Convergence is the global network for blended finance – generating data, intelligence, and deal flow to increase private sector investment in developing countries.
Convergence supported the design of Aceli Africa through a grant that helped finalize the development of our financial incentives criteria, as well as our data and research partnerships.
In this case study, Convergence calls out insights from the design of our facility that could be useful for other practitioners designing blended finance initiatives – particularly in the agri-SME sector. Those insights include:
- Data collection is a powerful tool for right-sizing concessional capital when designing blended finance interventions, particularly in nascent markets
- Blended finance practitioners must balance tailoring custom-fit solutions with reducing complexity
- Technical assistance can be useful for addressing both demand- and supply-side constraints
- Blended finance can be used to support the development of local markets