· The Fund-of-Funds invests in African investment vehicles targeting small and medium enterprises and applies Gender Lens Investing principles. · It provides Business Development Services support to investment funds and portfolio SMEs. · It targets a major boost in decent jobs for women and youth.
In addition to providing capital for investment vehicles, the MFAGF will offer a business development facility for their portfolio companies. The Fund-of-Funds initiative will use gender-lens investing principles to help advance the Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy, which aims to enable 30 million young people in Africa, particularly young women, to access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030.
“More than 75 percent of ventures funded will be led by women creating jobs,” Dr. Nyambi said. “Ultimately, our impact will be in building the investment ecosystem for investment vehicles and in the SMEs that will thrive and create dignified employment.
Akyianu explains that the main objective is to make investments that generate positive, measurable social and environmental impact while contributing to building a stronger and more vibrant African investment ecosystem. He says the Fund-of-Funds is committed to measuring and reporting decent job creation for Africa’s youth through a process that incorporates gender, diversity, inclusivity, social, and environmental performance for all investments.