Private equity ESG strategies face challenges such as accusations of greenwashing, data quality issues, lack of standardized metrics, and reporting frameworks. An exclusive webinar, moderated by Taku Dzimwasha and in partnership with Apex Group, explores whether impact investing can address these challenges.

European private equity healthcare M&A activity saw a significant decline in the second half of 2022 after a near record-breaking first half, as reported by Bain’s Global Healthcare Private Equity and M&A report.

In 2021, the tech sector experienced an unprecedented period of private equity investment growth, characterised by soaring multiples and a seemingly endless stream of dealflow.

Hurst Point Group, backed by Carlyle, has acquired UK-based Helm Godfrey. This acquisition is expected to increase Hurst Point's revenues by £10m, as stated by Ian Gladman, the executive chair.

Emerging fund managers are employing unconventional strategies and innovative approaches to stand out in a challenging fundraising environment. Industry experts discuss the importance of differentiating strategies, such as focusing on climatetech, and the need for emerging managers to be relevant by aligning with market trends. They also emphasize the entrepreneurial aspects of fund management, the importance of building a skilled team, and the challenges of raising capital. Strategies for success include offering favorable economics to investors, engaging in deal-by-deal arrangements, and ensuring GP-investor alignment. The discussion also covers operational challenges, the importance of risk management, and the need for emerging managers to maintain a clear and compelling value proposition to attract capital.

In a roundtable discussion moderated by Taku Dzimwasha, private equity professionals from various firms discussed the current dealmaking environment and strategies for getting deals done despite challenging market conditions. Participants included Adam Philippsohn from BGF, Ali Al Alaf from Riverside Europe, Andrew Priest from Inflexion, David Chapman from Palatine, Kate Gribbon from Investec, James Hales from NorthEdge, James MacLeay from WestBridge, Neil Patel from ThinCats, Phillip McCreanor from Lincoln International, and Valentina Vitali from Limerston Capital. They shared insights on the importance of self-origination, building relationships, adapting to credit market changes, and leveraging technology for deal origination. The discussion also touched on the impact of the current geopolitical and economic climate on deal structures, valuations, and exit strategies.

In a challenging exit environment, portfolio boards are focusing on value creation through operational excellence, strategic pricing, and data utilization. Key strategies include M&A, digital transformation, and ESG initiatives. The roundtable highlights the importance of specialized subcommittees, talent acquisition, and effective communication in driving value. The evolving role of CFOs in private equity, emphasizing operational capabilities and emotional intelligence, is also discussed. Collaboration between private equity firms and management teams is crucial for successful value creation.

Insolvencies in England and Wales have surged to levels not seen since the 2007-08 global financial crisis, indicating a significant rise in financial distress among firms. This trend is prompting special situations general partners (GPs) to prepare for increased activity in managing and investing in distressed assets.

Ghana's insurance sector has seen significant growth, with its value rising from $400m in 2014 to $600m in 2018. Key drivers include improved economic conditions, increased demand from the emerging middle class, and innovative products like micro-insurance. The National Insurance Commission aims to increase insurance penetration to 10% of GDP by 2021 through regulatory changes and product development. Despite some industry pushback on new regulations, companies remain optimistic about growth. The 'no premium, no cover' policy has boosted liquidity and public confidence, though challenges like market saturation and undercutting of rates persist.

The elections in Gambia and Ghana in December highlighted contrasting political landscapes in West Africa. Gambia's long-time leader Yahya Jammeh initially conceded defeat to Adama Barrow but later reversed his decision, calling for fresh elections. In Ghana, despite initial concerns of election rigging, the country saw a peaceful transition of power as Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was elected president. Both elections underscored a desire for change amidst economic challenges, with Gambia recovering from the Ebola outbreak's impact and Ghana facing a significant economic downturn.

Gambian President Yahya Jammeh, who has ruled for 22 years, will concede defeat to opposition leader Adama Barrow, marking a historic moment in Gambia's history. Barrow's victory, with 45.5% of the vote, comes after a campaign promising human rights reforms and economic revival. The election faced concerns over fairness due to state security crackdowns and internet blockages. Economic challenges include reviving tourism post-Ebola and addressing 38% youth unemployment. Jammeh's acceptance of the result is significant given his previous statements about ruling indefinitely.

The Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) is set to host AFC Live 2017 in Abuja, Nigeria, on March 27-28, 2017, with Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari opening the event. The summit aims to increase private sector investment in African infrastructure, marking AFC's first decade with over $4 billion invested in projects across 26 countries. The event will discuss new investment models, showcase success stories, and provide networking opportunities. AFC recently signed an MoU with Morocco's Banque Centrale Populaire to boost infrastructure financing in Africa, following the launch of the Africa Infrastructure Development Association.

The Liberian government anticipates palm oil will become a major export commodity, replacing iron ore, which has seen a significant price drop. The economy, previously hampered by the Ebola outbreak and declining commodity prices, could benefit from palm oil production, potentially employing over 100,000 people. Malaysia-based Sime Darby Bhd and Golden Veroleum Ltd have been granted concessions to plant palm trees, creating over 70,000 jobs. The government aims for 6% growth from 2018 to 2025 and seeks $1.3bn from the World Bank and IMF to support economic recovery.

Liberia plans to raise $1.3bn to revitalize its economy, heavily impacted by the 2014 Ebola epidemic and a decline in key export commodities. The funds, sourced from the World Bank and IMF, will be invested in energy and agriculture to diversify the economy and boost manufacturing. Finance Minister Boima Kamara emphasized the need for diversification to reduce economic vulnerability. The government aims to increase power capacity and implement further spending cuts to achieve an average growth rate of 6% from 2018 to 2025.

African leaders, including Liberia's President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, have called for giving US President-elect Donald Trump the benefit of the doubt despite concerns over his anti-globalization stance. Sirleaf expressed hope that trade deals with the US would remain unaffected, while other leaders like Rwanda's Paul Kagame and Nigeria's Muhammadu Buhari welcomed Trump's victory. There are fears that Trump might revoke the African Growth and Opportunity Act, which could harm African economies. However, some see potential for Africa to reduce reliance on exports and focus on local economies.

Tanzanian MPs have urged the government to reject the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the EU, citing concerns that it would harm domestic industries and result in significant revenue losses. Despite the potential benefits of duty-free exports to the EU, lawmakers argue that the deal's current terms are not favorable for Tanzania's economic development. The government is called upon to renegotiate the agreement to better protect local industries. Some MPs also express concerns about the potential impact on EU-Tanzania cooperation and aid.

Sub-Saharan African countries implemented a record number of business-friendly reforms in 2016, according to the World Bank's annual ease of doing business report. The report highlights that 37 out of 48 countries in the region adopted 80 reforms, improving the business climate for local entrepreneurs. Key reforms included enhancing online portals, easing insolvency procedures, and reducing tax burdens. Mauritius, Rwanda, Botswana, South Africa, and Kenya were the top performers in the region. Despite improvements, some countries remain among the lowest in global rankings, and challenges persist for female entrepreneurs.

The BRICS countries, led by South African President Jacob Zuma, plan to establish their own credit ratings agency to counterbalance Western-oriented agencies like Moody’s, S&P, and Fitch Ratings. This initiative aims to address concerns over the methodologies of these agencies, which BRICS members believe unfairly target developing nations. The New Development Bank, promoted by BRICS, also plans to increase its lending and issue bonds to support green projects. Zuma's announcement comes amid economic challenges and political scrutiny in South Africa.

South Africa’s Gold Fields will invest $1.4bn to extend the life of its Damang operations in Ghana by eight years, creating 1,850 jobs and producing 1.56m ounces of gold. The investment follows a review indicating higher grades of ore are still available. Gold Fields has also signed an agreement with Ghana’s government linking royalty payments to the bullion price and lowering the corporate tax rate. The company’s global output fell by 4% year-on-year but is expected to reach 2.1m to 2.15m ounces this year.

Zimbabwe faces a severe cash shortage, with citizens restricted to withdrawing $100 per day. The government plans to introduce bond notes backed by a $200m Afreximbank facility to alleviate the crisis. However, many Zimbabweans and opposition politicians oppose the bond notes, fearing they are a covert reintroduction of the Zimbabwe dollar and will deter investors. Zimbabwe's economy is in recession, with significant debt and financial arrears. Despite clearing some arrears with the IMF, the country remains ineligible for further IMF loans until it clears debts with other international financial institutions and implements economic reforms.

