Landscape Analysis Study on Impact Investing in Africa

Social impact investing in Africa is a rapidly growing sector focusing on generating measurable social or environmental impact alongside financial returns, with Sub-Saharan Africa becoming a preferred destination, often cited as a top-three location for global impact investors. This study, commissioned by AVPA with the support of Day Seven provides a strategic update on the supply of impact investment capital across Africa, tracking shifts in the ecosystem since the 2020 baseline (Social Investment Landscape Mapping Study Report).

This study, commissioned by AVPA, provides a strategic update on the supply of impact investment capital across Africa, tracking shifts in the ecosystem since the 2020 baseline (Social Investment Landscape Mapping Study Report). By analyzing data from various organizations across Eastern, Southern, and Western Africa, the report identifies structural gaps and emerging trends in how social investment is being deployed.

Capital Structure & Instrument Mix

While the ecosystem is gradually moving toward market-based models, it remains heavily reliant on philanthropic capital. The mapped capital breaks down as follows:

  • Philanthropic Instruments: 83% (indicates continued grant dependence).
  • Blended Finance: 15%.
  • Debt-based Structures: 2%.

Despite the imbalance, there is an increasing appetite for hybrid instruments. Approximately 74% of respondents reported utilizing non-traditional mechanisms such as recoverable grants and convertible loans, signaling a move toward more sustainable, return-seeking models.

Sectors: Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), Agriculture, Agro-processing, Climate, Climate Change, Creative and Cultural Industries, E-mobility, Education, Energy, Equipment Financing, Financial Services, Food & Agriculture, Forestry & Timber, Gender Lens Investing, Healthcare, Hospitality, Housing, Information & Communication Technologies, Infrastructure, Logistics, Manufacturing, Off-grid Energy Access, Productive Use of Energy, Sanitation & Hygiene, Solar Mini-grids, Water
Countries: Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, DR Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Published by: AVPA, AVPA Partner, Day Seven
© 2024 AVPA, Day Seven

Other Publications