Shiemaa Ahmed
Shiemaa is an impact investing and private sector development professional. Her expertise includes developing private sector development and investment readiness programs, designing and delivering impact investing strategies, managing investor relations, supporting portfolio companies, and implementing Impact Measurement and Management (IMM) frameworks. Shiemaa's passion lies in leveraging finance to create sustainable social and environmental impact in places where it is most needed. Shiemaa has a strong track record in diverse markets including the UK, MENA, and Africa.
Shiemaa comes from an international development background, having worked with organizations like the International Committee of the Red Cross, UN agencies, and other international Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) across humanitarian and development interventions in Sudan and East Africa before moving to the UK and getting more involved in the impact investing landscape through Innovate UK's inaugural investment team. Shiemaa brings a rich background from working in developing countries and contributing to building the social entrepreneurship ecosystem in Sudan and beyond.
Shiemaa holds a BSc. In Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of Khartoum, a Postgraduate diploma in Development Planning, and completed her MBA from the University of Oxford as a Skoll Scholar.
Voting Member: Shiemaa Ahmed
Member since 2024
Building Impact Leaders
September 2025
How have you engaged with CAFIID?
I joined CAFIID in June 2023 after attending the CAFIID conference "Advancing SDGs through Canadian Impact Investing in Emerging Markets". Since then, I’ve had the chance to engage with CAFIID in several ways. I first joined the Thought Leadership Committee and the Gender Lens Investing Community of Practice, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every meeting, webinar, and activity.
In early 2024, I applied to the CAFIID Mentorship Program and was fortunate to be paired with Katie Turner, who was truly the best mentor I could ask for!
In May 2024, I published my first CAFIID Thought Leadership article on the new Impact Frontiers framework, which deepened my involvement in the committee. When the CAFIID board later announced it was seeking new members, I initially dismissed the idea, I was thinking I didn’t have enough experience to be on the board. But during a mentorship call, Katie encouraged me to apply, and explained that the board is looking for different perspectives and lived experiences, and I’m so glad I did! In June 2024, I was elected to the CAFIID board, while remaining actively engaged in the Thought Leadership Committee and the Gender Lens Investing CoP.
How has CAFIID supported your professional journey and growth?
CAFIID has been instrumental in shaping my professional growth. The mentorship program gave me wonderful guidance at a pivotal moment in my career, and the conversations with my mentor enabled me to re-build my confidence and stretch beyond my comfort zone. I launched my independent consulting services and took the step to join the CAFIID board, which gave me more exposure to a community of practitioners working on the frontlines of innovative finance and impact investing.
Can you share a meaningful connection or key lesson learned through CAFIID?
I deeply value the relationships I’ve built through CAFIID. For example, during my onboarding call, Emiko suggested I connect with Carolyn, who had also moved to the UK at the time. That introduction turned into a genuine friendship, and coincidentally, we both relocated to Nairobi around the same time. We now meet regularly and often meet in person to login to CAFIID webinars and board meetings.
The key lesson I’ve learned through CAFIID is the power of community. This is a network where people are both knowledgeable and generous with their time, always willing to share insights and support each other.
What motivates you to stay involved with CAFIID?
I stay involved because CAFIID embodies a unique blend of professionalism and community values. It’s not just about expanding my network, but the drive to contribute to advancing the impact investing practice runs in the DNA of CAFIID, it’s also about being part of a community that genuinely cares about making a difference. I am always inspired by the spirit of CAFIID members to volunteer their time to establish and institutionalise an organisation that can make a real difference in the sector in Canada and beyond.
What advice would you give others to support their professional growth in impact investing?
Be proactive, share your perspective, and take initiative. Impact investing is still a relatively young and niche field, and needs different perspectives and points of view. Don’t be afraid to reach out to peers, mentors, or CAFIID members, they are always willing to help.
The more you expose yourself to different perspectives and experiences, the stronger and more resilient your own journey will be.