The Impact Investors Foundation (IIF), Nigeria’s leading platform for unlocking impact capital is adding yet another partner, LEAP Africa to spotlight more impact heroes in this year’s annual award for impact investing.
LEAP Africa, a youth-focused leadership development organisation committed to raising leaders that will transform Africa, has formed an alliance with IIF and its existing partners to celebrate trailblazing organisations as part of their continued recognition of the substantial impacts of enterprises, investors, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
The IIF Annual Awards, renowned for celebrating leading institutions and/or individuals who have made significant environmental and social contributions through their investments, products, services or innovations, and the LEAP Africa’s SIPA Awards, dedicated to supporting the growth of innovative youth-led enterprises, have joined forces to create a powerhouse platform for acknowledging outstanding entities driving positive change in the society.
Combining these awards comes at a crucial time when the world is increasingly turning its attention towards sustainable business practices and social impact.
The IIF Annual Awards for Impact Investing and SIPA Awards aim to amplify the recognition of organisations that are not only profitable but also making meaningful contributions to environmental and social causes.
The award recipients would be celebrated at a spectacular awards night in Lagos on the 13th of November 2024 as part of the 2nd West Africa Deal Summit. This event promises to be bigger and more impactful than ever before, bringing together investment leaders, innovators, and change-makers from across various sectors under one roof to celebrate their collective efforts towards building a better world.
The 2024 IIF Annual Awards for Impact Investing are in the following categories:
- Impact Investor of The Year
- Social Enterprise of The Year
The 2024 LEAP Africa Awards are also in the following categories:
- Outstanding Fellow Award
- Seyi Bickersteth Award for Financial Accountability
The Innocent C. Chukwuma Awards are in the following categories:
- Innocent C. Chukwuma Award for Social Impact (ICA) in West Africa
- Innocent Chukwuma prize for youth and gender empowerment in South-East Nigeria
Eligible individuals or organisations should visit the award website to read more about the selection criteria and submit nominations before June 14, 2024.
Ms Etemore Glover, the chief executive officer of Impact Investors Foundation (IIF), said,
“The support and nominations we have received over the years remind us that our ambitious goal to transform Nigeria into an impact economy is possible. We’re delighted to be working with changemakers and partners in Nigeria to spotlight the innovative and courageous organisations that are committed to being the voice of social and environmental change.”
Commenting on the recognition, Ms. Kehinde Ayeni, the executive director, LEAP Africa, said,
“As we celebrate the achievements of these outstanding contributors under the Seyi Bickerseth Award for Financial Accountability, the Outstanding Fellow Award and the Innocent Chukwuma Award for Gender Empowerment, we are reminded of their vital role in shaping a more sustainable and equitable future for all. There is a conscientious effort by multilevel stakeholders to adequately resource enterprise innovation, however organisational growth, financial resilience, and gender inclusion and equity are key focal areas these Awards are seeking to promote and support. Their dedication and innovation serve as inspiration for others to follow suit, driving us towards a world where business success is synonymous with social and environmental stewardship.”
Speaking on the award, Mrs Josephine Effah-Chukwuma, the executive chair, Innocent Chukwuemeka Chukwuma Empowerment Foundation (ICCEF), said,
“Many non-profits and civil society organisations are empowering their communities by addressing critical issues such as poverty, inequality, and access to clean water and healthcare and we want to acknowledge and celebrate their achievements in honour of the legacy of the Late Innocent Chukwuma. We look forward to identifying organisations that are implementing projects that benefit humankind.”
In 2023, Aruwa Capital Management, an impact investment company that invests in untapped economic segments won the Impact Investor of the Year award; Eha Clinics, an innovative and comprehensive healthcare service provider, won the Social Enterprise of the Year award while Women’s Right and Health Project (WRAHP), a non-profit that promotes reproductive health, rights and general development for women, young girls and communities, clinched the Innocent C. Chukwuma Award for Social Impact.
Gift Muoneke, founder Greenera Technologies: Winner of the Innocent Chukwuma Award for Youth and Gender Empowerment in South -East Nigeria.
Jolis Nduwimana, founder WEGE Companies: Winner of the Seyi Bickersteth Prize for Financial Accountability.
