Member area
4 mins Read 7 Nov 2023 Brussels

EDFI Academy: New DFI staff network, exchange ideas on sustainability, impact investing

BRUSSELS, 7 November 2023 – Knowledge exchange flowed in late October at the EDFI Academy in Brussels. More than 60 newly hired Development Finance Institutions professionals from European DFIs took part in the three-day training programme which gave a chance to network among the DFI community and delve deeper into a broad range of topics and common challenges.

Day 1: Development finance unfolded

The EDFI Academy kicked off on 25 October with idea exchange on key concepts and disciplines within the field. DFI experts presented their insights into the issues and disciplines that comprise work in the field.

Tony Bakels from FMO set the scene with an in-depth introduction to development banking. He was followed by FMO colleague Judith Rosenbrand, who gave a masterclass on technical assistance, or TA, which provides value in sustainable development finance projects alongside the investment side.

Christoph Hoeren from Germany’s DEG kicked off the afternoon by tackling the world of private sector development and country risk appetite, shedding light on EDFI members’ aims and approaches and contrasting both with those from commercial and investment banking. Magali Mayssal from PROPARCO in France followed with a snapshot of environmental & social aspects of development finance. She outlined the need for EDFI members to provide measures of positive impacts. She also looked at environmental and social objectives – a main priority for EDFI members.

Attendees took in sessions all while meeting other ‘DFI-ers’ – employees of European development finance institutions. They appreciated the “great opportunity” the Academy provides and a positive setting to engage in “good discussions and presentations.” One participant noted she would recommend the EDFI Academy to “anyone interested in a DFI career.”

Day 2: Digging deeper into EDFI, corporate governance, emerging markets private equity

Following the first two sessions, Simone Verbraeken of Belgium’s BIO demystified the complex world of emerging markets private equity, showing how it differs from developed markets. She also went in-depth on the typical characteristics of private equity fund investment and what attendees should look for when processing private equity fund investments.

EDFI Management Company, blended finance unpacked

The Day 2 afternoon session commenced with EDFI MC CEO Rodrigo Madrazo who shared the EDFI Management Company story and unpacked blended finance and opportunities and challenges that come with it. The afternoon included individual member presentations, where each participant had the opportunity to showcase their organizations. They outlined areas like strategy, end goals, reach and impact. The session enabled those on hand to gain a comprehensive understanding of diverse approaches adopted by member institutions.

Case study group work: An invaluable learning tool

Two case study group exercises on Day 1 and Day 2 gave participants to ‘dig-in’ to real-world decision making faced by DFIs. Led by Matt North of BII of the United Kingdom, small groups formed to study case study briefs, engage in robust group problem-solving and make policy decisions. The exercises opened new insights and sharpened decision skills through a real-world scenario. Groups presented their findings and conclusions to the workshop.

Day 3: EDFI member ‘show and tell’, foreign exchange, measuring impact

The EDFI Academy: A rite of passage for early career DFI staff

“The best practice exchange and case studies imbedded in the programme sharpen their skills thanks to learnings from seasoned experts in the field.”