainability at the London Stock Exchange Group
In this episode of the IMPACT= Podcast, we talk to Jane Goodland, Group Head of Sustainability at the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) - a cornerstone of global finance, providing a platform for businesses and economies to access capital, manage risk, and create jobs.In this role, Jane leads a team who work in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders across the business and externally, to e
IMPACT = Podcast How the climate crisis is affecting businesses in emerging economies
The climate emergency is having a devastating impact on emerging economies. Without decisive action, this will only become more severe as global temperatures rise and as countries transition toward net zero.Emerging economies are among the nations most exposed to and the least prepared for the effects of climate change. This is particularly the case across Africa, South and South-East Asia, and th
IMPACT= Podcast with Vineet Rai, Founder and Chairman of the Aavishkaar Group
In this episode of the IMPACT= podcast, we talk to Vineet Rai, Founder and Chairman of the Aavishkaar Group – an impact investment platform that “exists to bridge the opportunity gap for the emerging three billion”.Founded in 2001 by Vineet, the group comprises of Aavishkaar Capital – the groundbreaking impact investment fund manager, Arohan – a microfinance institution, IntelleGrow – a venture de
IMPACT = Podcast with Jessica Espinoza of 2X Global
In this episode of the IMPACT = podcast, we talk to Jessica Espinoza, Chief Executive Officer of 2X Global – the leading organisation championing the growth of gender lens investment.2X Global works together with the full spectrum of investors, capital providers, mobilisers, and influencers, with the aim to transform international finance systems through the deployment of gender-smart capital acro
IMPACT = Podcast with Kieron Boyle of the Impact Investing Institute
In this episode of the IMPACT = podcast, we talk to Kieron Boyle, Chief Executive of the Impact Investing Institute - an independent, non-profit organisation with a vision of transforming capital markets for a sustainable future, where impact investing is an effective tool for deploying capital.Kieron joined the Institute following seven years as Chief Executive of Guy’s & St Thomas’ Foundatio
IMPACT = Podcast with Sapna Shah of Novastar Ventures
In this episode of the IMPACT = podcast, we talk to Sapna Shah, a partner at Novastar Ventures, one of the first and largest VC firms in Africa that focuses on entrepreneurs building transformative businesses in Africa.Originally from Kenya, Sapna started her career in London in international banking, initially at Lloyds TSB and later at HSBC, working with entrepreneurs and SMEs at various stages
IMPACT = Podcast with Jacqueline Novogratz of Acumen
In our next episode of the IMPACT = podcast, we talk to Jacqueline Novogratz, impact investment pioneer and Founder and CEO of Acumen.Jacqueline shares her inspiring journey of creating Acumen in 2001, with a vision of changing the way the world tackles poverty by providing patient capital to support businesses and entrepreneurs. She also talks about some of the early successes and failures of Acu
IMPACT= Podcast with Nick O'Donohoe, CEO of British International Investment
In this IMPACT = podcast episode, we talk to our Chief Executive Officer, Nick O'Donohoe.Nick joined BII as its Chief Executive in June 2017 and is also a member of the Board.Prior to joining BII, he co-founded Big Society Capital with impact investing pioneer Sir Ronald Cohen. Nick served as its Chief Executive Officer from 2011 to December 2015. BSC is an independent financial institution establ
IMPACT= Podcast with Faheen Allibhoy of J.P. Morgan Development Finance Institution
In our next episode, we talk to Faheen Allibhoy, Managing Director of the J.P. Morgan Development Finance Institution. The J.P. Morgan Development Finance Institution (JPM DFI) was launched in January 2020 to spur investment supporting economic development in emerging markets. The JPM DFI aims to increase the origination and distribution of assets with development impact to meet the Sustainable De
IMPACT = Podcast with Dr Frank Aswani, CEO of the African Venture Philanthropy Alliance
In our next episode of the IMPACT = podcast, we speak to Dr Frank Aswani, Chief Executive Officer of the African Venture Philanthropy Alliance (AVPA).AVPA is a pan-African network of investors who are collaborating to increase the flow of capital into social investments across the continent, ensuring it is deployed for maximum social Impact.Frank has extensive experience in both the private and so
