This report by This is Africa surveyed European and US limited partners, such as pension funds and insurance companies, to explore their views on emerging markets and socially responsible investing (SRI). While 65% of investors allocate to emerging markets, less than 30% target Africa-focused funds, with many deterred by concerns over governance, transparency, and political risk. Opinions on investing in Africa are split. The report reveals a limited understanding of SRI. Only 39% of investors monitor social impact, and 60% see SRI as merely excluding unethical investments rather than actively driving change. Impact investing is poorly understood, with just 32% familiar with the concept. Though 25% would accept lower returns for proven social benefits, most investors remain skeptical due to insufficient data. This report aims to highlight these gaps in knowledge and encourage further discussion.

The report by the Enrich in Africa Center (EiA-C) highlights the importance of funding innovation ecosystems in Africa to develop scalable solutions for local challenges. It analyzes grant funding data from 2020 to 2023, focusing on the nine largest funders active in Africa, and incorporates insights from interviews with key stakeholders. The report examines both the overall innovation funding landscape and specific funding for ecosystem support activities and organizations. It aims to equip funders and recipients with the necessary data and insights to create sustainable and impactful innovation ecosystems across Africa. EiA-C plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between funders and recipients by fostering connections and sharing knowledge within the ecosystem.

The report highlights the growing importance of social procurement in achieving sustainability and social impact across various sectors. Industrial manufacturers focus on community empowerment through education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability, while conglomerates and FMCG companies support local vendors and SMEs to drive economic growth. IT companies prioritize green procurement to reduce environmental impacts, and the banking sector promotes financial inclusion through programs for marginalized groups. Pharmaceutical companies emphasize responsible sourcing and supplier diversity, and automotive companies adopt sustainable supply chain practices to mitigate environmental impacts. To accelerate social procurement, the report identifies the need for leadership-driven strategies to allocate procurement to social enterprises, capacity-building initiatives, stronger platforms for connecting social enterprises with corporate buyers, and policy incentives in India. These efforts aim to enhance the social procurement ecosystem and foster long-term social and economic benefits.

The Thomson Reuters Foundation champions economies that are equitable, participatory, and sustainable, with a focus on environmental respect. Impact investing is crucial for addressing social and environmental inequities but remains underutilized in Southeast Asia. To bridge this gap, the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE) partnered with TrustLaw, the TRF's global pro bono service, to enhance understanding of local impact investing regulations in 7 different countries in Southeast Asia: Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, Myanmar, and the Philippines. Special thanks go to A&O Shearman, DFDL, Mayer Brown, MahWengKwai & Associates, and SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan for their pro-bono support. This guide aims to assist social enterprises, incubators, and investors in navigating local regulations and fostering greater investment in regional startups and their social missions.