The 2026 Africa Impact Investment Awards, presented by Krutham, have recognised some of the continent’s most influential organisations and leaders who are using investment, innovation and enterprise to create both financial returns and meaningful social and environmental impact.
The winners were announced at the Africa Impact Summit in Lusaka, Zambia, celebrating achievements across impact investing, sustainable finance, enterprise development and green economic growth. The awards highlight initiatives that are helping to close funding gaps, support entrepreneurs, create jobs and expand access to essential services across Africa.
At a time when the continent continues to face challenges related to infrastructure, climate change and access to finance, the award recipients demonstrate how targeted investments and innovative business models can contribute to long-term economic development while improving livelihoods.
Supporting Businesses, Communities and Sustainable Development
The Impact Funder of the Year award was presented to Investisseurs & Partenaires (I&P), a pioneering impact investment group that has spent more than two decades financing and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups across Sub-Saharan Africa. Through a combination of investment funds, entrepreneurship programmes and training initiatives, I&P has played a significant role in strengthening African business ecosystems. Operating from ten African countries as well as offices in Paris and Washington D.C., the organisation continues to help entrepreneurs access the capital and support needed to grow sustainable businesses that contribute to economic development.
The Impact Enterprise of the Year award went to Platcorp Foundation, which has built its operations around the use of fintech innovations to deliver accessible and sustainable financial solutions. The organisation focuses on empowering individuals, businesses and communities through services designed to increase financial inclusion. Sustainability remains central to its business model, allowing it to expand its impact while supporting economic participation in the markets where it operates.
Winning the Impact Fund of the Year category was Acre Impact Capital, whose Export Finance Fund I is addressing Africa’s estimated annual infrastructure financing gap of approximately US$100 billion. By partnering with commercial lenders and export credit agencies, the fund invests in climate-aligned essential infrastructure projects. Its work is helping unlock economic growth opportunities while expanding access to critical services for underserved populations across the continent.
The Financial Structure of the Year award was awarded to Daures Green Hydrogen Village, an ambitious project in Namibia that aims to become Africa’s first fully net-zero green community. Located in the Erongo region, the development is designed to demonstrate the production and use of green hydrogen and ammonia generated from renewable energy sources. Beyond clean energy production, the project will support carbon-free agriculture, research opportunities and future exports of hydrogen derivatives. Future phases are expected to accommodate more than 2,000 residents, generate over one gigawatt of clean energy and produce more than 350,000 tonnes of green ammonia, creating significant opportunities for economic growth and sustainability.
Recognising Innovation, Leadership and Inclusive Investment
The Impact Intermediary of the Year award was won by GreenCape, a South African non-profit organisation that has spent more than a decade advancing green economy solutions. GreenCape works closely with businesses, investors, governments and academic institutions to remove barriers that limit investment in green technologies and infrastructure. By helping accelerate the adoption of sustainable solutions, the organisation is contributing to job creation, economic resilience and the transition toward a greener economy across Africa.
The Impact Trailblazer of the Year award was presented to Tokunboh Ishmael, co-founder and leader of Alitheia Capital, one of Africa’s pioneering impact-focused private equity firms. Through Alitheia Capital and the gender-focused Alitheia IDF fund, she has helped channel more than US$200 million into businesses operating in sectors such as fintech, healthcare, infrastructure, agribusiness, retail and technology. Her work has focused particularly on supporting women-led enterprises while expanding investment into climate, energy efficiency and digital infrastructure. Beyond fund management, Ishmael is widely recognised for mentoring entrepreneurs, advising governments and promoting financial literacy across Africa.
The Judges’ Award was presented to Balloon Ventures for its innovative approach to supporting small and growing businesses. The organisation combines investments of approximately US$25,000 with business support and data-driven insights to help entrepreneurs scale their operations. Balloon Ventures aims to unlock a potential US$150 billion investment opportunity in Africa while helping create secure and fairly paid jobs. Its model focuses on strengthening small businesses, which remain a critical driver of employment and poverty reduction across the continent.
The Africa Impact Investment Awards recognise organisations and individuals delivering measurable social and environmental outcomes while generating sustainable returns for investors. The 2026 winners reflect the growing maturity of Africa’s impact investing sector and demonstrate how innovative financing models can help address some of the continent’s most pressing development challenges.
The organisers also acknowledged the contribution of the judging panel as well as the support of FirstRand, FNB Zambia and the Africa Impact Summit in making the awards possible.