IMPACT = Podcast with Amit Bouri, CEO of the Global Impact Investing Network
In our next episode of the IMPACT = podcast, we talk to Amit Bouri, Chief Executive Officer of the Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN)Amit Bouri co-founded of the GIIN in 2009 and today it is the largest global community of impact investors dedicated to increasing the scale and effectiveness of impact investing.Today, Amit dedicates his work to engaging industry leaders, institutional investors
IMPACT = Podcast with Andy Kuper, CEO of LeapFrog Investments
IMPACT = has been founded as a platform to share impact expertise – through an open dialogue with leaders in the industry and a collaborative exchange of ideas, lessons and examples.In our first IMPACT = podcast, we talk to Andy Kuper, Chief Executive Officer of LeapFrog Investments. Andy Kuper is a world-renowned responsible investment leader, who founded LeapFrog in 2007. Driven by its “Profit
The African Climate Conversation: The vital role women can play in climate action
Research shows that women and girls are disproportionately affected by climate change and in diverse ways - from peace and security, to education, health and livelihood. It is therefore critical that women are included in the decision-making process to ensure that climate action is effective and equitable for all.Listen as Evelyne Batamuliza (Gender and Poverty Advisor at UNDP), Musonda Kapena (Z
The African Climate Conversation: Financing resilient and adaptable African infrastructure
This podcast is part of The African Climate Conversation, a platform which brings together leading African voices on the climate emergency – to discuss, evaluate and debate the greatest challenge facing the continent.In this episode, Tshepidi Moremong, Chief Operating Officer of Africa50 speaks to BII’s Head of UK media, Andrew Murray-Watson about financing infrastructure in Africa and perspective
Understanding Impact: How is climate change affecting businesses in Africa and Asia?
The climate emergency is having a significant impact on communities all around the world, especially those living in Africa and Asia. A recent report from the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) said that 40 per cent of the world’s population is now ‘highly vulnerable’ and predicts that future climate risks are even more severe than previously thought.While these statistics paint
The African Climate Conversation: James Mwangi on the opportunity for Africa to lead the Green Revolution
In the run-up to COP27, there is an expectation that there will be a renewed call for Africa to be able to exploit its abundant gas reserves.On this podcast, BII’s Andrew Murray-Watson talks to James Mwangi, founder of Climate Action Platform for Africa and Executive Director of the Dalberg Group, about Africa’s energy challenges and opportunities. Their discussion delves into the ongoing debate o
The African Climate Conversation: Increasing Africa’s share of global supply chains
This podcast is part of The African Climate Conversation, a platform which brings together leading African voices on the climate emergency – to discuss, evaluate and debate the greatest challenge facing the continent.In this podcast, H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area joins BII’s Andrew Murray-Watson to discuss the impact of climate change on agriculture
The African Climate Conversation: The youth perspective on climate in Africa
This podcast is part of The African Climate Conversation, a platform which brings together leading African voices on the climate emergency – to discuss, evaluate and debate the greatest challenge facing the continent.In this podcast, James Mwangi, founder of Climate Action Platform for Africa and Executive Director of the Dalberg Group, and Ineza Umuhoza Grace, Eco-feminist, CEO Green Fighter and
How the circular economy can tackle the climate crisis in emerging markets
Our production and consumption of goods is one of the biggest contributors to the climate crisis. It generates nearly half of all greenhouse gas emissions. We’re using 60 per cent more resources than the planet can provide. And 90 per cent of biodiversity loss is due to the extraction and processing of natural resources.However, there is an opportunity to address this challenge by transitioning to
Why invest in adaptation and resilience?
