How is your business helping to solve the health, social, or economic challenges created by COVID19?
Our focus is on preserving the Zambian impact investment ecosystem. To do this we are gathering challenges / opportunities within our networks of government organisations, NGOs, funds, investors, and SMEs. We can then design tools for SMEs and investors, and facilitate targeted funding to preserve SMEs and encourage job security. This includes designing an investor response and appropriate financial instruments that can best sustain Zambian SMEs during this period. We are also continuing the our business as usual, which supports the impact investment lifecycle: developing a consistent investment-ready SME pipeline, building online interactive platforms between investors and SMEs, and developing capacity building tools for SMEs.
Does your business contribute most to recovery, response, or resilience?
Recovery - we're positioned to support in the recovery of those directly affected.,Response - we're responding directly to issues caused or exacerbated by the COVID-19 outbreak.
What is the stage of your product development?
I have a market ready product/service. I have sold to customers.
What strengths does your team bring? Include skills and personal experience with the problem.
The ICA team comprises conscientious individuals that have had experience across a range of industries in Africa, including mining, NGOs, alternative livelihood development, marketing strategy, and operational consulting. Our main strength is our people, and their ability to build connections, and to catalyse relationships that can have a social / environmental impact as well as deliver financial returns. We have worked with a pipeline of 55 SMEs since 2018, and thus far deals of over $80m have been agreed. Our team’s excels at thinking of creative collaborations.Our founder and lead roles have all focused their careers in Africa, building relationships to develop far-reaching networks including FDIs, NGOs, government bodies, incubators, SMEs, mining houses, industrial leaders, amongst others. Our team comprises a combination of social engagement leaders with technical and analytical expertise, allowing us to offer imaginative solutions supported by a strong theoretical and data-driven understanding.
What countries do you operate in?
We are operational in Zambia, but have active discussions with other sub-Saharan countries that are interested in the ICA model and conference.
Is your company headquartered in a US "Opportunity Zone"?
Yes
