The INVEST Year 2 Annual Report covers the period from October 1, 2018, to September 30, 2019. INVEST is a flexible buy-in mechanism designed to address challenges in working alongside the investment community. It is the result of co-creation and is driven by a research and learning mandate.
INVEST works to unlock private investment, a key way USAID can engage the private sector. The organization conducts rapid and constant learning that is applied to buy-in activities and informs USAID programs and strategies. INVEST is flexible and can adapt to USAID and market needs. It works with the private sector to mobilize investment for development objectives.
Key activities during the reporting period included assessing opportunities for blended finance in DRC’s coffee and mining sectors, identifying the next generation of corporate investment models and USAID support, and building a blended finance roadmap for USAID/Global Health. INVEST also conducted investment opportunity assessments, such as designing a blended financing vehicle for USAID/India to crowd in private capital and developing the first USAID subcontract first-loss investment approach.
INVEST supports market-driven solutions to address development challenges and fosters operational and technical innovation for better development outcomes and impact across USAID. The organization manages a large and growing network of over 200 partners from the investment and development communities. This network enables USAID to access, on demand, the niche, technical experience it needs to take advantage of investment opportunities that will lead to positive development results.
INVEST has supported 29 investment transactions in nine countries and across six sectors, including energy, women’s empowerment, and financial services and inclusion. The organization’s thought leadership and communications products are informed by real-time learning and evidence from multiple development approaches and sectors. INVEST works with USAID and its partner network to develop and implement innovative procurement and contracting processes for collaborative development solutions.