Adaptation and resilience-building solutions are needed urgently around the world. In fact, recent studies suggest that they are needed even more quickly than previously thought. However, despite the clear need for companies developing such solutions, there is a lack of capital available for businesses. In this episode, dig deeper into the need for adaptation and resilience solutions, why there is
ESG Podcast: Addressing gender-based violence and harassment
Gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) is a widespread and serious global issue that affects people in the workplace, their communities and homes. While gender-based violence and harassment can affect anyone, it disproportionately affects women and girls: an estimated one in three women worldwide has experienced some form of physical or sexual violence.And there is a growing recognition that
Insight Podcast: Gambling on development: investing in fragile states
Over the last thirty years, in many developing economies, poverty has fallen, people live longer and healthier lives, and economies have been transformed. But this is not the case across the board.In his new book, “Gambling on Development: Why some countries win and others lose”, former Chief Economist at the Department for International Development, and Policy Advisor to the Foreign Secretary, St
Understanding Impact: The economics of development finance
In today's episode, we're exploring the fundamentals of the economics of development finance. Our conversation discusses three key areas: - What is development and why does it need private investment? - Why does private investment need development finance institutions (DFIs)? - Where can DFIs have the most impact? Leading the discussion is British International Investment's Director of Research an
Insight Podcast: Accelerating digital transformation for sustainable economic development
The rapid growth of the digital economy is the defining narrative of the last fifty years. Spurred by an era of remarkable innovation, digital technology has transformed societies and now contributes an estimated 16 per cent to the global economy annually. However much of the world remains poorly served, with an estimated 3.5 billion people still with no access to the internet.Most live in low to
Insight Podcast: Why we need to equalise access to finance
Within the field of impact investing, the growth of gender lens investment has been one the success stories of the last decade. And increasing evidence shows that investment policies that focus on gender equality have a transformative impact, especially in developing economies.We know that gender lens investing results in women from marginalised communities having increased access to finance and i
ESG Podcast: How businesses and investors can better manage water risks
Global water use has doubled in the last 40 years. This increase in demand for water, alongside the effects of climate change, mean businesses need to take action to manage their water use. With water risks growing, it is estimated that the costs to businesses of doing nothing are almost five times higher than actively addressing the issue. Last year, we partnered with WWF to provide technical ass
Insight Podcast: The future of impact led investing in Africa
Impact led social investment in Africa has experienced steady growth over the last decade, spurred by the need for a sustainable private sector which supports the economic and social demands of a growing young and rapidly urbanising population.From building vital infrastructure, to creating future-proof employment, and supporting the growth of new industries, impact led investors can both address
Understanding Impact: How a financial institution responded to the pandemic
When the scale of the pandemic became known in March 2020, financial institutions needed to respond quickly to support the individuals and businesses that use their services. This was especially true for Advans Group, a microfinance institution that lends to entrepreneurs and small businesses in developing countries around the world. As many of Advans' clients faced national lockdowns, the nature
Productive, Sustainable and Inclusive Investment
In 2017, we launched a five-year strategy, which aimed to tackle the key development challenges facing countries in Africa and South Asia. A lot has changed since then - the pandemic has pushed hundreds of millions into extreme poverty, climate change has become the climate emergency, and there is greater understanding of the systemic injustices that hold people back.This week, we launched our 202
Understanding Impact: Why are women disproportionately affected by climate change?
Women are more vulnerable to the effects of climate change than men and, at the same time, can be critical agents of adaptation and resilience responses. In this podcast episode, we look at the reasons why women are disproportionately affected by climate change, and how investors can benefit from considering both gender and climate factors in their work. We hear from:
Marijn Wiersma, Gender Lead,
Insight Podcast: COP26 – What do emerging economies need and how can we deliver it?
It is now beyond debate that emerging economies will shoulder the burden of the climate crisis. It is estimated that out of the $90 trillion needed for the infrastructure to meet the 2030 emission goals, two thirds should go to emerging economies. And in the recent Global Climate Risk Index, eight out of the ten countries most affected by the quantified impacts of extreme weather events are low- t
Understanding Impact: How is climate change affecting businesses in emerging economies?
In this episode, we explore the impact climate change is having on businesses in emerging economies. We look at how it's affecting firms today, how it might affect their future plans and what international investors can do to support a just transition to net zero emissions and resilient economies. We hear from founders, CEOs and senior managers working at companies operating in Africa and South As
Insight Podcast: Enabling impact led investments in emerging markets
A thriving private sector is the foundation of a healthy economy – creating employment, delivering vital goods and services, and providing valuable tax income. Which is why investment in emerging markets is critical to advancing development.However, these markets are complex and need different types of financial interventions to enable economic growth. So the question arises, how do we ensure the
Insight Podcast: How can technology support growth in Africa?
In this episode, we look back over our recent Insight events and ask what impact technology will have on economic growth on the African continent, and what challenges and opportunities it brings with it. We have a stellar line up of guests with expertise in investment, business and academia - you'll hear from:
Efosa Ojomo, Leader of the Global Prosperity research group at the Clayton Christensen
Insight Podcast: What might we expect from COP26?
