PIDG Pulse: Recent Episodes
PIDG
PIDG Pulse showcases the impactful work of the Private Infrastructure Development Group. For 20 years the company has funded innovative infrastructure projects in Sub-Saharan Africa and South and Southeast Asia, to lift the world’s most fragile countries out of poverty. Through economic growth and with a particular emphasis on creating safer and more sustainable communities, PIDG has changed the lives of more than 200 million people. Find out more at www.pidg.org
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The M.V. Mpungu is a first-of-its-kind freight vessel set to revolutionise the maritime industry in East Africa. Owned by East Africa Marine Transport (EAMT), it will operate across Lake Victoria, between Uganda and Tanzania, cutting journey times, reducing emissions and creating jobs.
Supported by PIDG’s development arm, InfraCo Africa, the vessel will improve standards of transport infrastructure, save the economy millions of dollars and boost trade in the region.
In this episode, we discover how M.V. Mpungu will operate, benefit businesses and open up career opportunities for both men and women in the area. We also explore the project's impact on sustainability. And we learn about some of the challenges that were faced, both in the development phase of the project, and in getting the vessel on the water.
And to mark World Day for Safety and Health at Work on the 28th April, we learn about PIDG’s health safety environment and social (HSES) framework and how these guidelines have been implemented during the development of the EAMT project.
Tune in for a conversation with:
Claire Jarratt, Chief Investment and Risk Officer, InfraCo Africa.
Rodney Seema is Regional Asset Management Lead, InfraCo Africa.
Jacob Kazungu is HSES Advisor, InfraCo Africa.
Your host is Marcel Klebba, Communications Manager at PIDG.
Find out more about the EAMT project here. And learn more about PIDG on our website, pidg.org.
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Whether it’s providing electric vehicles to women who otherwise have to walk massive distances to provide for their families, or increasing access to safe and adequate drinking water for rural communities, PIDG has a number of investments that directly impact and improve the lives of women.
Across Africa and Asia, PIDG doesn’t just consider how women are impacted by its projects, it also strives to empower them.
In this International Women’s Day special edition of the podcast, hear about a number of projects that are impacting women on the ground, including Mobility for Africa, the KUDURA mini grid project in Kenya, and the Cambodia water portfolio. Hear from two of the women riding Mobility for Africa’s electric tricycles, or Hambas, as they explain how their lives have been benefited by the vehicles. And learn more about what it truly means to involve women in projects and investment decisions.
Tune in for a conversation with:
Sally Gichia, Asset Manager, East and Southern Africa at InfraCo Africa
Cristina Traini, Impact Manager at InfraCo Asia
Adefi Mtambo, Pepukai Group, Hamba rider
Regina Marekesa, Money Maker Group, Hamba rider
Your host is Marcel Klebba, Communications Manager at PIDG.
Find out more about PIDG’s approach to gender equality on our website, pidg.org.
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Combining concessional capital with blended finance is an innovative solution, bridging a major funding gap. Where a project is struggling to reach scale, concessional capital can be used to boost its commerciality and affordability.
PIDG is blending concessional capital into transactions through PIDG Technical Assistance’s capital grant, viability gap funding and concessional equity and debt products.
In this episode we learn what concessional capital is and how it can be used to attract private sector investment into emerging economies. We find out how PIDG assesses when to deploy concessional capital and what it seeks to achieve with these products. And we hear about Dakar’s first fully electric public bus network, which has benefited greatly from the PIDG TA concessional capital offering.
Tune in for a conversation with:
Luke Foley, deputy head of Technical Assistance at PIDG
Puleng Pitso, investment specialist at the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF)
Your host is Marcel Klebba, communications manager at PIDG.
To find out more about PIDG’s approach to concessional capital on our website, pidg.org.
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Welcome to the second episode of Increasing Risk Tolerance to Drive Impact – a podcast series from the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF), a Private Infrastructure Development Group company – exploring ways to develop game-changing infrastructure in underserved geographies.
Most infrastructure has been designed, implemented or run by men, often without considering female participation in decision-making, development or operation of projects. A common, albeit mistaken, assumption is that women automatically benefit from infrastructure projects in the same way as men.
In this episode, Mariana Graça, Investment Specialist – Sustainability & Impact at Ninety One, Fund manager of the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF), draws on EAIF's approach to boosting resilience in the fight against climate change and delivering more inclusive infrastructure for women and the physically impaired.
