In our new episode of Roots & Values,host Alain Nsiona sits down with Leslie Maasdorp, CEO of British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution investing to create sustainable and inclusive growth across Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean.
Born and raised under apartheid in South Africa, he found inspiration in the nation’s struggle for justice and equality,developing an early sense of responsibility to help build a fairer society. That sense of purpose led him from public service in post-apartheid South Africa to leadership roles at the New Development Bank, Goldman Sachs, and now BII.
This episode explores:🌍 Africa’s growth potential and the myths surrounding investment risk
💡 How activism shaped Leslie’s global leadership approach
🏦 The evolution of the development finance system
🤝 The power of mentorship and developing others
🌱 Lessons from China’s rapid transformation
💬 Opportunities in Asia’s climate transition
📈 Why the private sector is “the biggest engine for growth”
🏗️ How human capital and infrastructure can unlock Africa’s future
🎧 Listen and and be inspired by one of the leading voices in Development finance.
🔗Connect with Leslie Maasdorp on LinkedIn: LeslieMaasdorp | LinkedIn
Find out more about BII at: DevelopmentFinance Institution - British International Investment
Roots & Values is a podcast from NsionaImpact exploring the intersection of ambition, impact, sustainable investment, and transformative development in the world’s fastest-growing economies. Each episodedelves into the stories behind sustainability-driven ventures and visionary transforming investor culture and advancing meaningful change in emerging markets.
Nsiona Impact is a company that collaborates and partners with visionary corporates, governments, DFIs andfinancial investors to use finance to drive impact and sustainable growth in Emerging and Frontier markets.
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