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AP3 INTERVIEW: “I remain optimistic about Africa’s ability to lead in the global green economy”

Exclusive interview with Dr Gori Olusina Daniel, Managing Partner at Africa PPP Advisory Services (AP3). He is also an AGES advisory board member.

Q: LET’S START WITH SOME BACKGROUND ON YOU, AND PLEASE TELL US MORE ABOUT AP3.
My name is Gori Olusina Daniel, and I am the Managing Partner at AP3 Advisory Services. AP3 is a specialist Africa-focused PPP and infrastructure finance advisory firm. With offices in the UK, Abuja, Lagos, and Durban, our core mission is to deliver tailored PPP and infrastructure finance solutions that drive sustainable development and economic transformation across Africa.

Over the past decade, AP3 has provided technical assistance to DFIs, donor agencies, and public and private sector clients in over seven countries across the continent. From policy development to transaction structuring and implementation, our services are designed to ensure impact while transferring critical knowledge to client teams. Notable projects include mobilising funding for AfDB’s Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) and designing institutional frameworks for PPP units in countries like Lesotho.

Our commitment to client success and development is evident in our approach: blending international best practices with a nuanced understanding of Africa’s unique challenges. This enables us to deliver practical, innovative, and results-oriented solutions that align with clients’ objectives while maximising socio-economic impact.

Q: AP3 HAS PERFORMED A TWO-YEAR STUDY ON CLIMATE FINANCE. PLEASE TELL US MORE ABOUT IT AND WHAT THE MAIN TAKEAWAYS ARE.
Conducted under the High Volume Transport (HVT) Applied Research Programme and funded by UK Aid, the project commissioned two leading research suppliers, WRI and SLOCAT, to explore how low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) can better access climate finance for sustainable transport projects.

Objectives and Context:

While the transport sector accounts for a significant share of greenhouse gas emissions, it remains underfunded in LMICs. The study analysed 839 transport projects across Asia, Africa, and Latin America and conducted 14 in-depth case studies to identify actionable pathways for project sponsors in the pilot countries to secure the financing needed for sustainable, low-carbon transport solutions. In furtherance of this, stakeholder consultations were held in Kenya, Vietnam, and India to explore barriers and innovative solutions for mobilising climate finance.

Main Takeaways:

1. Barriers to Climate Finance: LMICs face significant barriers, including limited institutional capacity, inadequate project preparation, and gaps in knowledge about available finance mechanisms. Addressing these requires coordinated efforts across multiple levels.
2. Enabling Environment is Crucial: A robust policy and regulatory framework and institutional readiness are essential for attracting climate finance. Governments in LMICs must prioritise sustainable transport in national and regional development plans.

• Capacity Building is Key: Enhancing the capacity of project sponsors to design, develop, and present bankable projects is a game-changer. This includes knowledge of climate finance mechanisms and the ability to engage with stakeholders effectively.

1. Collaboration Drives Impact: Partnerships between governments, donors, private sector actors, and civil society organisations are critical for aligning priorities and unlocking finance.
2. Scalable Solutions Exist: The Avoid-Shift-Improve framework offers a structured approach to project planning, focusing on reducing transport demand, promoting sustainable modes, and improving technology and efficiency.

Impact and Outlook: By providing practical guidance and tools, our work has empowered stakeholders in LMICs to navigate the complex climate finance landscape more effectively. The solutions grid, consultations, and policy recommendations collectively offer a roadmap for accelerating the transition to sustainable transport systems.

Key Deliverables:

1. State of Knowledge Report: This report outlined the emerging landscape of climate finance for transport, highlighting the risks, barriers, and opportunities for LMICs. This report offers actionable recommendations to improve financial flows and project readiness.
2. Policy Guide and Toolkit: The guide is a comprehensive resource for project sponsors, offering actionable steps and practical recommendations for accessing climate finance. It also introduced the Avoid-Shift-Improve framework to help project sponsors conceptualise sustainable transport projects and policies.
3. Academic Research Publication: Insights from the study were compiled into a research paper that was submitted to a leading peer-reviewed journal, which we expect will provide academics and practitioners alike with practical insights and recommendations that will increase the capacity of project sponsors in LMICs to access climate finance for transport projects.

• Digital Climate Finance Toolkit: A dynamic tool distilling lessons from global case studies to support key stakeholders in designing investment-ready sustainable transport projects.

