Resource Library

Webinar: Catalytic Capital: How do Investments in Social Enterprises Advance Global Health Goals?

In 2013, USAID invested in the design and management of a challenge fund to support early-stage enterprises that sought to increase access to priority health services with innovative solutions in sub-Saharan Africa. The HANSHEP Health Enterprise Fund, designed and managed by the SHOPS project, supported a variety of enterprises through grant funding and technical assistance, and by facilitating connections to investors. After the fund ended in 2015, the SHOPS Plus project conducted a longitudinal study that followed the awardees of the fund to understand the long-term benefits of USAID’s investment.

In this webinar, SHOPS Plus shared key findings from the study and led a panel discussion with healthcare entrepreneurs and investors. The panel discussed the study’s implications, the role of donor-funded programming and private capital in financing and scaling innovative solutions in global health.

Presenters:

• Elaine Menotti, Health Science Specialist, Deputy Division Chief, USAID
• April Warren, Senior Private Sector Advisor, SHOPS Plus, Abt Associates

Panelists:

• Colm Fay, Senior Director, Market Strengthening, Clean Cooking Alliance
• Sam Gwer, Executive Director & Co-Founder, Afya Research Africa
• Wilfred Njagi, Co-Founder and CEO, VillgroAfrica
• Shigeru Handa, Director, Asia Africa Investment and Consulting (AAIC) & Board Member, Jacaranda Health

Relevant resources:

• Report: Advancing Family Planning Access and Use through Social Enterprises: Lessons from the HANSHEP Health Enterprise Fund
• Video: HANSHEP Health Enterprise Fund: Innovative Solutions for the Poor