Who We Are

IDF is the brainchild of Identity Partners, an investment holding company established and owned by black women. IDF was established on 01 March 2008 to exploit the opportunity of profitably investing in the SME sector by providing appropriate products and support to the sector.

The vision to create a leading SME investment and development entity was also driven by the social development that can be achieved in the process of supporting and growing a sustainable SME sector.

IDF aims to be the leading organization in developing innovative financial products that are integrated with non-financial support, and unlocking value in the SME sector. The fund management services are provided by IDF Managers. IDF Managers is led by black women professionals that possess skills and expertise in investment banking, socio-economic development and strategic policymaking.

IDF Managers is supported by Anglo Zimele, an enterprise development initiative by Anglo American. Anglo Zimele is a 20% shareholder in IDF Managers and is represented on the Board of IDF Managers.

Anglo Zimele's incubator approach to enterprise development has been adopted by the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme, and has been implemented by organizations including the IFC in Kazakhstan, Sasol, Mondi South Africa and Barloworld.