Dave Smit appointed as Director of Impact Investments at Oikocredit

Dave has nearly 20 years’ experience in impact investing and spent the majority of his career in management positions at FMO, the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank.

He has been responsible for debt and equity portfolios in Africa, Asia and Latin America and has experience in Oikocredit’s focus sectors: financial inclusion, renewable energy and agriculture. 

Before joining Oikocredit, Dave supported banks, investment funds and companies in their growth and in incorporating sustainability to their core businesses. He also worked with them to develop impact investing strategies and innovative solutions in sustainable finance.

Currently, Dave serves on the boards of AfricInvest Financial Sector Ltd, AfricInvest Financial Inclusion Vehicle Ltd, and DLM Finance B.V.

In his role as Director of Impact Investments, Dave will be responsible for leading teams that are responsible for Oikocredit’s global social impact investment portfolio. He will join as a statutory director and an Executive Committee member.

Mirjam ‘t Lam, Managing Director at Oikocredit, said: “Dave has a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the field of impact investing and is well-acquainted with our focus sectors and regions. We are very much looking forward to him joining Oikocredit and the Executive Committee, knowing he will bring his passion and many years of experience with him. With Dave on board, we look forward to strengthening our portfolio so that we can continue to make a positive impact in the low-income communities we serve.”

On taking up the position, Dave said: “I am excited to join Oikocredit. With its longstanding impact investing track record and on the ground presence, Oikocredit is uniquely positioned. Oikocredit plays a pivotal role in connecting impact partners and expanding impactful investments, and it’s a catalyst of change – all of which I look forward contributing to.”

About Oikocredit

Social impact investor and worldwide cooperative Oikocredit has 47 years of experience funding organisations active in financial inclusion, agriculture and renewable energy.

Oikocredit's loans, equity investments and capacity building aim to enable people on low incomes in Africa, Asia and Latin America to improve their living standards sustainably.

Oikocredit finances 509 partners, with total outstanding capital of € 1,015 million (at 30 June 2022). For more information: www.oikocredit.coop.

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Note for editors

For more information or to request an interview, please contact Jasmin Panjeta, Communications Manager, Oikocredit International, telephone: +31 33 422 4040, email: jpanjeta@oikocredit.org.