A key takeaway from this episode is that diversity of thought can disproportionately improve the transformative impact of infrastructure investments - creating outsized benefits to marginalised members of society. The more we understand the implications, the more inclusive societies we can build.
Our guest is:
Mariana Graça, Investment Specialist – Sustainability & Impact, at Ninety One, Fund manager of the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF).
Your host is Lindsay Williams, business broadcaster.
To find out more about how EAIF delivers game-changing projects that help close Africa’s infrastructure gap with greater urgency and pace, visit our website.
This podcast was edited by OG Podcasts.
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The future of development finance is bright, as a number of exciting announcements were made at the COP28 climate conference last year. From a £391 million investment in PIDG, to the announcement of a new credit enhancement facility in Kenya, 2024 will be a year of positive change.
PIDG’s strategy for the coming decade is ambitious, but despite a challenging 2023 it has been successful in placing climate and gender front and centre of its investment decisions.
In this episode we explore how the COP28 announcements will help PIDG scale up its solutions and deliver on its commitments throughout 2024. We learn more about the UK Government’s investment in PIDG and how it will advance its goals in sustainable infrastructure and climate resilience initiatives. And we discuss the topics of collaboration, domestic capital mobilisation, and the global megatrends that are shaping the investment landscape.
Tune in for a conversation with Philippe Valahu, CEO of PIDG
Your host is Marcel Klebba, communications manager at PIDG.
To find out more about PIDG’s approach to climate and gender investment on our website, pidg.org.
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The popularity of gender lens investing is rising rapidly. The landscape is constantly evolving, with regular new developments transforming the investment landscape. And at PIDG we’re actively shaping this evolution through innovative approaches and collaborations.
Much has changed since our last episode on International Women’s Day, when we announced the PIDG Gender, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI) Action. Here we expand on that discussion and find out how the GEDI has been received.
In this episode we discover why gender lens investing is both a moral imperative and strategic necessity in a world striving for a more sustainable future. We learn why issues of gender and climate are so closely linked, and how organisations should be approaching both. And we discuss the impact of PIDG's collaboration with 2X Global and how this partnership has enhanced its gender lens investing strategies.
Tune in for actionable advice from:
- Celia Carbajosa, PIDG’s senior advisor on Sustainable Development Impact (SDI)
- Betsy Ambler, Grant and Impact Advisor, GuarantCo
- Thomas Foreman, senior SDI advisor, GuarantCo
Your host is Marcel Klebba, communications manager at PIDG.
To find out more about PIDG’s approach to gender lens investing, visit our website.
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Welcome to the first episode of Increasing Risk Tolerance to Drive Impact – a podcast series from the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF), a Private Infrastructure Development Group company – exploring ways to develop transformative infrastructure in underserved geographies across Africa.
Infrastructure is the lifeblood of Africa’s economies, facilitating a path to prosperity, laying the foundation of sustainable and inclusive societies. Delivering landmark projects where investors deem too risky demands unique expertise and decisive action. EAIF was developed in response to this, as one of the first blended finance debt funds meeting the needs of African infrastructure.
In this episode, we discuss the collaboration between capital allocators, pooling essential resources to inject into infrastructure investment. Blended finance, mobilising public and private capital, is imperative to respond to the funding deficit with the speed, agility and a risk tolerance required to get projects off the ground, impacting millions of lives on the continent.
One of the main takeaways from this episode is blended finance’s ability to spread risk, encourage wider participation from investors, allowing more rapid project development.
Our guest is:
Martijn Proos, Co-Head of EM Alternative Credit at Ninety One, Fund Manager of the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF).
Your host is Lindsay Williams, business broadcaster.
To find out more about how EAIF delivers game-changing projects that help close Africa’s infrastructure gap with greater urgency and pace, visit our website.
This podcast is edited by OG Podcasts.
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Without addressing the urgent challenge of the climate crisis and the economic and geopolitical issues that it brings, sustainable development and poverty reduction are not possible.
To ensure we’re equipped to deal with the many challenges the coming decade will present, the PIDG 2023-30 Strategy makes sustainable development and action on climate and nature the company’s central purpose.
In this episode we discuss the macro trends that are reshaping the infrastructure sector in emerging markets and developing countries. How this new focus has shifted PIDG’s priorities, and those of its sister companies. And how PIDG intends to achieve and measure its hefty goals of improving climate resilience and economic opportunities for 100 million people by 2030.
One of the main takeaways from this episode is a call to action for both internal and external collaboration - that companies across the development finance world need to work together to solve these urgent challenges.
