Nairobi to anchor Africa’s push for impact capital at 2025 AVPA Conference

Nairobi will host Africa’s premier gathering of impact investors, philanthropists, and policymakers when the African Venture Philanthropy Alliance (AVPA) holds its 2025 annual conference from November 3 to 5.

Themed “Future Proofing Africa: Driving Sustainable Investments and Innovations for Resilient Growth,” the conference will bring together more than 400 leaders from across the continent and beyond to explore strategies for mobilising impact capital and advancing inclusive growth.

According to AVPA Chief Executive Officer Frank Aswani, the conference seeks to redefine how capital is channelled toward Africa’s development priorities.

“This is more than just a conference; it's a pan-African movement to rethink how capital flows to where it matters most,” Dr Aswani said.

“From Lagos to Lusaka, and Nairobi to Cape Town, we’re rallying investors, innovators and changemakers to co-create bold solutions that shape Africa’s future.”

The event will feature plenary discussions and breakout sessions on policy innovation, local capital mobilisation, blended finance, and leadership in impact investment. Sector-focused sessions will cover areas such as renewable energy, fintech, agritech, and AI-driven technology for scalable impact.

Participants will also engage in an “Impact Disco” networking event and an Impact Safari, a post-conference series highlighting real-world case studies and innovations in Kenya’s investment ecosystem.

AVPA Board Chair Adedotun Sulaiman said the continent’s challenge lies not in the scarcity of capital but in aligning investment priorities.

“Africa stands at a unique inflection point. We are not short of capital or talent; we are short of alignment,” Sulaiman said.

“This conference is about converting intent into investment and ambition into impact. Nairobi is the right place, and now is the right time.”

The conference comes at a time when impact investment in Africa has surpassed $11 billion in 2025, with returns ranging from 15% to 25% across sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture, and financial services.