Norsad Finance wins PRI’s Emerging Markets Initiative of the Year Award
Norsad Finance, a leading impact investor has been awarded the Emerging Markets Initiative of the Year 2021 award from Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). This announcement comes after Norsad was initially shortlisted by the judging panel in two categories: ‘Real-world impact initiative of the year’ and ‘Emerging markets initiative of the year’ and then eventually winning the latter.
The prestigious award recognises a PRI signatory that seeks to achieve impact by setting targets to shape sustainability outcomes, uses a range of levers to achieve impact, and demonstrates how it is monitoring progress towards achieving its goals.
Setting real-world outcome targets
“Norsad is committed to contribute to private sector development in our markets, by availing funding, to enterprises that are financially, socially, and environmentally sustainable and which create jobs with decent working conditions, adopt good governance practices, and overall assist economic growth and poverty alleviation,” says Kenny Nwosu, Norsad CEO.
As an impact investor, Norsad’s purpose is ‘Building a better Africa’ by supporting partner companies that can deliver such impact through the services and employment they provide. Our impact focus is on Sustainable Livelihoods, Financial inclusion, Gender Equality and Climate & Clean energy. Norsad’s approach gives preference to companies that:
– Support sustainable growth and job creation;
– Diversify and strengthen local economies;
– Contribute to sustainable infrastructure growth and industry development; and
– Achieve impact in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Tracking performance against sustainability outcome targets
Norsad continuously monitors investments through close engagement with investee companies. Annual surveys are conducted, and the results are shared in annual impact reports, and the fourth report which was released in April 2021.
As part of its ‘open-door’ policy and close engagement, Norsad offers regular ESG support and training to its investee companies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, investee companies were provided with various best practice resources regarding ways to deal with and navigate the pandemic. This included webinars, training, regular check-ins, and technical assistance from shareholders. As a result, investee companies were better equipped to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and be more resilient to the impacts.
As a signatory to the PRI, Norsad encourages its partner investee companies to adopt sustainability principles and to align themselves with the SDGs, “as we believe that incorporating ESG aspects into daily business operations assist in developing sustainable businesses, fostering partnerships between companies, their employees, and other stakeholders. This win is a true testament to our purpose of ‘Building a better Africa,’” says Mr Nwosu.
About Norsad Finance
Norsad is an impact investor and private credit provider that offers flexible debt financing solutions to profitable growth-stage companies in Africa that deliver desirable social impact. Our investment coverage is sub-Sahara Africa, and our principal operational area is the Southern Africa region. Norsad targets high impact sectors that align with the Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) with a focus on impact sectors: financial institutions, food value chain, soft and social infrastructure and manufacturing.
For more information, visit Norsad’s website here: https://norsadfinance.com/
Contact:
Gorata Ogotseng (Corporate Communication Manager) gorata.ogotseng@norsadfinance.com
Keoleboge Malela (ESG Officer) keoleboge.malela@norsadfinance.com