Our guests are:
Marco Serena, Chief Sustainable Impact Officer at PIDG
Karen Tsang-Hounsell, Head of Business Development at InfraCo Asia, PIDG’s project development and equity arm in Asia
Your host is Marcel Klebba, communications manager at PIDG.
To find out more about how PIDG is elevating climate action together with sustainable development, visit our website.
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A year on from our last International Women’s Day conversation about gender lens investing, much has been done to advance the agenda. PIDG’s own efforts have evolved, leading to the creation of the PIDG Gender Equity Diversity and Inclusion initiative, GEDI.
In this episode we learn about the three main pillars of the GEDI, and how PIDG is broadening its mandate, redefining what it means to be inclusive. We learn about the projects that demonstrate PIDG’s commitment to the GEDI, including a look at its work with Acorn Student housing in Kenya. And we learn about new gender analysis tools which are proving invaluable in this field, as well as PIDG’s involvement in the 2X Global initiative.
Our guests are:
Celia Carbajosa, Sustainable Development Impact Adviser at PIDG
Emily Wood, Head of Social Performance and Safeguarding at PIDG
To find out more about PIDG’s approach to gender lens investing, visit our website.
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Many know about the climate crisis, but what’s often less covered is the biodiversity crisis. But the two crises are intimately linked, and it’s critical that both are considered in our approach to investing in infrastructure. With the biodiversity conference COP15 underway we’re finding out how and why we need to take action to halt and reverse nature loss.
In this episode we find out why a ‘do no harm’ approach is no longer enough - and why our infrastructure projects must actively improve the natural environment. We find out what to expect from the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework due to be announced at COP15. And we find out how PIDG accounts for the biodiversity and climate risks within its portfolio.
Our guests are:
Cameron Bain, Health, Safety, Environment, and Social Director at PIDG
Cheryl Ng, HSES Regional Manager and Group Biodiversity Lead at PIDG
To find out more about PIDG’s HSES Policy and climate strategy, visit our website.
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With the COP27 climate conference in Egypt now at a close, the PIDG team has been reflecting on the outcomes. With the focus firmly on climate adaptation and resilience, rather than emissions reductions, we ask - are our climate goals ambitious enough? Many of the countries in which PIDG operates are the most vulnerable to climate change, and that’s why it's working hard across its portfolio to invest in sustainable infrastructure.
In this episode we explore PIDG’s role in providing infrastructure that creates a better future for people and planet, we find out how African capital markets are key to addressing Africa’s climate finance gap, and we find out whether attitudes to gender and inclusion in climate discussions are beginning to change.
Our guests are:
Philippe Valahu, CEO of PIDG
Marco Serena, Head of Sustainable Development Impact at PIDG
Cecilie Sørhus, Chief of Staff and Head of Communications at PIDG
To find out more about PIDG’s climate strategy, visit our website.
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As we reflect on 2021, we see that despite the pandemic-induced challenges of the last two years, amazing developments have been made in providing infrastructure to those who need it most. In this current global climate, PIDG’s mission is more relevant today than when it was first established. And with 19 projects closed last year, and a continued commitment to the SDGs, progress is not slowing down.
In this episode we highlight one aspect of this work - the advancement of gender equality - and how a commitment to SDG5 can improve lives. As part of PIDG’s gender equity plan, we’ve been working with K-Electric, the sole provider of electrical energy in Karachi, Pakistan, helping to launch the Roshni Baji female empowerment project. Hear from the people involved in the project, including a woman who’s become one of Pakistan’s first certified female electricians.
Our guests are:
Abeera Almas, from the Roshni Baji project
Zehra Aniq, K-Electric’s director of sustainability
Lois Davidson, ESG Director at GuarantCo
To find out more about PIDG’s 2021 Annual Review, click here.
Many ‘first of its kind’ projects can’t get off the ground, despite their potential to create real impact. Particularly in low and middle income settings, infrastructure projects facing unusually high development costs may not be deemed financially viable. And that’s where PIDG Technical Assistance comes in, to bridge the financing gap and meet a range of needs associated with the infrastructure project development cycle.
In this episode members of the PIDG TA team explain why technical assistance is needed and how it works both on the government and project side. And they explore three projects that have benefited from PIDG TA; The Nairobi Streets Lighting Project, Pakistan K-Electric and Bonergie Irrigation Phase II.