Mozambique has announced the need to restructure its debts due to unsustainable levels, with public debt expected to reach 130% of GDP by the end of 2016. The IMF, which had suspended aid after the revelation of $2bn in secret loans, is ready to assist in debt negotiations. The country's external debt exceeds $10bn, and repayment capacity is severely limited. Analysts predict a challenging renegotiation process with creditors. Mozambique's economic growth has stalled due to various factors, including violent clashes and falling commodity prices. A recent deal with ENI and BP for liquefied natural gas may be jeopardized by the ongoing debt crisis.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts a significant decline in economic growth for sub-Saharan Africa, projecting a drop to 1.4% in 2016 from 3.5% the previous year. The IMF attributes this downturn to weak commodity prices and tightening global financial markets, criticizing the slow and piecemeal policy responses from governments. Oil-exporting countries like Nigeria and Angola are particularly affected. The IMF calls for policy consistency, including tighter monetary policy and fiscal consolidation, to address rising public debt and inflation. Despite the overall negative outlook, 19 countries, including Ethiopia, Senegal, and Tanzania, are expected to maintain robust growth. Long-term growth is contingent on necessary reforms in under-performing countries.

Zimbabwean youth are leveraging social media and WhatsApp to protest against President Robert Mugabe's administration, which they accuse of economic mismanagement and corruption. The #ThisFlag campaign, led by pastor Evan Mawarire, has mobilized citizens to participate in strikes and stay-at-home protests, circumventing government restrictions through VPNs. The economic collapse, marked by high unemployment, cash shortages, and the closure of key industries like the Hunyani Pulp & Paper Company, has fueled nationwide frustration. The government's violent crackdown on dissent and the banning of South African goods have further intensified the protests, posing a significant challenge to Mugabe's 36-year rule.

The article explores the lives of refugees in Malawi's Dzaleka camp, focusing on individuals like Patron Palushang who have turned to entrepreneurship despite restrictive laws. It highlights the camp's transformation from a temporary settlement to a 'permanent' home for thousands, the challenges faced by refugees, and the limited opportunities for resettlement. The piece underscores the potential benefits refugees could bring to Malawi if allowed more freedom, while also detailing the harsh realities and hopes of those living in protracted displacement.

Republican donors have launched a scathing attack ad comparing Donald Trump to Adolf Hitler, highlighting controversial statements and actions by Trump, including his stance on Muslims and migrants. The ad, produced by John Kasich's campaign, features Colonel Thomas Moe paraphrasing a famous poem to warn against Trump's potential presidency. Trump's lead in the polls has slightly dipped, while Kasich remains a distant challenger. The article also mentions Liz Mair's initiative to stop Trump, citing concerns about his support base.

Peter Sutcliffe, known as the Yorkshire Ripper, plans to change his name to prevent vandalism of his grave. Serving 20 life sentences for the murder of 13 women, Sutcliffe is reportedly near death due to health issues. He intends to adopt a surname from his German ancestors. An undertaker friend has offered him a free funeral in line with his Jehovah Witness beliefs. Sutcliffe's appeals for release due to ill health have been denied, and he remains in Broadmoor Hospital.

Former Conservative Party chairman Grant Shapps and current chairman Lord Feldman are facing calls to resign after being accused of ignoring bullying allegations that led to the suicide of 21-year-old Elliot Johnson. Johnson's father alleges his son would be alive if the officials had acted on the complaints against Tory youth organiser Mark Clarke. Clarke, known as 'Tatler Tory', has been accused of sexual aggression, blackmail, and bullying. Prime Minister David Cameron is expected to address the issue, while a former girlfriend of Clarke resigned from her parliamentary assistant role amid related claims.

Four Egyptian security officials were killed in a drive-by shooting by suspected Isis gunmen near Saqqara, Cairo. The area has been cordoned off, and no group has claimed responsibility, although the attack is believed to be linked to the Isis-led insurgency in the Sinai Peninsula. The violence has escalated since the ousting of Islamist president Mohammed Morsi in 2013, with over 600 security personnel killed. The Egyptian military is actively conducting counter-terrorism operations, and President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi has enacted an anti-terrorism law granting broad powers to security officials. Additionally, a military helicopter crashed due to a technical failure during a surveillance mission, injuring the crew.

Police are searching for a man in a white hooded top suspected of attempting to set fire to the Finsbury Park mosque in North London on the evening of 27 November. The suspect fled the scene on a moped after being caught in the act. The incident is being treated as a potential hate crime, and forensic officers are investigating. No injuries or damage were reported. The community has expressed deep concerns and called for serious action from the police.