We are on a summer break from hosting our regular events, so we thought we’d share some of our highlights from the last year of Insight. In this episode we’re focusing on the issue of climate change and in particular what our guests are thinking in the run up to COP26, which is taking place in November. COP – which stands for Conference of the Parties – is a UN led global climate summit. And this
Understanding Impact: How are tech companies in India responding to the pandemic?
India's has been one of the countries worst affected by the pandemic, particularly when it comes to case numbers. Clearly this has had a significant impact on businesses and their employees too. In a large country, where workers can be regularly on the move or difficult to reach, it makes it hard for companies to communicate with people and provide access to information. In this podcast episode, w
Insight Podcast: Shaping Africa's Growth
Africa’s population is the youngest on earth and the fastest growing. Research recently published by the Lancet predicts that in the year 2100, five of the 10 most populous countries on earth will be in Africa. These demographic trajectories will have a dramatic impact on the global economy and who shapes it. This is clearly an opportunity for the continent and its leaders, but job creation in Afr
Insight Podcast: Harnessing climate finance for sustainable development
The climate crisis is one of the biggest challenges facing humanity, with the threat to the most vulnerable and exposed populations in developing economies especially acute.Given the scale of the challenge, climate finance for private sector development is critical to helping these countries, not only mitigate the worst effects of climate change, but also adapt and build resilience against future
ESG Podcast: How businesses can benefit from better electronic waste management
This is an episode from our ESG Podcast series. In this one, we explore how businesses can benefit from supporting the circular economy and improving their management of electronic waste. The episode is hosted by Dr Veronica di Bella from our ESG team, who speaks with two representatives of off-grid solar company, M-kopa: Daniel Stoker, Head of Retail, and Sophie Mbugua, Retail Projects and Diagno
Insight Podcast: Economic trends transforming African investment and development
The African continent has borne the brunt of some of the worst impacts of the pandemic, halting decades of growth, affecting millions of livelihoods and pushing much of sub Saharan Africa into a recession for the first time in over 25 years.Despite the challenges, the prospect for economies across Africa remain strong, with its young population, the expansion of the free trade area, renewable ener
Understanding Impact: What are DFIs doing in fragile and conflict-affected situations?
Global poverty is increasingly concentrated in fragile and conflict-affected settings. A vibrant private sector that creates jobs and opportunities is essential in these environments, to help alleviate poverty, inequality and instability.These regions struggle to attract commercial investment because opportunities are typically overshadowed by high financial risk, and weak or fragmented institutio
Insight Podcast: Reimagining global governance and development in the post pandemic era
COVID-19 has unleashed a devastating crisis which has tested the resilience of existing global governance structures and exposed massive societal imbalances. Developing countries have borne the brunt of the economic consequences of the crisis, with an estimated 100 million people pushed into extreme poverty.As the slow recovery begins, we need to challenge the role we ascribe to global governance
Understanding Impact: The economic impact of Covid-19 on women
Our Understanding Impact podcast series explores some of the biggest challenges facing developing economies and how impact investment can help overcome them. In this episode, we look at the disproportionate economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic on women, and how investors, businesses and financial institutions are responding to it. We hear from four senior leaders working across Africa and S
Insight Podcast: Harnessing impact investing for sustainable economic development
Until now impact investing has seen steady market growth driven by international coalitions and the interests of a handful of global financial giants. That is no longer enough.In the wake of the coronavirus crisis, which has only worsened global economic and social challenges, impact investing must play a critical role in the recovery if it is to be successful and sustainable. This is especially t
Insight Podcast: How can we tackle the climate crisis in a just and inclusive way?
