Imagine a South Africa where investments not only yield financial returns but also build hospitals, schools, and sustainable communities. This isn’t just wishful thinking—it’s the reality of impact investing, a growing global movement that’s reshaping how we think about returns.
As our country continues to grapple with inequality, unemployment, and the challenges of inadequate infrastructure, the power of impact investing has never been more relevant. This approach ensures that every rand invested works double time—delivering strong financial gains while simultaneously uplifting communities.
Why Impact Investing Matters Now
The world of finance is changing. Globally, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investments are projected to reach a staggering $50 trillion by 2025, with impact investing expected to make up 10% of global financial assets by 2030. For South Africa, these trends offer a massive opportunity to address our unique challenges.
Impact investing goes beyond traditional investment models by prioritising the social and environmental outcomes of projects. In South Africa, this can mean funding initiatives that tackle our most pressing issues, such as access to quality healthcare, education, and infrastructure—particularly in underserved areas.
Summit Africa: Leading the Way in Impact
Summit Africa, a black-owned investment manager, is setting an inspiring example in this space. Their flagship Summit Social Infrastructure Fund (SSIF) focuses on building much-needed infrastructure in rural and township areas. By investing in hospitals and schools, Summit is not only addressing critical social gaps but also ensuring long-term financial returns. This is the essence of impact investing—generating measurable social impact while driving financial performance.
Their recent recognition as a top sustainability-themed private equity manager by the African Investing for Impact Barometer reinforces that the overlap between impact and returns isn’t a compromise but a sweet spot. As Summit continues to make strides, their projects are proving that real change can be both profitable and sustainable.
Decusatio’s Role in Driving Impact
At Decusatio, we are committed to catalysing meaningful investments that benefit South African communities. Our focus spans key sectors, including healthcare, infrastructure, and community support, where we partner with corporates to allocate their ESD spend towards impactful initiatives.
By channelling resources into projects that deliver tangible social benefits—whether it’s creating access to clean water, building community clinics, or supporting sustainable infrastructure development—Decusatio is helping shape a future where economic growth goes hand in hand with societal progress.
Why You Should Care About Impact Investing
As an investor, impact investing allows you to put your capital to work for a greater purpose. With South Africa’s unique challenges, we have an incredible opportunity to drive change, ensuring that our investments don’t just yield returns but also contribute to a better, more sustainable future.
The question is: will you be part of this change?