Q: HAVE THE COP29 ANNOUNCEMENTS ABOUT CLIMATE FINANCE ADDED SOME MOMENTUM IN YOUR VIEW?
The announcements made during COP29 have indeed added momentum to climate finance initiatives, though the extent of their impact varies among stakeholders. Developed nations committed to providing $300 billion annually by 2035 to support developing countries in combating and adapting to climate change.

This pledge represents a significant increase from the previous $100 billion annual commitment.

However, many developing nations have criticised this figure as insufficient, arguing that it falls short of the $1.3 trillion necessary to effectively address climate challenges. India’s negotiator, Chandni Raina, described the $300 billion pledge as “abysmally poor” compared to what is needed.

Despite these criticisms, establishing a concrete financial commitment provides a foundation for further negotiations and enhancements. The issuance of a $500 million bond by the Climate Investment Funds (CIF), which received over $3 billion in investor orders, exemplifies innovative approaches to mobilising climate finance. This move is seen as a significant step toward leveraging capital markets to scale green investments.

This gap highlights the persistent challenges in mobilising adequate, accessible, and sustainable financing to meet the climate needs of developing countries.

Key Challenges and Opportunities:

1. Resource Mobilisation Shortfall: The proposed funding levels, though an improvement, remain insufficient to address the dual imperatives of mitigation and adaptation, particularly for sectors like transport, energy, and agriculture, which require transformative investment to align with net-zero goals. The limited availability of concessional financing further compounds this challenge, especially for developing nations with constrained fiscal space.
2. Institutional and Policy Bottlenecks: Many developing countries continue to grapple with institutional and policy barriers that hinder their ability to design, finance, and implement bankable climate projects. Strengthening governance frameworks, improving capacity to develop project pipelines, and enhancing transparency are critical to ensuring that available finance flows effectively to impactful projects.

• Innovative Financing Mechanisms: A key takeaway from COP29 is the growing recognition of innovative financial instruments as a vital pathway to close the climate financing gap. Instruments like the Climate Investment Funds’ $500 million green bond issuance, which garnered over $3 billion in investor demand, demonstrate the potential of leveraging capital markets to mobilise private sector participation at scale.

1. Enhanced Collaboration and Partnerships: The announcements have reaffirmed the importance of partnerships between developed and developing nations. Beyond financial commitments, the success of climate finance strategies will hinge on knowledge transfer, capacity-building initiatives, and the co-creation of innovative solutions tailored to local contexts.

Path Forward:

The path forward demands sustained and coordinated efforts at multiple levels.

• Scaling Commitments: Developed nations must work toward bridging the financing gap by mobilising both public and private capital. This includes revisiting and potentially increasing pledges, while also ensuring that funds are disbursed equitably and promptly.
• Tailored Solutions for LMICs: Recognising the unique needs of developing nations is critical. Climate finance mechanisms should focus on addressing local barriers and empowering developing countries to align with global climate goals through flexible, context-sensitive solutions.
• Strengthening Local Capacities: Investments in institutional capacity building are essential to equip developing nations with the skills and tools required to access, deploy, and manage climate finance effectively.
• Private Sector Engagement: Blended finance, risk-sharing mechanisms, and guarantees must be leveraged to crowd in private capital, which will be essential to achieving scale. The COP29 announcements underscore the role of innovative partnerships in creating an enabling environment for private sector investment in climate action.
• Accountability and Monitoring: Establishing robust monitoring frameworks to track progress and measure impact is critical for ensuring that commitments translate into real-world outcomes.

COP29 has laid a foundation for accelerating climate finance, but the announcements also expose the systemic challenges that must be addressed to bridge the existing gaps.

Achieving the ambitious targets of the Paris Agreement will require a transformative approach—one that combines innovative financial instruments, strengthened institutional frameworks, and equitable partnerships. AP3 remains committed to working with governments, multilateral organisations, and private sector actors to develop and implement practical, impactful solutions that enable a just transition and deliver long-term climate resilience.

Q: HOW IMPORTANT IS GREEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN THE GREEN ECONOMY OF THE FUTURE ON THE CONTINENT?
Combatting climate change is of critical importance to maintaining well-being and standards of living across the world in a sustainable manner. Green entrepreneurship can help develop and propagate new technologies, create new markets and drive change in the business sector.

Stimulating green entrepreneurship is therefore an important lever that governments can use to drive the transition to a more sustainable economy. Green entrepreneurship is pivotal in driving Africa’s transition to a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient green economy. As the continent faces mounting environmental challenges such as deforestation, climate change, and biodiversity loss, alongside socio-economic issues like unemployment and inequality, green entrepreneurship offers a transformative solution to address these interlinked concerns.