As the urgency of the climate crisis intensifies, the most vulnerable populations in developing economies are the most exposed. This includes women, who are disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change. How can we tackle the biggest challenge in our lifetimes without addressing these inequalities?Join us for a conversation with renowned climate expert, Dr Tara Shine. Dr Shine is jo
Insight Podcast: The power of market creating innovations
Prosperity and sustainable, inclusive growth are the ultimate goals for developing economies. However, despite the global community spending billions each year on economic development programmes, poverty and a lack of opportunity within these countries persists.But what if there is a way in which we can support these economies to evolve from poverty to prosperity in less than two decades? Innovati
Insight Podcast: Driving social change in India
Over the next two years an estimated 500 million low to middle-income people in India are expected to come online for the first time via smart phones. This provides an opportunity to transform these lives through the provision of vital services – including financial services, education, mobility, and healthcare.Join us as CDC's Colin Buckley speaks to Roopa Kudva, Partner and Managing Director of
Insight Podcast: Could COVID-19 shift the world’s economy towards exponential change?
In this CDC Insight Podcast we hear environmentalist, author, and serial entrepreneur John Elkington in conversation with CDC’s CEO Nick O’Donohoe.They are joined by CDC’s Climate Change Director Amal-Lee Amin to discuss how we move forward in a way that creates a more balanced and sustainable global economy?
Insight Podcast: Building the recovery and the role of impact investing
In this CDC Insight podcast, we share a conversation with Amit Bouri, CEO and Co-Founder of the Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN), in which he joins CDC’s Head of External Affairs, Colin Buckley, and Yasemin Saltuk Lamy, Deputy CIO for Catalyst Strategies, to discuss the growth of the $715 billion impact investing market.They also look at how has the pandemic has affected impact investing. As
CDC Podcast: Financing the SDGs
The start of 2020 marks ten years until the deadline to fulfil the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Despite the growth of the impact investment market, the annual funding gap for reaching the goals is estimated to be $2-4 trillion.In our final podcast of 2019 we speak to leaders from across the impact investment community to ask what can be done to mobilise more capital towards the goals
CDC podcast: The value of sustainability: evidence from Bangladesh
In this podcast Pelayo Menendez from CDC’s E&S team interviews PRAN-RFL Group’s Corporate Finance Director, Uzma Chowdhury. The PRAN-RFL Group is one of the largest conglomerates in Bangladesh. In 2017, CDC made a US$15 million debt investment in RFL Electronics Limited (RFL), a sister firm to the PRAN-RFL Group and a producer of consumer electronics and large domestic appliances for the local
Meet some of Africa's most exciting privately owned businesses
The London Stock Exchange Group has just published its second Companies to Inspire Africa report. The publication, produced in partnership with CDC, the African Development Bank and PwC, highlights some of the most exciting privately owned businesses on the continent.Representing seven major sectors, these businesses range from less than five people to more than a 1000. Over a fifth are led by wom
CDC E&S podcast 8: Energy efficiency and current trends in emerging markets
CDC E&S podcast 8: Energy efficiency and current trends in emerging markets by CDC
How can investment help artificial intelligence make an impact in India?
India is among the earliest adopters of artificial intelligence (AI). In fact a study from the Boston Consulting Group puts the country third behind the USA and China in terms of its uptake of AI. People in India seem positive about the technology's potential too. Nearly three quarters of respondents to a survey conducted by PwC said they felt optimistic that AI can deliver social and economic imp
CDC E&S podcast 7: The role of the private sector in plastic waste management
In this podcast Dr. Veronica Di Bella from CDC E&S team interviews David Lerpiniere, head of waste resources and development at Resource Futures. Together they explore current challenges, opportunities and best practice on plastic waste management from a private sector perspective.This is the 7th edition in a series of podcasts by CDC Environmental and social Responsibility team. E&S podca
Has impact investing gone mainstream?
Impact investing is an industry that's grown massively in recent years. So much so, in fact, that the Global Impact Investing Network (The GIIN) estimates that there are now $228 billion in impact assets, while other estimates put the same number in the trillions. With more and more big name investors getting involved in impact investing, has the movement now gone mainstream? And, if so, will the
Which technologies are supporting development (and which may still have something to prove)?
The potential of technology in supporting development is huge. We've already seen that, particularly through examples such as mobile money and off-grid solar systems, which have been adopted by millions of people in developing countries and are used every day.So, where else are companies using technology to help development? In this podcast, we look at examples across a range of different sectors,
CDC E&S podcast 6: Managing the risk of modern slavery. Insights for companies and investors
In this podcast Lara Martin from CDC Group interviewed Cindy Berman (ETI), Shami Nissan (ACTIS), and Larissa Luy (IFC) and discussed modern slavery in the context of private sector investments. What is Modern Slavery? Why it is important? What can you do about it?This is the sixth edition in a series of podcasts by CDC Environmental and Social Responsibility team. E&S podcasts are aimed at rai
Where are the opportunities for advancing women's economic empowerment?
