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865-0006-00L 2 Credits MSC , WBZ , NDS D-GESS

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Leveraging Private Impact Investors in Development Cooperation

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Christopher Humphrey

Only for MAS/CAS in Global Cooperation and Sustainable Development students, as well as specialists with at least 24 months of practical experience in international cooperation. ETH doctoral students working on topics related to poverty reduction in low- and middle income countries may also be admitted. Registration only through the NADEL homepage.

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Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:33:06

Abstract

This three-day course demystifies impact investing for people working in development cooperation. The course provides an introduction to understanding the terminology and instruments involved in impact investing and evaluating opportunities and trade-offs for development.

Objective

This three-day course demystifies impact investing for people working in development cooperation. Impact investing—the idea that it is possible to “do good” as well as make money with certain types of investment—is changing the landscape of development cooperation. Impact investing is growing rapidly and development agencies and non-governmental organizations increasingly seek to leverage private investor resources. But many development actors are not accustomed to working with private investors, and are uneasy about their profit motivation and modes of operation. The course provides an introduction to the terminology and instruments involved in impact investing and evaluates developmental opportunities and trade-offs.

Content

Key topics - Defining impact investing and understanding its importance for development - Different types of impact investor and their incentives - Overview of instruments such as loans, equity investments, syndication and impact bonds - How to define and measure “impact” - Techniques used by development agencies to leverage private investor resources - Considering what impact investing can and cannot achieve for development goals

General Information

Language: English
Levels: MSC , WBZ , NDS
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: ungraded semester performance

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture with exercise	Leveraging Private Impact Investors in Development Cooperation Course dates: 26.02. – 28.02.2025	No time listed	24 h semesterly

Offered In

Comparative and International Studies Master
- Wahlfächer
MAS in Global Cooperation and Sustainable Development (Die Vorlesungen und Weiterbildungskurse des NADEL sind ausschliesslich für Studierende des MAS in Global Cooperation and Sustainable Development und für Fachkräfte der Entwicklungszusammenarbeit (EZA) mit mindestens 2 Jahren Berufserfahrung in der EZA zugänglich. Doktoranden, die sich mit empirischer Forschung im EZA-Bereich befassen, können "sur Dossier" zugelassen werden.)
- Studienreglement 2021
  - Vertiefungsmodule
CAS in Global Cooperation and Sustainable Development (Findet jedes Frühjahrssemester und jedes zweite Herbstsemester (mit ungerader Jahreszahl) statt.)
- Module