Case Study:

2018 launch event in Lusaka for a new impact investing initiative

The Musangu Foundation and Exigent Events came together to form South Africa’s first hands-on impact investment conference, acting as a conduit between impact investors and growth-focussed Sub-Saharan African businesses that can deliver commercial success as well as social and/or environmental return. To date, ICA has closed deals totalling greater than $125m. Services include:

Event conception and partnerships

Location, venue and supplier research, management and liaison

Contract negotiation

Design and production of event materials

Event marketing and sales

Event registration management

Programme development, speaker acquisition and management

End-to-end onsite event management

Woman speaking at a podium during Impact Capital Africa event, with UK aid and other sponsor logos in the background.

Brief:

Collaborating with UK Aid and the Government of Zambia, Impact Capital Africa (ICA) was formed to provide an end-to-end investment solution - sourcing and preparing impactful African SMEs for investment. On a 9-12 month cycle, ICA would culminate in a two-day annual conference discussing and presenting SMEs to global impact funders, including governmental donor agencies, DFIs, institutional financiers, private investors and fund managers, in a relaxed yet structured forum.

Solution:

Two men in formal attire having a conversation at an event.

Exigent Events utilised its extensive knowledge and experience of the African continent to secure a flexible and vibrant venue in Lusaka. We were also able to use our reliable local suppliers providing world-class materials, stage and set, A/V, and printing. Additionally, Exigent Events played a key role in ICA’s conception, spending time in Lusaka to establish Government partnerships, event sponsors, and researching impactful SMEs from across South Africa for its inaugural Impact Starter Platform cycle. With a limited start-up budget, acute management and creativity was vital. Exigent’s online registration management system (RMS) came to the fore, handling all delegate registrations and badging. Facilitating travel, provision of the printed event guide i.e. profiles, agenda, adverts and floorplan, and networking meeting scheduling were some of the key services provided by Exigent.

Delivery:

Impact Capital Africa event display with banners showcasing company names and project details, located in a conference setting with patterned carpet and high tables.

From event marketing, speaker acquisition and programme development, right through to onsite event delivery, Exigent performed a leading role in the design and production of all event aspects. Working alongside the Musangu Foundation, Exigent delivered an economically important yet relaxed and enjoyable regional conference incorporating enjoyable social functions and plentiful networking opportunities.

A dimly lit restaurant with people dining at long communal tables. Chandeliers hang from the ceiling, and there are decorative plants and artwork on the walls. A server walks through the room.

Results:

ICA 2018 was a huge success for the region, it exceeded expectations, achieving all that it set out to do with a vibe of excitement and cooperation that many reported they had not experienced in Zambia before. Exigent Events continues to support ICA’s ongoing efforts, having closed more than 50 deals and created more than 25,000 jobs.

Emma Parker
Founder | Impact Capital Africa (ICA)

“I have worked with Exigent Events for over 5 years with them taking on the planning and logistics role for our conferences and events. They are excellent at managing events on time and on budget, providing support during the planning phase and running a very tight ship during the event itself. Exigent’s eye for detail and flare for something unique, has helped us deliver high quality, memorable events. I have recommended Exigent to colleagues many times and will continue to do so.”