Maia Capital Partners

30/10/2024

This month, we explored the transformative power of Gender Lens Investing (GLI). But to deepen your understanding, we recommend looking at the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index for 2024.

This index provides a comprehensive overview of gender equality across key dimensions—Economic Participation, Educational Attainment, Health and Survival, and Political Empowerment. The good news is that the index shows a global gender gap closure of 68.6%, however, it projects a 134-year timeline to full parity and underscores the urgent need for targeted investment strategies.

Learn more here ➡️ https://www.weforum.org/publications/global-gender-gap-report-2024/digest/

The Global Gender Gap Index 2024 benchmarks the current state and evolution of gender parity across four key dimensions (Economic Participation and Opportunity, Educational Attainment, Health and Survival, and Political Empowerment). It is the longest-standing index tracking the progress of numerous...

28/10/2024

Founded in 2020, Maia Capital Partners stands at the cutting edge of high-impact investing, dedicated to unlocking transformative opportunities for our investor community. Our team brings extensive experience in investments, infrastructure development, and a unique entrepreneurial craft, positioning us as leaders in the realm of impact investing.

Our investment strategy revolves around monitoring and measuring multidimensional returns, allowing us to track progress toward realising an inclusive economy. We believe that true value is achieved when investments drive both financial success and meaningful societal impact.

25/10/2024

The UN’s report, “Empowering Women, Building Sustainable Assets: Strengthening the Depth of Gender Lens Investing Across Asset Classes”, offers critical insights into the evolving landscape of gender lens investing (GLI) and its potential as a transformative force for societal change.

Developed by UN Women in collaboration with leading academic and financial institutions, the report reveals opportunities and challenges in integrating gender equality into investment strategies.

While SDG 5 (gender equality) has found its way into some investment objectives, the broader impact of GLI is still largely anecdotal. Despite increasing demand for SDG 5-aligned funds, these represent just 17.2% of impact funds—a clear sign that there is more work to be done.

Notably, private equity leads the charge in GLI, representing the largest asset class by both the number of funds and assets under management.

To access the report, visit ➡️ https://www.unwomen.org/en/digital-library/publications/2024/02/empowering-women-building-sustainable-assets-strengthening-the-depth-of-gender-lens-investing-across-asset-classes

This report unpacks gender lens investing models and practices, while highlighting potential challenges and contradictions that they pose to feminist agendas. Drawing on case studies of funds and data, the report considers how impact funds can strengthen gender lens investing (GLI) to pave the way f...

23/10/2024

The global economy faces challenges, including slow growth, heightened geopolitical tensions, and climate change. Yet, there's an opportunity to redefine growth with a focus on innovation, inclusion, sustainability, and resilience.
And impact investing stands at the forefront of this revolution as it has the power to drive both economic growth and societal impact. Successful precedents include initiatives like improving internet access in underserved areas, which has enhanced education and job opportunities.
Read more here ➡️ https://poverty-action.org/publication/building-resilience-through-financial-inclusion-review-existing-evidence-and-knowledge

Share Facebook Link Twitter Link Publications File Agriculture Financial Inclusion Behavioral Design Cash Transfers Commitments Crisis Digital Finance Food Security Insurance Payments Product Design Remittances Rural Finance Savings Technology Adoption Building Resilience through Financial Inclusion...

21/10/2024

Our investment approach is grounded in the rigorous monitoring and measurement of multidimensional returns, enabling us to track and drive progress towards an inclusive economy. We are committed to creating value by ensuring that our investments not only achieve financial success but also generate substantial societal impact.

Discover how we blend financial acumen with purposeful investing to make a difference. For more information, visit ➡️ www.maiacapital.co.za or contact us at [email protected].

18/10/2024

The Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN) outlines two key components of Gender Lens Investing:

1️⃣ INVESTING WITH PURPOSE: Directing capital towards women-owned or women-led enterprises, companies promoting workplace equity, and businesses offering products or services that enhance the lives of women and girls.

2️⃣ GENDER-INFORMED INVESTMENT STRATEGY: Integrating gender equity considerations throughout the investment process, from due diligence to post-investment, ensuring alignment with broader organisational goals.

For more insights, visit ➡️ https://bit.ly/3Xv8fqq

16/10/2024

Inclusivity isn’t just a principle for us at Maia Capital Partners—it’s integral to our investment philosophy because we have seen how it brings substantial benefits to both economies and communities. In fact, the World Economic Forum reckons that gender equality could add $2.6 trillion to Latin America’s economy and $46 billion to Ecuador’s.

