Our Core Pillars & Flagship Initiatives

Driving Impact through Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL)

IIAA embeds Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) at the core of all its programs to ensure that social investments deliver measurable, lasting change. We build frameworks that connect intentions to real outcomes — aligning CSR and ESG initiatives with community needs, national priorities, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

What We Do:

• Develop evidence-based CSR/ESG frameworks and community feedback loops.
• Support corporates and NGOs in participatory impact tracking.
• Train partners on MEL tools that enhance accountability and transparency.

“You can’t improve what you don’t measure. Our MEL approach ensures CSR is not charity — it’s strategy.”
— Dr. Neville Mangwiro, MEL Specialist

Flagship: Impact Measurement Accelerator

A support platform helping partners quantify, communicate, and amplify social and environmental results through data storytelling and dashboards.

Co-Creating Solutions with Communities

Sustainable change begins with shared ownership. IIAA facilitates co-creation processes that bring communities, corporates, and government together to design and sustain solutions that respond to real needs. Through dialogue, participatory design, and local innovation, we ensure interventions are relevant and scalable.

Our Approach:

• Facilitate participatory community planning and needs mapping.
• Empower local entrepreneurs with seed support and mentorship.
• Mobilize diaspora and private sector resources for co-funded community projects.

Flagship: Back2Roots

Back2Roots reconnects the African diaspora with their home communities through co-design and co-financing of sustainable development projects. It channels financial and technical resources toward initiatives in WASH, education, and livelihoods, ensuring ownership and measurable impact.

• Examples include diaspora-funded water points and youth innovation hubs.
• Fosters accountability and visibility between communities and sponsors.

“It’s not just remittances — it’s impactful giving with measurable results.”

Amplifying Visibility

To create systems change, impact must be seen and heard. IIAA amplifies African-led development stories through media and convening platforms that connect academia, private sector, and communities.

Key Channels:

• IIAA Magazine — A digital publication reaching 150,000+ readers quarterly, showcasing African CSR/ESG excellence.
• CSI Impact Summit — A pan-African convening of CSR and ESG leaders sharing best practices and innovations.

Flagship: IIAA Magazine

The IIAA Magazine elevates thought leadership and community voices, providing visibility for African CSR and ESG innovations while driving data-informed storytelling.

Flagship: CSI Impact Summit

The CSI Impact Summit connects over 500 delegates annually to align policy, share tools, and celebrate progress through the IIAA Impact Awards.

• Hosted across SADC with participation from corporates, NGOs, and governments.
• Promotes regional collaboration and harmonized CSR standards.

Building Systemic Partnerships

Lasting impact requires collaboration across systems. IIAA convenes multi-stakeholders — including governments, corporates, universities, and the diaspora — to design and implement shared-impact initiatives.

Our Role:

• Facilitate partnerships and dialogue between the private sector and governments.
• Develop MOUs and frameworks ensuring mutual accountability.
• Promote knowledge exchange through the Africa CSR Knowledge Exchange (ACKE).

“We’re not just connecting partners — we’re aligning systems for collective progress.”