Financing Africa’s Future

Africa’s pension funds are playing an increasingly strategic role in capital markets and long-term economic development. With South Africa’s retirement industry managing approximately US$376 billion in assets and APSA now representing 22 African countries, pension reform and supervision are firmly on the agenda. In this episode of Financing Africa’s Future, Kaara Wainaina speaks with Zareena Camroodien, Chairperson of APSA and Head of Frontline Conduct Supervision at the FSCA South Africa, about pension regulation, risk-based supervision, ESG integration, infrastructure investment and expanding coverage to informal sector workers. A focused discussion for professionals in pensions, asset management, sustainable finance and financial regulation.

Africa’s capital markets are evolving and asset managers are central to the next phase of growth. In this episode of Financing Africa’s Future, Tapologo Motbushi, Chairman of the Pan-African Fund Managers Association (PAFMA) and Portfolio Manager at Allan Gray Botswana, joins Kaara Wainaina of FSD Africa to discuss the future of African asset management. They explore domestic capital mobilisation, pension fund growth, cross-border investment, currency risk management, infrastructure financing and why ESG is now a fiduciary imperative. A timely conversation for asset managers, pension trustees, policymakers and investors shaping Africa’s financial ecosystem. Subscribe for more insights on African capital markets and sustainable finance.

Zambia’s capital markets are playing a growing role in driving economic development and sustainable finance. In this episode of Financing Africa’s Future, we speak with Nonde Sichilima, Director of Market Supervision and Development at the Securities and Exchange Commission of Zambia, on building trusted capital markets, expanding MSME financing, and mainstreaming green finance. The conversation covers market supervision, investor protection, green bonds, capital market innovation, and the role of regulation in unlocking long-term investment and financial inclusion. 🎧 Listen now for insights on capital markets development, sustainable finance and Africa’s economic future.

Explore the future of Kenya’s investment landscape in this episode of Financing Africa’s Future. We sit down with Fred Mburu, CEO of the Fund Managers Association (FMA) Kenya, to discuss how the fund management industry is shaping deeper, more resilient financial markets. With over two decades of experience, Fred shares insights on strengthening regulatory frameworks, promoting professionalism, and expanding investor education. We also explore the challenges and opportunities in Kenya’s financial sector, including the role of domestic capital, the informal economy, and the growing potential of retirement savings, unit trusts, and other investment vehicles. Kenya has over 40 licensed fund managers, with 21 currently in the FMA. While savings rates are improving, the country’s potential for financial inclusion and investment growth remains significant. Learn how FMA is driving transparency, integrity, and confidence in the market, while enabling long-term economic development. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on investment, regulation, and building trust in Kenya’s financial sector. Listen now and subscribe to stay updated on the latest in African finance and investment innovation.

Only one in ten African households has insurance, but innovation is rapidly changing that reality. In this episode of Financing Africa’s Future, we sit down with Elias Omondi, Principal for Innovation for Resilience at FSD Africa, to explore how new models are expanding coverage and strengthening financial resilience across the continent. From microinsurance and parametric climate products to regulatory sandboxes, insurtech acceleration and the pioneering BimaLab programme, Elias unpacks the solutions bringing affordable, accessible protection to informal workers, smallholder farmers and low-income households. This episode offers a sharp, compelling look at how insurance innovation, climate-risk finance and inclusive design are reshaping Africa’s risk-protection ecosystem. Listen now and subscribe for more insights on how financial innovation is transforming lives across Africa.

How can finance accelerate Africa’s transition to a sustainable, climate-resilient future? In this episode, Cecilia Bjerborn Murai, Principal for Sustainable & Green Finance at FSD Africa, unpacks how innovative tools like green bonds, blended finance and nature-based investments are helping mobilise capital for impact. Discover how sustainable finance is driving inclusive growth, supporting climate adaptation and reshaping Africa’s investment landscape. 🎧 Subscribe to Financing Africa’s Future for more insights on the people and ideas transforming Africa’s financial systems.

Africa’s path to prosperity depends not only on attracting investment but on rethinking how finance itself works. In this episode of Financing Africa’s Future, we sit down with Amos Gachuiri, Head of Investments at FSD Africa Investments (FSDAi), to explore how catalytic finance is helping to reshape the continent’s economic future. FSDAi, the investment arm of FSD Africa, deploys risk-bearing and patient capital to financial institutions and funds that can unlock sustainable, inclusive growth. From backing early-stage ventures and gender-smart funds to pioneering climate-transition and biodiversity projects, FSDAi works at the intersection of policy, innovation and investment to strengthen Africa’s financial markets. Amos shares insights into how the organisation is helping to mobilise domestic savings, particularly through Africa’s growing pension sector, while also crowding in private and international capital. The conversation reveals how building resilient financial systems, rather than isolated projects, can deliver long-term prosperity for the continent. 🎧 Tune in to discover how catalytic capital is helping finance Africa’s future — sustainably, inclusively and at scale.

Can Africa lead the global race to reverse climate change? In this episode of The Financing Africa’s Future Podcast, we speak with Martin Freimüller, CEO and Co-Founder of Octavia Carbon, Africa’s first Direct Air Carbon Capture (DAC) company, based in Nairobi, Kenya. Octavia Carbon is pioneering technology that removes carbon dioxide directly from the air, using renewable energy and Kenya’s unique volcanic geology for permanent CO₂ storage. While Direct Air Carbon Capture is one of the most promising carbon removal and climate innovation technologies in the world, it has yet to scale due to high costs. Supported by FSD Africa through Cohort 11 of the Catalyst Fund, Octavia Carbon is the only DAC company in the Global South, uniquely positioned to lower costs and make carbon capture accessible and impactful. This conversation goes beyond the science, exploring how climate finance, clean-tech entrepreneurship and African innovation are transforming the continent’s role in the global push towards net zero. Martin shares insights on how technology can create new industries, generate skilled jobs and turn Africa into a leader in the carbon capture and storage economy. 🎧 Listen now to discover how African ingenuity is redefining climate action, sustainability and the financing of our shared future.

