In today’s rapidly evolving investment landscape, where social impact is becoming increasingly central to financial decisions, one concept stands out for its transformative potential: Child Lens Investing. UNICEF and the Criterion Institute have been at the forefront of developing this nascent field, and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), has partnered with the Criterion Institute to explore the critical opportunities that can be unlocked by child-lens investors embedding a strong nutrition focus within their work.
Imagine a future where every child in Africa is equipped to become a transformative leader—a future where investment in children isn’t just a moral imperative but a strategic move with profound economic and societal implications. This is the vision driving the exploration of Child Lens Investing, a concept gaining momentum thanks to pioneering efforts by organizations like UNICEF and the Criterion Institute.
In a recent session hosted at the Sankalp Africa Summit 2024, GAIN convened experts and stakeholders to delve into the transformative potential of Child Lens Investing in nutrition. The session provided insights into why investing in Africa’s children is not just a noble cause but a strategic imperative for investors and businesses alike.
Understanding Child Lens Investing
Child Lens Investing is a paradigm that integrates considerations of child rights and well-being into investment processes. It recognizes children as more than just beneficiaries but as future consumers, innovators, and leaders. With over 48% of the global population in Sub-Saharan Africa being children and a projected 24% increase in births between 2015 and 2030, the region presents a unique opportunity for strategic investments.
This nascent field emphasizes the importance of building human capital and ensuring the foundation for economic growth by investing in children. And nutrition may be the best investment we can make in children.
Insights from the Sankalp Africa Summit Session
The session at Sankalp Africa Summit 2024 provided a platform to explore the intersection of Child Lens Investing and nutrition, shedding light on the challenges, opportunities, and strategies for investment in this space. Here are some key insights:
1. The Urgency of Nutrition Investment
Nutrition emerges as a linchpin for Child Lens Investing, with one in five children globally experiencing stunted growth. In Sub-Saharan Africa, malnutrition poses a significant barrier to the region’s development, affecting not only children’s health but also their future prospects as adults. The session highlighted the urgent need for investments that address the intersection of childhood well-being and nutrition.
2. The Economic Imperative
Malnutrition exacts a heavy toll on economies, costing approximately USD 3.5 trillion globally, equivalent to 5% of GDP. Investing in child nutrition not only saves lives but also creates a ripple effect of economic benefits, from improved productivity to reduced healthcare costs. With Africa projected to have one billion children by 2025, the economic imperative for investing in their well-being is clear.
3. Opportunities for Investors
Investors stand to gain from the growing market opportunities in child nutrition, driven by increasing consumer awareness and policy incentives for healthy foods. The global market size for children’s nutrition houses ample opportunities for businesses and investors alike. Child Lens Investment offers a unique avenue to generate financial returns while making a tangible social impact.
4. Strategies for Implementation
Practical strategies for Child Lens Investing include direct investments in companies promoting child nutrition, divesting from those contributing to child malnutrition, and integrating child nutrition impact metrics into investment evaluations. By aligning financial goals with social outcomes, investors can build a resilient workforce and contribute to a more equitable society.
GAIN’s Role in Driving Impact
As a leading advocate for improved nutrition, GAIN plays a pivotal role in advancing Child Lens Investing, particularly in Africa. Through strategic partnerships with organizations like the Criterion Institute, GAIN aims to raise awareness on the opportunities that leverage the power of investment to support children’s well-being and drive sustainable development.
By focusing on nutrition as a catalyst for positive change, GAIN is not only addressing immediate health challenges but also laying the foundation for long-term economic growth and social progress.
In conclusion, Child Lens Investing represents a new lens to approaching investments, placing children at the center of financial decision-making. With Africa’s burgeoning population of children and the pressing need to address malnutrition, there has never been a more opportune moment to invest in their future. GAIN’s leadership in driving this agenda underscores the organization’s commitment to building a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous world—one child at a time. As investors, businesses, and stakeholders, we have a collective responsibility to seize this opportunity and invest in Africa’s future leaders.
If you are an investor or innovator willing to explore this space, please reach out to GAIN team at snordhagen@gainhealth.org and rbove@gainhealth.org.