1. Economic Transformation and Job Creation

Green entrepreneurship creates opportunities for innovation-driven economic growth while addressing pressing environmental issues. Industries such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, waste management, and eco-tourism are emerging as vital sectors for job creation. Given Africa’s youthful population and high unemployment rates, green businesses can become a catalyst for meaningful employment, particularly for women and young people.

For instance:

• Renewable Energy Startups: Entrepreneurs in solar energy, such as M-KOPA in East Africa, have revolutionised access to off-grid energy, creating jobs and improving quality of life.
• Sustainable Agriculture Ventures: Innovations in climate-smart agriculture help increase productivity, ensure food security, and adapt to climate impacts, providing employment in rural areas.
  1. Catalysing Innovation and Localised Solutions

Green entrepreneurship fosters innovation, particularly in designing solutions tailored to Africa’s unique challenges. By leveraging indigenous knowledge and emerging technologies, green entrepreneurs can develop products and services that are culturally relevant, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable.

Examples include:

• Biodegradable packaging businesses addressing plastic waste.
• Clean cooking technology startups reducing reliance on firewood and charcoal.
  • Attracting Investment and Driving Economic Resilience

The growing global focus on climate finance and sustainable development has unlocked new funding opportunities for green entrepreneurs. With initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and targeted climate funds, green businesses can tap into capital for scaling innovative solutions. Moreover, green entrepreneurship can diversify Africa’s economies, reducing dependence on volatile commodity markets and fostering long-term resilience.

1. Contributing to Climate Goals and Sustainable Development

Green entrepreneurs play a critical role in achieving global and regional climate targets, such as those outlined in the Paris Agreement and Agenda 2063. By scaling businesses that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve natural resources, and promote circular economy principles, these entrepreneurs directly contribute to environmental sustainability and socio-economic development.

For example:

• Recycling initiatives like Nigeria’s Wecyclers a social enterprise that promotes recycling in urban communities by incentivising households to recycle their waste and Deekali Plastic Recovery West Africa Project in Senegal which transforms plastic waste into sustainable building materials, help mitigate pollution while advancing circular economy goals.
  1. Empowering Communities and Promoting Equity

Green entrepreneurship promotes community empowerment by involving local populations in sustainable enterprises. It offers marginalised communities opportunities to participate in the green economy, creating inclusive growth and reducing inequality. For instance, social enterprises in eco-tourism often train and employ local communities as guides or conservationists, ensuring benefits remain within the community.

1. Overcoming Challenges

While the potential is vast, green entrepreneurs face barriers such as limited access to financing, inadequate policy support, and skill gaps. Addressing these challenges requires:

• Policy Reforms: Governments must create enabling environments by implementing supportive policies, providing incentives, and fostering green innovation ecosystems.
• Capacity Building: Training and mentorship programs are essential to equip green entrepreneurs with the technical and managerial skills needed to scale their businesses.
• Public-Private Collaboration: Partnerships between governments, financial institutions, and private enterprises can unlock funding and facilitate access to markets.

Green entrepreneurship is not just a driver of environmental sustainability but also a cornerstone for Africa’s socio-economic transformation. By investing in green businesses and creating ecosystems that support their growth, Africa can unlock immense potential for innovation, inclusivity, and resilience. Green entrepreneurs are critical agents of change, shaping a future where economic growth aligns with environmental stewardship and social equity. As the continent charts its path toward a green economy, the role of green entrepreneurship cannot be overstated—it is the engine that will power Africa’s sustainable future.

Q: WHAT ARE THE MAIN OBSTACLES IN YOUR VIEW?
While green entrepreneurship holds immense potential to drive Africa’s transition to a sustainable and inclusive green economy, several critical obstacles hinder its growth and scalability. These challenges are interconnected and require coordinated efforts from governments, the private sector, and international partners to overcome.

1. Limited Access to Financing

Securing funding remains one of the most significant barriers for green entrepreneurs in Africa. Challenges include:

• High Perceived Risks: Investors often view green businesses, especially startups, as high-risk due to their innovative nature and reliance on unproven business models.
• Lack of Tailored Financial Instruments: Traditional financial systems may not offer products suited for green businesses, such as concessional loans or grants.
• High Costs of Capital: Many green entrepreneurs struggle with accessing affordable financing, limiting their ability to scale operations.

