Sustainable impact at a glance
Our impact is measured against key metrics and reported transparently to our stakeholders. We are making a tangible difference in communities across Africa through our sustainable finance initiatives, social investments, and responsible business practices focusing on four positive impact areas.
Enterprise growth and job creation:
We invest in our people because we recognise their immense potential and believe that with the right resources, their innovative ideas can thrive and transform the continent.
Our goals
- Facilitate African trade and investment
- Strengthen the agriculture value chain
- Support game-changing tech start-ups that solve real-world problems
Our impact in 2023
- Facilitated trade transactions to the value of R953 billion for businesses and commercial clients
- Disbursed R168 million to 211 agriculture cooperatives in Uganda and provided financial literacy training for 1624 of their members
- Enabled access to 150 000 work opportunities through our partnership with Founders Factory Africa
Infrastructure development:
We understand that investing in infrastructure and the energy transition will have a positive impact on our continent by creating jobs, boosting economic growth and enhancing access to essential services for all Africans.
Our goals
- Drive Africa’s just energy transition and support improved access to affordable energy
- Provide finance for critical infrastructure in sectors such as transport, water and telecommunications
Our impact in 2023
- Mobilised R15.5 billion for new renewable energy power plants
- Provided R1.7 billion for telecoms infrastructure in the DRC and R235 million for roads infrastructure in Malawi
Climate change mitigation and adaptation:
By investing in climate change mitigation, we can contribute to a greener and more prosperous Africa. We partner with our clients to support their transition journeys and strengthen their resilience.
Our goals
- Provide sustainable finance solutions to encourage sustainable business practices
- Provide climate smart agriculture financing solutions
- Provide green-aligned solutions for homeowners and business owners
Our impact in 2023
- Financed Africa’s first nature conservation loan for USD80 million, supporting nature conservation and biodiversity protection
- Provided finance of over R600 million for climate smart agriculture solutions
- Disbursed R147 million to homeowners and R843 million to businesses for solar installations in South Africa
Financial health and inclusion:
Financial inclusion empowers our people by creating a more equitable and sustainable future for Africa.
Our goals
- Support SME owners with access to finance, capacity building, networking and access to markets
- Provide solutions tailored for women and young people
- Provide access to affordable housing and provide solutions for borrowers who get into difficulty
When do families need a family office?
The manner in which wealth has been created often determines a family’s catalyst for establishing a family office. For instance, families with long established wealth may find that their wealth has grown to a point where they are managing multiple professional relationships, with advisors across jurisdictions and specialisms, as well as investment portfolios with a range of assets located across the globe. The family may also have grown over time to include several generations and family units, raising challenges on aligning and managing their different interests.
Other families may have built their wealth incrementally through a family business. Their business might have grown significantly, requiring more of their time and focus, while their personal wealth may have also grown in size and diversity. Where the family business and personal wealth are interweaved, the need may arise to separate out the personal wealth and entrust it to a dedicated team, freeing up the family to focus on their business.
Lastly, we often see the need for a family office arise in the wake of a significant liquidity event. When a family has invested their time and energy in building a family business that has grown exponentially, the sale of that business can be a life-changing event. The family might move from moderate to significant wealth almost overnight. While this can be overwhelming, it is also an exciting time, with new opportunities arising that may not have been previously possible. A family office can help a family put in place a structure to preserve their wealth while continuing to build their legacy.
More on sustainability
Environmental, social and governance
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) risk management is embedded in our policies, processes, and governance structures.
Our climate strategy
We are committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and supporting a just energy transition in Africa.