The UK is set to experience severe weather conditions with heavy rains and winds reaching up to 70mph starting late on 28 November. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for most of England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and parts of southern Scotland, with potential flooding and snow in some areas. The warning will persist into Monday and Tuesday for Wales and northwestern England, with significant rainfall expected to exacerbate already saturated grounds, posing a low risk of flooding.

Russian MP Oksana Bobrovskaya and her husband were killed in an explosion in their car in Novosibirsk. The couple was found partially naked, and the cause of the explosion remains unclear, with theories ranging from a grenade detonation to a planted bomb. Eyewitnesses described the scene as horrific, with significant disfigurement of the bodies. Bobrovskaya was a member of the United Russia Party and worked as a deputy general director of a construction company.

Salah Abdeslam, the only remaining member of the Paris attack cell, reportedly purchased electronic detonators from a fireworks store in Saint-Ouen-l'Aumône, north of Paris. The store owner recognized Abdeslam from a wanted poster and alerted the police. Abdeslam, suspected to have returned to Brussels after the attacks, showed his driving license before entering the store. The detonators may have been used in the 13 November Paris attacks, which resulted in 130 deaths. A suicide vest missing a detonator was found in a bin in Montrouge, near where Abdeslam was believed to have escaped.

Spencer Matthews was removed from the reality TV show 'I'm A Celebrity' after a confrontation with producers over his request for anabolic steroids. Matthews admitted to using the drugs in preparation for a charity boxing match, which did not occur. His aggressive behavior led to his departure from the show, and several companies have since dropped him, potentially costing him up to £300,000. Matthews expressed regret and apologized for his actions.

Migrants from Zimbabwe, particularly unaccompanied children, face severe risks of abuse and exploitation when crossing into South Africa. Many fall victim to malaishas, who often force them into debt, labor, or sexual exploitation. Despite South Africa's efforts to improve migrant rights, the myth of South Africa as a land of opportunity persists, driving continuous illegal migration. Organizations like the International Organisation for Migration and Médecins Sans Frontières highlight the dire conditions and abuses faced by these migrants, emphasizing the need for improved conditions in Zimbabwe to deter such perilous journeys.

The article discusses the plight of migrants, particularly children, in the border town of Musina, South Africa. Many of these migrants come from Zimbabwe, seeking a better life but often fall victim to exploitation, abuse, and forced labor. The story of Precious, a 16-year-old girl who faced sexual violence and forced labor, highlights the broader issue of migrants' vulnerability. Organizations like Musasa Project and International Organisation for Migration (IOM) are mentioned as working to support victims. The article also touches on the role of malaishas (smugglers), the exploitation of migrants in the workforce, and the dangers of illegal border crossing, including high rates of rape as reported by Médecins Sans Frontières. Despite efforts by the South African government to improve migrant rights, many are still unaware of these changes and continue to risk illegal entry due to the unchanged dire situations in their home countries.

The article discusses the distribution of US aid funding in Haiti, highlighting that a significant portion is allocated to American companies and NGOs, with a smaller percentage going to local Haitian organizations. Chemonics International, a Washington-based company, received over $58 million from USAid for various projects. The practice of donors using their own country's organizations is criticized for undermining local self-sufficiency. The Center for Global Development advocates for more engagement with Haitian groups to support long-term development. USAid acknowledges the need for improvement and aims to partner more with Haitian entities, despite challenges. The article also touches on the broader context of USAid spending in other regions and the agency's reform efforts to increase direct contracts with local institutions. The Council of International Development Companies (CIDC) has formed to represent private development contractors and questions USAid's local spending targets.

Zimbabwe is preparing for elections on 31 July, with the main contest between President Robert Mugabe and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai. The country has seen economic growth since the last violent elections in 2008, but faces challenges such as high unemployment and a struggling education system. Mugabe's Zanu-PF and Tsvangirai's MDC-T have different visions for the country, with Mugabe pushing for 'indigenous' control of foreign companies and Tsvangirai seeking foreign investment. Concerns about the fairness of the upcoming elections are raised due to issues with the electoral roll and lack of time for reforms. Despite a decline in popularity, Tsvangirai's party claims credit for economic improvements. However, a Mugabe victory is seen as likely, and there are fears of military intervention if he loses, similar to events in Egypt.