Assessing the impact of COVID-19 on African impact investing space

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a wave of challenges that have not only affected physical health but also mental health and economic stability. Graeme Wilkinson, a social investment specialist at Tshikululu Social Investments, highlighted the far-reaching impacts of the pandemic on African societies, particularly in South Africa. Wilkinson emphasized the need to address the immediate needs of communities while also focusing on long-term social infrastructure development. One of the key themes discussed in the interview was the shift from long-term social investing to emergency relief efforts. Wilkinson noted that their organization, Tshikululu, had to redirect their focus towards providing emergency relief and disaster recovery support due to the unprecedented challenges brought about by the pandemic. The COVID-19 crisis has highlighted the importance of paying attention to social issues and investing in social infrastructure to build economic resilience. Three key points emerged from the interview: 1. Urgent Need for Emergency Relief: The pandemic has created an urgent need for emergency relief efforts, particularly in developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Communities are struggling to access basic necessities like food and healthcare, making it crucial for social investors to prioritize immediate relief interventions. 2. Long-Term Social Infrastructure Development: In addition to emergency relief, there is a growing focus on building long-term social infrastructure to address the lasting impacts of the pandemic. This includes investing in skilled professionals like social workers, nurses, and teachers to support communities in times of crisis. 3. Uncertain Duration of State of Emergency: Wilkinson highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the duration of the state of emergency caused by the pandemic. With projections indicating the possibility of a fourth wave in South Africa, it is likely that the current restrictions on social interactions and economic activities will continue for at least the next six months. In conclusion, the interview with Graeme Wilkinson shed light on the critical role of social investors in responding to the social and economic challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. As African countries navigate the complexities of the ongoing crisis, the focus remains on balancing immediate relief efforts with long-term social infrastructure development to ensure resilience in the face of future challenges.