Moreover, increasing female workforce participation enhances overall productivity and could generate a $172 trillion “gender dividend” for the global economy. By creating opportunities for underrepresented groups, we are not only promoting equity but also fostering more resilient and robust economic systems.

To learn more, visit 🖱️➡️ https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2024/01/how-inclusion-benefits-global-economy/

Future growth models must be more inclusive. Experts at Davos explained the economic benefits of inclusion and how to build a more inclusive world.

14/10/2024

At Maia Capital Partners, our investment strategy is designed to drive positive change and inclusive growth. By focusing on gender inclusion, building resilient portfolios, and fostering collaboration, we ensure our investments not only deliver competitive returns but also empower communities for a sustainable future.

Discover how we can transform your investment goals ➡️ https://bit.ly/46bj59j

11/10/2024

Traditionally, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have predominantly focused on financial metrics and strategic alignment. However, an emerging approach is reshaping this landscape: Gender Lens Investing (GLI). This innovative approach assesses M&A transactions through the lens of gender diversity, prioritising support for women-owned businesses and the advancement of gender equality.

M&A transactions guided by GLI principles offer profound benefits, particularly for women-owned enterprises that often encounter unique challenges in securing capital. By directing investments towards companies that champion gender diversity, investors not only drive the growth of women-led ventures but also contribute to a more inclusive and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem.

While GLI opens doors for advancing gender equality, it also presents challenges, such as inconsistent gender data and the need for nuanced analysis. Despite these hurdles, the increasing interest in GLI underscores a growing recognition of the critical role diversity, equity, and inclusion play in investment strategies and its potential to redefine the corporate landscape for future generations.

Read more here 🖱️➡️ https://bit.ly/3TuHbGQ

10/10/2024

This year, we have seen a depreciation of emerging market currencies against the US dollar—a development that warrants careful attention. Despite a positive overall economic outlook, with emerging markets projected to grow at 4.3% and inflation expected to ease, currency pressures remain a key concern.

The primary driver of this trend is the narrowing interest rate differentials between emerging markets and the US. Initially, expectations of significant US interest rate cuts influenced investor sentiment. However, stronger-than-anticipated US economic performance, coupled with persistent inflation pressures, has bolstered the US dollar. As a result, emerging markets, particularly in regions such as Latin America and parts of Asia, have experienced significant currency declines as their interest rate advantages have diminished.

The impact of currency depreciation on financial stability is complex: While gradual adjustments can align with economic fundamentals and be constructive, sharp declines may pose risks of financial instability. For this reason, it is critical to implement strategies that both manage volatility and mitigate potential risks, ensuring a balanced approach to immediate concerns while preparing for adverse scenarios.

Learn more here 🖱️➡️ https://www.imf.org/en/Blogs/Articles/2024/07/22/financial-stability-implications-of-emerging-market-currency-developments

Currencies have depreciated to varying degrees in emerging market economies as interest rate differentials with the United States narrowed

09/10/2024

At Maia Capital Partners, that gender equality and diversity are more than guiding principles—they're strategic advantages. In fact, research has revealed that female managers are exceptional at building rapport across mixed-gender teams. This skill not only enhances team dynamics but also drives productivity and performance.

The study highlights that female leaders excel in fostering communication and collaboration, resulting in stronger, more effective teams compared to their male counterparts. For instance, in sectors like fast food, female managers were responsible for better scheduling, improved staff training, and increased sales. This evidence supports the notion that empowering women in leadership roles is not only a matter of fairness but a crucial factor in achieving exceptional results and advancing a more inclusive economy.

Learn more here 🖱️➡️ https://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/rapport-the-hidden-advantage-that-women-managers-bring-to-teams

Lack of communication between managers and their employees can hurt productivity and even undermine the customer experience. Female managers are more adept at building rapport among mixed-gender teams, which can improve an organization’s performance, says research by Jorge Tamayo.

09/10/2024

This month, we are exploring the transformative power of Gender Lens Investing (GLI). Our theme this month underscores our commitment to integrating gender equity into investment strategies and highlights the significant impact this approach can have on fostering a more inclusive and equitable economy.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll look at the strategic advantages of GLI and learn how it’s reshaping mergers and acquisitions—plus—we’ll share insights from global experts. Stay tuned for weekly insights.