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STANLIB launches its first Impact Investment fund

STANLIB Credit Alternatives virtually launched the new STANLIB Khanyisa Impact Investment Fund today (30 April 2020) that aims to merge financial returns with impactful development for the country. View the live stream event below.
Summary 
  • The launch of the STANLIB Khanyisa Impact Investment Fund supports the idea that private sector capital has a big role to play in the current economic landscape and in determining the future of South Africa’s economy.
  • True to its name, derived from the isiZulu word “Khanyisa”, which means to illuminate, to turn on or to light up, the Fund will spark economic and social benefits through investment in infrastructure, inclusive financial services and agriculture.
  • To spark positive change that makes a real impact, it is critical to invest in areas that provide the deepest impact.
  • This new Fund will complement and strengthen our existing impact assets, which make up more than a quarter of STANLIB Credit Alternatives’ total assets under management (AUM).

(30 April 2020) STANLIB Credit Alternatives launched its exciting new STANLIB Khanyisa Impact Investment Fund today.  The Fund will pursue investment opportunities in areas that support South Africa’s economic development. True to its name, derived from the isiZulu word “Khanyisa”, which means to illuminate, to turn on or to light up, the Fund will spark economic and social benefits through investment in infrastructure, inclusive financial services and agriculture.

 

The Fund launch was support by two of the Country’s renowned keynote speakers, Dr Miriam Altman who is a strategist, economist and social activist, Director of Altman Advisory and a Commissioner in the National Planning Commission in the Presidency; and Dr Thabi Leoka an independent economist who forms part of President Ramaphosa’s Economic Advisory Council; who shared their insights on impact investing and its benefits for South Africa.

 

STANLIB’s Head of Investments, Mark Lovett, commenting on the launch said, “The STANLIB Khanyisa Impact Investment Fund represents the next step in STANLIB’s ESG journey at a time when the imperative is very clear for South Africa. The Fund’s impact objectives will provide measurable developmental benefits for investors in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.”

 

Private sector capital has a big role to play in the current economic landscape and determining the future of South Africa’s economy. The STANLIB Khanyisa Impact Investment Fund is an initiative that forms part of a broader drive for private capital into impact themed investments, directly addressing a range of the country’s socio-economic challenges and the shortfall in the COVID-19 Rescue Plan as detailed by President Ramaphosa last week.

 

Sustainable development is the pathway to the future

To spark positive change that makes a real impact, it is critical to invest in areas that provide the deepest impact. The STANLIB Khanyisa Impact Investment Fund will focus on investments that aim to increase economic capacity building via transformational infrastructure, reduce income inequality by funding SMEs and affordable housing and healthcare projects, improve food security and provide wider access to renewable energy. It will constitute of a diversified pool of credit exposures that offers a higher yield than traditional fixed income propositions, regular income distributions and long-term capital preservation.

 

Johan Marnewick, Head of STANLIB Credit Alternatives said, “We are very excited about the launch of the STANLIB Khanyisa Impact Investment Fund. This new Fund will complement and strengthen our existing Impact assets, which make up a substantial part of STANLIB Credit Alternatives’ total assets under management (AUM) and have successfully generated returns for clients while achieving tangible socio-economic and environmental benefits.”

 

The STANLIB Credit Alternatives team has been managing a bespoke suite of Impact and Development-focused portfolios for the last 10 years.

 

Click here to read more about STANLIB Credit Alternatives

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