The stats on the advantages of women's economic empowerment need little introduction. McKinsey, for example, say that if women's participation rates were the same as men's it would add $26 trillion to global GDP by 2025. So, how can investors and businesses find these opportunities to support women's empowerment? In this podcast, we look at different examples from across the value chain - from Boa
What does it take to lead a business in a fragile or conflict-affected state?
This is a co-produced Development Finance and CDC podcast.Two billion people are living in countries affected by fragility, conflict and violence. Fragility and conflict have a huge impact on poverty, so in these countries businesses are particularly important because of the economic and job opportunities they can create. Growing a successful company in such a country is easier said than done, how
CDC E&S podcast 5: Land acquisition and livelihoods restoration
In our 5th CDC E&S podcast we interview Philip Powell (Director of Eco-Livelihoods) to discuss the challenges around land acquisition and livelihoods restoration in the context of development finance. During this podcast we attempt to answer some difficult questions including how to deal with land legacy issues, when can we say that livelihoods have been restored, or how to budget for a liveli
What is a development finance institution?
This is a co-produced Development Finance and CDC podcast. Over the course of this 10 minute episode, we take a closer look at organisations that many people aren't that familiar with: development finance institutions (DFIs). We hear about what DFIs do and what more they could be doing in future. We hear from Nanno Kleiterp, the Chairman of the European Development Finance Institutions, Mussa Chay
How the private sector can better support women in the DRC
Here we meet one of the inspiring women working at one of our investee companies in Africa. Monique Gieskes has an impressive CV. She’s the regional director for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) at textile company Vlisco, she’s on the Board of Feronia, a large agribusiness, and she’s the president of the UN Global Compact in the country. As a senior Congolese businesswoman, Monique draws
CDC E&S podcast 4: The role of the board on ESG (Environmental and Social Governance)
This is the fourth edition in a series of podcasts from CDC Environmental and Social Responsibility team. This episode focuses on the role of the board on managing environmental, social and business integrity matters. Here we interview Rosalind Kainyah and Imoni Akpofure from Kina Advisory.
Where next for the off-grid solar industry?
More than 1.2 billion people in the world live without access to electricity. It's an issue that's holding back development. The World Bank estimates that, with reliable power, African economies could be growing up to two percentage points faster every year. The emergence of off-grid solar systems used by homes and small businesses is beginning to address the problem. These typically consist of a
CDC E&S podcast 3: How to build an ESMS (Environmental and Social Management System)
This is the third edition in a series of podcasts from CDC Environmental and Social Responsibility team. This episode focuses on how to build Environmental and Social Management Systems (ESMS), where we discuss what good looks like and what is the value for companies of a functional ESMS in place.
CDC E&S podcast 2: The value of good labour practices - Philippa Spence
This is the second edition in a series of podcasts from CDC Environmental and Social Responsibility team. This episode focuses on labor and working conditions, where we discuss what good looks like and what is the value for companies of good labor practices.
CDC E&S podcast 1: The business case for ESG - Mark Goldsmith
This is the first edition in a series of podcasts from our Environmental and Social Responsibility team, which focuses on how businesses can benefit from introducing high sustainability standards.Here, we speak to Mark Goldsmith – the founder of Five Oak, a sustainability consultancy – about how environmental, social and governance (ESG) has evolved over the years, where environmental and social d
How can we build businesses of scale in sub-Saharan Africa?
Economic growth across African countries is under half that of the South Asian economies, while Africa has double the portion of unemployed. If the continent is to achieve decent work for all, it needs more formal firms creating quality jobs for the millions of people entering the labour market every year. New research from the Africa Programme at Chatham House (available from 8 September) looks a
Can we still be positive about the economic outlook in Africa?
A decade or so of 'Africa rising' - a period of high growth for the majority of the largest economies on the continent - has given way to a more nuanced picture. A recent study from McKinsey Global Institute finds that some countries have continued to grow, while others have experienced a slowdown.In this podcast we look at this McKinsey report - called Lions on the Move II - and ask whether we ca
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