Susan Forester joins the ICFA Selection Committee 2025
We delighted that Susan Forester has joined the ICFA – International Climate Finance Accelerator Selection Committee for 2025!
Susan acts as a strategic advisor at C-suite/Board level with an emphasis on sustainable investment across a range of sectors, including energy/renewables, healthcare, and finance/insurance. Her senior advisory work is principally focused on early-stage investment funds and new business ventures in Africa, with a strong climate finance focus on carbon markets and nature-based solutions.
Over the years, Susan has demonstrated leadership in stakeholder management, fund-raising, fund structuring, impact strategy, and operational implementation/project management. She has leveraged an extensive network within the development finance community and has collaborated with impact investors such as Blue Orchard, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Mastercard Foundation, VisionFund, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI).
Previously employed by the CDC Group (now BII, British International Investment), Susan has managed projects for KfW/UK FCDO and has successfully completed projects like establishing the Natural Disaster Fund, originating a catalytic investment strategy for CDC Group, designing a fund structure for the UNDP, and executing an impact investment strategy for a Kenya-based company. She also wrote a gender inclusivity policy for Lion’s Head Global Partners.
In addition to her extensive work in the development finance sector, Susan spent 10 years with major global investment banks, including Citigroup, Morgan Stanley, and Lehman Brothers. She holds advanced degrees in finance and economics, most recently from SOAS, University of London.
Susan states, “I have long held the ICFA programme in high regard and am very pleased to be invited to join the 2025 Selection Committee. The ICFA attracts very high calibre fund proposals and then provides their proponents with extensive, expert guidance designed to advance their climate finance objectives. Contributing to this process will be very rewarding and I am very excited to see the submissions this year."
With Susan's expertise and passion, we are confident that her contributions will significantly enhance our efforts in identifying and nurturing the most promising fund managers who share our commitment to sustainability and climate resilience.
