A Catalytic Fund for Inclusive and Innovative Businesses
Innovations Against Poverty challenges the private sector to contribute to the fight against poverty
Low-income markets represent a significant business opportunity. The four billion people living on less than US$ 8 a day constitute a global consumer market with a shared purchasing power valued at US$ 5 trillion. By thinking innovatively, private companies can develop businesses that solve social and environmental issues while at the same time maximising their competitiveness and profitability. However, many of these initiatives face commercial, technical and financial risks. They have limited access to finance as they are frequently too large for micro-financing but too small for mainstream commercial debt and venture capital. The IAP fund serves as a risk-sharing mechanism to stimulate private sector development endeavours that otherwise would not occur.
Through our combined financial and non-financial services, we support innovative Inclusive Business models that deliver commercial benefits for the private sector and developmental benefits for low-income populations, while paying specific attention to gender equality and environmental sustainability.
Impact by Nov 2023
New Jobs Created (FTE)
People Living in Poverty with Access to Basic Goods and Services
People Living in Poverty with Income Generating Opportunities
People Living in Poverty with Increased Income or Cost Savings
GHG Emissions Avoided or Reduced (Tonnes CO2-EQ)
Increased Sales Revenue (Euro)
Additional funding leveraged by investees (Euro)
Updates
Strides towards sustainable and greener cooking practices in Uganda
Photo: RGF Launch event. From left to right: SNV Uganda Country Director Phomolo Maphosa, Minster of State for Kampala Hon. Kyofatogabye Kabuye, RGF Team Leader Sarah Basemera, and IAP Uganda Project Manager Lucy Asiimwe.[dssb_sharing_buttons icon_placement="icon"...
Afriseed secures additional funding for scaling up in the legumes business
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SOGE receives clean energy award 2022 and attracts more funding
Solar Green Energy Ltd (SOGE), one of IAP’s investees in the Cambodia portfolio, won the 2022 Clean Energy Award for businesses. SOGE is a solar energy company that provides a wide range of quality solar products combined with installation and maintenance services....
Articles
Nutridense: Alem’s journey to transform Ethiopian agriculture and nutrition
The journey of Nutridense began as Alem started her studies in chemistry. There were no courses to study food at the university and she thought that chemistry at the very least came something close.
Waste powering Uganda’s markets
The factory is up and running and although much of the carbonisation of farm waste and sawdust was done in furnaces, today new caroboniser was in place and ready to be assembled, promising to make the process a whole lot cleaner.
From Cartoonist to Fintech Founder
Emmanuels’ career trajectory deviated from the conventional path as he transitioned from being a hired cartoonist to co-founding a fintech company—an accomplishment that may not impress those who possess a formal education in computer science.
Insights
Investment Support
In addition to grant financing, IAP offers tailored advisory support, including investment support, for portfolio businesses. This support is focused on organizational strengthening and growth strategy.
Contributing to Systems Change
The IAP Challenge Fund catalyzes positive impact by granting funds to businesses with innovative models, prioritizing scalability, and contributing to broader system change to uplift people from poverty and social exclusion.
Improving food security and access to nutritious food
Private sector agri-food businesses, encompassing the seed industry, producers, and processors, play a crucial role in transforming global food systems and ensuring food security.