books

Next Generation has collated more than 20 years’ worth of research and experience into three books that we hope will serve as benchmark manuals for those operating in the impact economy. These guides combine the distillation of multiple case studies, theoretical resources and on site, hands-on work with over 5 000 professionals at some of the largest development institutions, social investors, corporate funders and government organisations on the African continent, working in multiple key developmental focus areas. We believe these books can make a huge difference to stakeholders in the impact economy and aid them greatly, and the feedback to date reinforces this view.

There is no denying that organisations and institutions operating in the impact economy in Africa face a wide range of challenges and complexities. It is not difficult to understand why philanthropists, grantmakers, social and impact investors, social enterprises and social innovators often become discouraged or overwhelmed by the sheer number of micro-, macro and mezzo factors to be taken into consideration either when setting up a new initiative or when managing and exiting existing strategies and interventions. But help is at hand.

The development and roll-out of feasible, scalable, sustainable and, where necessary, replicable impact and investment and development programmes is an enormous undertaking for any company or organisation. In addition, assessing why and how current interventions may be succeeding (right now) or failing (either suddenly or incrementally) can be an equally complex, and often also a costly exercise.

Identifying strategies, portfolios and focus areas that align with your organisation’s brand, values and ethos, creating true social value, setting up a strategic framework for project design and management, allocating resources, determining and disbursing resources, managing and communicating with stakeholders, liaising with government, collating data, doing relevant reporting and above all, making a meaningful difference equates to lot of logistical balls to juggle.

The encouraging news is that it is achievable. It can be done. Impact organisations can get it right. Meaningful systemic change and transformative impact are possible. Successful, compliant interventions that can bring about real, measurable change in the lives of Africans can be created and implemented. And they should be.