Anglo American is partnering with the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to support inclusive growth and sustainable development through Anglo American’s Impact Finance Network (IFN) in South Africa. The IFN is an Anglo American programme supporting long-term sustainable development in the regions where Anglo American operates around the world by providing local businesses with valuable support and connections to access the capital they need in order to scale and deliver sustainable social and environmental impact.
Beginning in January 2026, the FCDO will provide up to £4.5 million (ZAR100 million) over four years to support the IFN with its core activities in South Africa, contributing to job creation and creating strong, diverse local economies in the country. This includes providing innovative businesses with technical assistance to help them become ‘investment-ready’ and making valuable connections with a network of investors seeking social investment opportunities. The funds will also provide capital to grow the IFN’s recently piloted Catalytic Capital Facility in South Africa, one of the first to be established in the region. This Facility is a highly flexible and very patient capital product which, together with co-funding from the FCDO, will help businesses in some of the harder-to-reach regions of South Africa to raise and de-risk the capital needed to grow, thereby further supporting economic diversification and job creation.
Nolitha Fakude, Chair of Anglo American in South Africa, said, “In South Africa we have a number of innovative enterprises looking to address some of the most pressing local development needs; however, they may be struggling to scale and grow due to perceived lack of ‘investment readiness’ by potential investors. Our partnership with the UK’s FCDO provides invaluable support to the IFN in its mission to help what we call “impact companies” in South Africa overcome this barrier, ensuring continued bespoke pre-investment technical assistance, as well as access to a local and global network of investors seeking forward-thinking, quality investment opportunities which support South Africa’s long-term development.”
Antony Phillipson, British High Commissioner to South Africa, added, “The UK is committed to supporting inclusive economic growth and sustainable development in South Africa. Through this partnership with Anglo American’s Impact Finance Network, we aim to help innovative businesses access the resources they need to thrive, create jobs, and deliver positive impact. By unlocking investment and building resilient local economies, we are strengthening the foundations for long-term prosperity and shared opportunity.”
