1st February 2021
An American impact Investment Fundâs promises of great returns and social impacts to Batswana is floundering on the rocks of Wilderness Safaris alleged racial abuse of citizens.
Wrapped up in buzzwords, glossy brochures, soft-focus images and claims of ethical business practices The Rise Fund believed to be the largest private impact fund ever raised in Botswana held great promise for Batswana, but indications are that all that glitter was foolâs gold.
The Rise Fund, a subsidiary of TPG one of Americaâs biggest private equity firms known for aggressive buyout deals, was hoping to present a friendlier face to Botswana to convince its American investors that their environmental, social and corporate governance credentials are more than just branding. While The Rise Fund promised its American financers to deploy their money in socially responsible investments, an online petition by âconcernedâ Batswana has revealed underlying tensions betw