SUSTAINABILITY

As a leading infrastructure manager across Africa, central to AIIM’s investment objectives and processes is our commitment to responsible investment. AIIM is committed to fulfilling fiduciary duties as the custodian of shareholders’ and beneficiaries’ long-term interests. In this regard, we consider the incorporation of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors into our investment and ownership processes to support the pursuit of creation of positive futures and obtaining sustainable, superior risk-adjusted returns for our clients.

OUR ESG PHILOSOPHY

Futures (1)

Creation of positive futures

We look to create positive futures for those affected by our investments. This means going beyond a focus on returns, and actively seeking out opportunities where we can create value through positive sustainability outcomes.

Positive futures include a better standard of living for affected communities, better education, better employment opportunities and responsible stewardship of ecosystems in which we operate.

Data

Sustainable, risk-adjusted returns

Through the integration of ESG into our investment processes, AIIM undertakes a holistic risk management approach. We strive for sustainable returns (achievable over the longer term) and we calibrate risk-adjusted returns (factored in ESG risks and requirements to achieve ESG performance).

Esg Factor

Our pledge to responsible investment commits AIIM to:

  • the integration of ESG factors into investment decisions;
  • acting as a responsible steward of assets;
  • playing an active responsible investment leadership role in Africa;
  • managing conflicts of interests;
  • collaborating with co-investors on material ESG issues; and
  • annual disclosure regarding our responsible investment progress.
P Un I

Positive impact: United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 goals, which act as successor to the Millennium Development Goals. The SDGs were adopted at the UN Sustainable Development Summit 25-27 September, 2015 in New York. The SDGs are now considered the global goals for sustainable development and investment.

AIIM’s approach to achieving sustainable, risk-adjusted returns casts the risk management net wide through our ESG Management System process, but focuses on key SDGs to create positive futures for those affected by our investments. This focus allows us to drive toward meaningful, positive impact outcomes for ourselves, our investors and communities in which we operate.

1,973,921
Households powered by 5,678 GWH Renewable Energy
6.15 M tCO2e
Total Emissions Avoided
22,069
Total number of jobs as at Dec 2023

WHAT WE FOCUS ON

Our commitment to responsible investment is central to our investment objectives and to fulfilling our fiduciary duties towards our shareholders and beneficiaries. We believe that embedding environmental, social and governance (ESG) thinking into our investment decision-making is critical if we want to create positive futures and sustainable, superior, risk-adjusted returns for our clients. To achieve meaningful, significant positive outcomes through our investment practices, AIIM has selected four key focus areas from a group-wide perspective. Under these broad focus areas, we find our asset classes provide opportunity for positive impact through the themes of energy, carbon, social aspects, infrastructure and governance. We align these themes with specific United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Our investment professionals understand that each of these themes are critical in every investment.

Climate Change

AIIM’s approach to tackle climate change is primarily driven by two themes, the transition to a cleaner, sustainable energy mix and the reduction of our carbon footprint. Ultimately, we aim to provide more renewable energy than our carbon footprint.

Decent Work and Economic Growth

AIIM seeks to build an sustainable ‘ecosystem’ in the jurisdictions in which we invest under the focus area of decent work and economic growth. We see this practically playing out through the key themes of education, sustainable infrastructure and creation of safe, decent work opportunities. This focus area provides strong links between SDGs 8, 9 and 11.

Diversity

Within the focus area of diversity, AIIM seeks to achieve positive outcomes for inclusive and gender-equal employment; and reduce inequalities, through the transformation of work forces and the representation of historically disadvantaged South Africans. We believe that businesses with diverse and inclusive workforces are more resilient, providing for a sustainable society and economy.

Governance

Governance is a cornerstone of organisational sustainability. We believe that good governance lies at the heart of a sustainable business that delivers returns for all stakeholders, including shareholders, lenders, employees, suppliers, and the communities in which we invest.

As a responsible investor, AIIM maintains a continual focus on governance aspects in our investment decision-making and active stewardship of assets.

AIIM applies good governance practices in all portfolio companies, with adherence to local governance-related laws and a reference to the King IV Report on good corporate governance.

 

Our Journey

We are committed to investing responsibly and have been on a steady and focused responsible investment journey.

 

MEDIA

AIIM IS A MEMBER OF
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    African Venture Capital Association
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    Africa Infrastructure Development Association
  • Africa Solar Industry Association
  • Association for Private Capital in Emerging Markets
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    East Africa Venture Capital Association
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    Global Impact Investing Network
  • Private Equity and Venture Capital Association
  • South African Photovoltaic Industry Association
  • Southern African Venture Capital & Private Equity Association
  • South African Wind Energy Association
AIIM IS A MEMBER OF OLD MUTUAL GROUP, WHICH IS A SIGNATORY TO THE UN PRINCIPLES FOR RESPONSIBLE INVESTMENT
  • Principle for Responsible Investment
AIIM IS A MEMBER OF OLD MUTUAL ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENTS, WHICH IS A SIGNATORY TO THE IMPACT PRINCIPLES
  • Operating Principles for Impact Management