Impact Investing Chair

Bridging research and practice, the Chair produces data, analysis and training programmes that respond to the needs of investors, public decision-makers, development finance institutions and African stakeholders. 

Impact investing seeks to generate measurable social and environmental outcomes while remaining financially viable. With more than USD 1.5 trillion in assets under management in 2024, according to the Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN), it is growing rapidly in Africa, driven by private investment funds, development finance institutions and major foundations.

Yet the sector remains insufficiently documented, with imprecise definitions, diverse practices and no widely shared methodology for measuring impact. The Chair addresses this knowledge gap by producing rigorous academic analysis closely aligned with the needs of African practitioners.

The Chair conducts applied research for impact investing stakeholders through:

• mapping investors operating in Africa;
• thematic studies of impact investing practices and outcomes;
• academic publications.

The Institut des hautes études du développement durable (IHEDD), FERDI’s Qualiopi-certified training institute, develops courses for investment professionals and ESG and CSR managers. Its programme includes a hybrid training course, combining online and in-person learning, that covers the different dimensions of impact investing.

>> Explore the training courses

The Chair fosters dialogue between researchers and practitioners through:

• a biennial international conference;
• seminars and webinars;
• active participation in the GIIN’s global network;
• a governance structure bringing together academic research and professional practice.

The Chair is developing the first open-access database dedicated to impact investors operating in Africa. A key resource for researchers, investors and decision-makers, it provides the empirical foundation for the Chair’s work.

>> Access the database

• 2024: mapping of more than 250 impact investors.
• 2025: expansion of the database through the introduction of a new African footprint indicator. Following the update of data on nearly 250 active funds, this new version measures each fund’s African footprint, distinguishing between those entirely dedicated to the continent and those whose activities in Africa are more occasional.
• 2026: publication of the report What Impact Funds in Africa Really Measure: An Analysis of Impact Evaluation Practices

>> Read the report

The Chair has been a member of the Global Impact Investing Network since October 2024 and has participated in the GIIN’s Sub-Saharan Africa Knowledge Hub since January 2025.

Through this engagement, it contributes to international discussions on impact measurement, transparency and the professionalisation of the sector. It also strengthens dialogue with institutional investors, international organisations and public decision-makers involved in development finance.

The Princely Government of the Principality of Monaco has supported the Chair’s activities since 2026.

The Chair is coordinated by Jean-Louis Arcand and Jean-Michel Severino, with support from Florian Léon, Zeneib Benaissa and Sitraka Rabary. 

Read the Chair’s concept note: