Event Highlights Jersey’s Impact on Responsible Investing in Africa

Dr Rufaro Nyakatawa, Jersey Finance’s Market Development Consultant – Africa, led a panel discussion which featured insights from Jersey as a leading international financial centre (IFC) that manages more than £1.4 trillion in global assets. The event underscored Jersey’s role in facilitating the flow of capital through various wealth structures, emphasising the shift towards responsible and impact investing, particularly in Africa.

Expert speakers on the panel were: Diane Laas, Fund Manager at Melville Douglas; Brett Wallington, Co-Founder and Chief Impact Officer at Paragon Impact; and, Andrew Wellsted, Director at OWP Partners. Their discussions highlighted the growing focus on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria in investment decisions, driven by increasing concerns over the climate emergency and social responsibility.

The impact of the recent COP 28 agreement, which for the first time explicitly included a commitment to transition away from fossil fuels was pointed out as a particularly relevant shift for Africa, a continent vulnerable to climate change yet poised to benefit from sustainable investment strategies.

The panellists also addressed the wealth transfer to a new generation of investors who prioritise sustainability. As Africa’s investable wealth, currently valued at US$2.5 trillion, continues to grow, there is a rising demand for investment strategies that not only deliver financial returns but also contribute positively to society and the environment. Jersey’s commitment and ambitious vision to become a sustainable finance leader by 2030 further underscores the importance of this trend.