Our guests are:
Luke Foley, Deputy Head of PIDG TA
Teresa Tam, Regional TA Manager for Asia
Jasper Onyango, Region TA Manager for Africa
To find out more about PIDG’s approach to technical assistance, visit our website.
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As governments come under fire over a lack of action on climate change, it’s becoming increasingly clear that words are not enough. At PIDG we take our role in climate action seriously - it’s a major consideration in every single investment and operation decision we make. Lower income countries, those that PIDG operates in, may produce the least carbon emissions, but they’re the hardest hit by climate change. So how do we ensure investment is directed where it’s needed most? In this special episode we hear from climate change expert Rachel Kyte, committee member for PIDG, Dean of The Fletcher School, and advisor to the UK government for COP26. To find out more about PIDG’s approach to climate action, visit our website.
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Kenya is a crucible of innovation within East Africa. PIDG companies have been based in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, for more than five years, and are helping to pioneer new infrastructure asset classes and private sector investment opportunities. In this episode we discuss Kenya’s clear commitment to embracing change, we explore key projects PIDG has enabled, including the Acorn Affordable Student Accommodation and Kenya credit enhancement facility, and we highlight the opportunities presented by Kenya’s new strategic partnership with the UK. On the show are Sarah Siliya from GuarantCo, Gbemi Adeniyi-Williams from InfraCo Africa, Jasper Onyango from PIDG Technical Assistance, and Alastair Herbertson from the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund.
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2020 was a year like no other, one which could only be navigated with fortitude and quick action. As PIDG launches its annual review, it’s clear that amid this pandemic the company’s work in providing infrastructure to the world’s most fragile communities has never been more critical. In this episode we reflect on everything from the company’s pandemic response, to sustainable development, safeguarding and future challenges. Sharing their views on this special edition of the podcast are the Chair of PIDG, Andy Bainbridge, and the CEO Philippe Valahu. They explore the many ways PIDG has continued to innovate during this time of uncertainty, through the development of multiple ‘first of its kind’ projects, the creation of ground-breaking life-saving rules, and its continued efforts to push the boundaries.
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To deliver meaningful change and improve the lives of people in fragile communities, we must protect those lives as well. One loss of life is unacceptable. This World Day for Safety and Health at Work, we explain why an effective HSES framework is an essential part of delivering large-scale infrastructure projects. With the advent of the global covid-19 pandemic, the world is waking up to the importance of HSES now more than ever, and PIDG is continuously enhancing its protocols to keep pace. In this episode we explore PIDG’s 5 HSES policies, learn about the company’s strategic priorities, and find out how it plans to meet global sustainable development goals. On the show are Cameron Bain, Colin Liu, Brenda Omuombo and Ridouan Lerhrissi.
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Gender-blind infrastructure projects lead to massive failings across the board, creating problems that last for decades. Ignoring the needs and expertise of women not only puts them at risk, it also puts a strain on business performance. That’s where gender lens investing comes in. The practise is gaining momentum across the globe and showcases the strong business case for gender equality, celebrating the power of female leadership, whilst highlighting issues that affect women and girls around the world, like gender-based violence and harassment. In this episode find out how gender equity is vital in addressing both the climate crisis and global post-covid recovery, and learn about the PIDG Gender Equity Action Plan and HSES Safeguarding Rules. On the show are Celia Carbajosa, development impact analyst at PIDG, and Emily Wood, head of social performance and safeguarding at PIDG.
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Infrastructure projects have a long life cycle, so the choices we make today directly impact our future. So as the whole world strives to hit net zero emissions by 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement, it’s vital that the long-term implications of infrastructure investments are addressed. In this episode we learn about the five dimensions that inform the PIDG approach to climate action, we explore issues of transport, gender and population growth, and we find out how PIDG is demonstrating its commitment to a greener future. On the show are Marco Serena, head of development impact at PIDG, and Emma-Lyn Horvath, senior HSES adviser at PIDG and GuarantCo.
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Through affordable and sustainable infrastructure projects, the Private Infrastructure Development Group has opened up vast opportunities for economic growth in some of the world’s poorest countries, changing the lives of millions. Leading the way in conscious investment, PIDG works to serve the communities of Sub-Saharan Africa and South and Southeast Asia. Over the course of this podcast series we’ll be examining its groundbreaking work in areas including gender diversity, health and safety, and renewable energy. In this episode we meet the CEO of PIDG, Philippe Valahu, who gives us an introduction to the company, exploring the scale of the issues it’s trying to address, and the positive impact it’s had over the last 20 years.
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