The global carbon markets are projected to hit US$1.2 trillion by 2029. The key question is Africa ready to tap into this emerging and promising climate finance tool for her greener transition? In this episode of The Financing Africa’s Future Podcast, Kaara Wainaina, Ag. Director Strategic Communications, FSD Africa speaks with Bianca Gichangi, Regional Lead for Africa at the Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative (VCMI). Together, they unpack how high-integrity voluntary carbon markets can help mobilise climate finance, accelerate sustainable development and ensure that African nations and communities reap fair value from their natural assets. 🎧 What you’ll learn in this episode: - The evolving landscape of carbon markets in Africa and lessons from the Africa Climate Summit - The role of integrity, transparency and standardisation in building trust in carbon trading - How African countries can develop policy and regulatory frameworks to participate effectively in global carbon markets - Why data, quality, and community benefits are key to unlocking higher prices for African carbon credits - The importance of aligning voluntary and compliance markets under frameworks like Article 6 of the Paris Agreement 🔔 Watch the full conversation on YouTube and subscribe for more episodes of Financing Africa’s Future. You can also listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible and Podbean.

In this episode of the Financing Africa’s Future podcast, Joy Kendi, Associate, Programmes, Financial Markets at FSD Africa, joins Kaara Wainaina, Acting Director of Strategic Communications, for an insightful conversation on the future of Africa’s financial markets. Joy highlights how FSD Africa’s programme work is helping to strengthen African capital markets, broaden access to finance, and ensure that markets are more inclusive and sustainable. She also discusses the role of innovation, partnerships and capacity building as essential drivers of transformation, laying the foundations for resilient financial systems that can support Africa’s long-term growth. This discussion goes beyond theory, offering practical insights into how financial markets are evolving across the continent and the steps being taken to unlock new opportunities for businesses, investors and communities alike. 🔔 Watch the full conversation on YouTube and subscribe for more episodes of Financing Africa’s Future. You can also listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible and Podbean.

In this episode of the Financing Africa’s Future podcast, we are joined by Jemima Gathumi, Lead, Programmes, Financial Markets at FSD Africa, for an in-depth discussion on the future of African finance. Jemima explores how well-designed programmes and strategic partnerships are strengthening African capital markets, unlocking investment opportunities, and ensuring that financial systems work for businesses and communities across the continent. She also highlights the growing importance of sustainable finance in Africa, sharing insights on the building blocks that will drive the financial transformation of Africa in the years to come. This is a timely and forward-looking conversation for policymakers, investors, and development partners interested in the evolution of financial markets in Africa and their role in enabling inclusive and sustainable growth. 🔔 Subscribe to the channel to stay updated on new episodes of Financing Africa’s Future, where we highlight the people, ideas, and systems shaping Africa’s economic transformation.

In this episode of the Financing Africa’s Future podcast, we explore the critical role of policy reform in strengthening Africa’s financial markets. Mary Njuguna, Principal, Capital Markets (Policy & Regulation) at FSD Africa, shares her insights on how effective policy and regulatory frameworks can help deepen markets, attract investment and create systems that are both inclusive and resilient. She reflects on the progress achieved so far, the barriers that continue to hold markets back and the importance of aligning regulation with Africa’s broader development ambitions. Mary also highlights how FSD Africa is working with policymakers and regulators across the continent to design reforms that enhance efficiency and unlock opportunities for sustainable growth and innovation. This conversation is an essential listen for policymakers, investors and development partners who want to understand how capital market reform can shape the future of African finance. 🔔 Subscribe to the channel to stay updated on upcoming episodes of Financing Africa’s Future, where we explore the systems and solutions driving Africa’s economic transformation.

In this episode of the Financing Africa’s Future podcast, Evans Osano, Chief Financial Markets Officer, FSD Africa, offers his perspective on the state of African financial markets and what their evolution means for the continent’s future. The discussion explores: The progress made in developing capital markets in Africa The challenges that continue to hold markets back Opportunities to strengthen Africa’s financial systems The role of FSD Africa in deepening markets, driving innovation and expanding access to finance Evans highlights why capital markets are critical for unlocking investment, supporting economic growth and enabling more inclusive and sustainable development across Africa. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in African finance, market development and the future of investment and growth on the continent. 🔔 Subscribe to the channel for more episodes of Financing Africa’s Future and stay informed on the trends shaping Africa’s financial landscape.

Episode 1 | Financing Africa’s Future Podcast In the very first episode of the Financing Africa’s Future podcast, host Kaara Wainaina speaks with Reshma Shah, Lead, Carbon Markets, FSD Africa, about the state of carbon markets in Africa. Their discussion explores the progress made so far, the challenges that continue to limit growth and the role carbon markets can play in mobilising climate finance for the continent. The Financing Africa’s Future podcast is produced by FSD Africa, a specialist development agency working to build and strengthen financial markets across sub-Saharan Africa. Through this series, we share insights from experts and practitioners who are shaping financial innovation and driving sustainable development. 🔔 Subscribe to the channel and join us every Tuesday for new episodes.