The Krutham Africa Impact Investment Awards has named CEO of Impact Investing Ghana (IIGh), Amma Lartey, the 2024 Outstanding Individual Achievement of the Year awardee, celebrating her contribution to the growth of the Impact Investment ecosystem in Africa at the recent Africa Impact Summit 2024 held in Nairobi, Kenya.
Krutham – formerly Intellidex – is a research-led consulting firm specializing in capital markets and financial services. The Krutham Impact Investment Awards (KAIIA) was developed to support field-building, promote innovative models and successful case studies from leaders across the dynamic African impact investment market.
Amma Lartey has served the West African impact investing ecosystem in numerous capacities in recent years, including as CEO of Impact Investing Ghana (IIGh). Amma
has established several programmes such as the Enterprise Support Organisation (ESO) Collaborative, Ghana Research and Industry Collaborative (GRIC), Deal Source Africa and Pensions Industry Collaborative that ties into IIGh’s five-year strategy for impact.
She also has an impressive track record of building and maintaining partnerships with the likes of the Research and Innovation Systems for Africa (RISA) Fund, UK International Development, United Nations in Ghana, World Food Programme, Orange Corners, Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE), British International Investment, FMO- Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank, and Ford Foundation.
IIGh has contributed significantly to the development of the impact investment market in Africa and globally, including a report on “Impact Investing in Ghana; Unlocking Private Sector Capital for Profit and Impact” published in 2022 in which IIGh identified 10 critical gaps in the impact investing ecosystem, their causes and consequences, then crafted proposed solutions, presenting its innovative nucleus of change model.
According to Nicole Martens, Head of Impact Investing Research at Krutham, there is a need for impact champions in Africa and celebrating them is key; adding that “the nominee pool for the 2024 awards largely reflected the trends identified across the continent and we believe these examples of impactful projects, programmes, leaders and investors can serve as references of best practice for replication across the continent.”
Alex Asiedu, Board Chair of IIGh, said “Amma has been exemplary at marshaling strategic partnerships and resources into the African Impact ecosystem that now has real drive and increasing relevance in our communities, as well as the global Impact Investing ecosystem. Her achievements are a testament to what leadership, innovation, and passion can do, even in uncharted spaces.”
Board Member of IIGh, Amma Gyampo, commented on the sidelines of the award ceremony in Nairobi: “Amma Lartey has demonstrated the power of institutionalizing collaboration and resourcing African-led organisations. Africa’s voice is now represented by the Africa Impact Investing Group under the global Impact Investing network organisation, GSG Impact, for example, where the work of IIGh has become a blueprint for other National Partners.”
The field of impact investing in Africa thrives on the dedication of impact professionals who dare to challenge the status quo. These individuals recognise the unique potential and challenges of the African continent, and actively seek solutions that drive positive social and environmental change alongside financial returns.
Impact investment priorities across the continent remain steadfast and include decent work and economic growth (SDG8), climate action (SDG13), good health and wellbeing (SDG3), and reduced inequalities (SDG5 and SDG1). The need for enabling policy and regulation and for investment in education and capacity building across the impact investment ecosystem are also noted as critical to growth of the market (GSG Impact, 2023b).
About Impact Investing Ghana
Impact Investing Ghana (IIGh) is the GSG Impact National Partner in Ghana; an independent private-sector-led initiative promoting sustainable development, advancing the development of the Impact Investment ecosystem in Ghana and a member of the Africa Impact Investing Group. IIGh is supporting the growth of impact ventures and catalyzing US$ 1 billion in impact funds for investment in Ghana and the West African sub-region. Find more here www.impactinvestinggh.org
About the Africa Impact Summit
The Africa Impact Summit is the leading forum that is driving networking, deal making and impact investing thought- leadership in Africa. The summit will provide a platform to make connections, discover opportunities and share insights to drive a new form of responsible investment principle that works for Africa.
Through 40+ speakers, participants will learn about the key sectors that are driving development and impact in Africa, including agriculture, climate action, education, energy, financial services, healthcare, infrastructure, technology, and water.
Discussions and dialogue at this year’s summit will bring special focus to the continent’s strategic development framework, Agenda 2063 – calling for urgent action and greater commitment by all actors to deliver on its promise for inclusive and sustainable development by the year 2063 and beyond.
