London, UK, Thursday, 21st April 2016: The African Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (AVCA) today announced the launch of its newly inaugurated Sustainability Committee (Committee). On behalf of the Association, the advisory group will lead future, research, advocacy and educational initiatives around sustainable development and will share the latest trends and insights on key sustainable investment issues with AVCA members.
The Sustainability Committee is led by Runa Alam, Chief Executive Officer at Development Partners International (DPI) and the former chair and current board member of AVCA. She will be supported by a team comprising senior level Partners, Investment Partners, and Sustainability Specialists from leading private equity firms as well as LPs with expertise in sustainability that are actively investing in the African venture capital and private equity markets. Over the next year, the Sustainability Committee will assist AVCA to further build on its series of industry research and materials, elevating awareness and understanding of private equity and venture capital in Africa.
Overall, this will strengthen AVCA’s ability to help the market mature and adjust to the evolution of new Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) requirements and by doing so, continue to champion the private equity and venture capital asset class in Africa.
Commenting on the launch of the Sustainability Committee, Runa Alam said: I am proud to be chairing this Committee, and along with the other members, I am committed to supporting AVCA in continuing to shape and promote value-added information about sustainable development in Africa, in order to deepen global awareness of the continent’s unique market characteristics and potential.
Also commenting on the launch of the Committee, AVCA Chief Executive Officer, Michelle Essomé said: We are pleased to announce the launch of the Sustainability Committee, which will accelerate AVCA’s efforts to facilitate sustainable value creation in African markets. This is critical because when delivered in the right way, sustainable private equity investment can be a powerful development stimulus; creating jobs, funding essential infrastructural development, providing services, encouraging innovation, promoting standards and ultimately, boosting economies.
To view a list of the members of the Sustainability Committee as well as their biographies, please see here.
For more information, please contact:
Nicole Dobianer
Gong Communications
+44 (0)20 7935 4800
avca@gongcommunications.com