Solution: Enhanced financial mechanisms, including green bonds, blended finance, and venture capital funds focused on green innovation, can help bridge this gap.

1. Weak Policy and Regulatory Frameworks

Many African countries lack robust policies to promote green entrepreneurship. Issues include:

• Unclear Incentives: Inadequate tax breaks, subsidies, or grants for green businesses.
• Regulatory Bottlenecks: Complex or inconsistent regulations make it difficult for startups to comply and scale.
• Lack of Enforcement: Poor enforcement of environmental laws undermines market opportunities for green products and services.

Solution: Governments must create enabling environments by streamlining regulations, offering targeted incentives, and enforcing environmental standards to level the playing field for green entrepreneurs.

• Skills and Knowledge Gaps

Green entrepreneurs often lack the technical, business, and managerial skills necessary to design, implement, and scale sustainable solutions. This is compounded by limited access to specialised training or mentorship programs in sustainability and green business practices.

Solution: Capacity-building initiatives, including mentorship programs, training workshops, and partnerships with various institutions, can help equip entrepreneurs with the expertise needed to succeed.

1. Market Barriers and Consumer Awareness

• Low Consumer Demand: Limited awareness of the benefits of green products and services can result in low demand, making it challenging for green entrepreneurs to build viable markets.
• Cost Competitiveness: Many green products are perceived as more expensive than conventional alternatives, discouraging widespread adoption.

Solution: Public awareness campaigns, government-led procurement policies, and subsidies for green products can help drive market demand and make green options more competitive.

1. Fragmented Ecosystems and Lack of Collaboration

Many green entrepreneurs operate in isolation, lacking access to networks or platforms that facilitate collaboration with governments, investors, and other entrepreneurs. This fragmentation limits their ability to share knowledge, access resources, and scale effectively.

Solution: Establishing green innovation hubs, accelerators, and public-private partnerships can foster collaboration and provide entrepreneurs with access to resources and support.

1. Cultural and Social Resistance

In some communities, green entrepreneurship faces resistance due to entrenched cultural practices or limited understanding of sustainability. For example, traditional reliance on firewood or charcoal may hinder the adoption of clean cooking solutions.

Solution: Grassroots engagement and culturally sensitive campaigns are essential to drive behavioral change and encourage communities to adopt sustainable practices.

Q: WHAT IN YOUR VIEW ARE THE MOST CURRENT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THIS SECTOR THAT YOU ARE PARTICULARLY EXCITED ABOUT?
Green entrepreneurship is unlocking transformative investment opportunities across various sectors in Africa, driven by growing demand for sustainable solutions, climate finance, and innovation. These opportunities are particularly exciting as they align economic growth with environmental sustainability, creating impact-driven business models with high potential for scalability.

1. Renewable Energy Solutions

Africa’s vast renewable energy potential remains largely untapped, creating opportunities for green entrepreneurs to develop innovative energy solutions.

• Solar Energy: Off-grid solar systems and mini-grids are particularly promising, especially in regions with low electricity access. In Nigeria, companies like Lumos Global and Rubitec Solar are leading scalable models that provide affordable and clean energy solutions. Initiatives like the Rural Electrification Project (REP), supported by the World Bank, are driving solar mini-grid installations, bringing electricity to underserved communities and reducing dependence on diesel generators.
• Wind and Hydropower: Countries like South Africa are leading in wind and hydropower projects, attracting investments for further expansion. The Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm in South Africa, one of the largest in Africa, contributes 138 MW to the national grid. Similarly, projects like the Bethlehem Hydro in the Free State Province showcase the potential of small-scale hydropower to combine clean energy generation with sustainable water resource management.
• Energy Efficiency Technologies: Products like energy-efficient appliances and smart grid systems offer lucrative opportunities for urban and industrial markets.

These solutions address Africa’s energy poverty, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and attract significant international funding, including green bonds and climate finance.

1. Sustainable Agriculture

Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Africa’s economy, and green entrepreneurship is driving innovation to make it more sustainable.

• Climate-Smart Agriculture: Technologies for water conservation, precision farming, and drought-resistant seeds are gaining traction.
• Special Agro-Processing Zones (SAPZs): SAPZs are revolutionising agriculture in Africa by creating hubs where infrastructure, services, and value chain linkages converge to boost productivity and competitiveness. These zones are strategically located in high-potential agricultural areas to promote agro-industrialisation. For example, in Nigeria, SAPZs supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB) focus on attracting investments in food processing and packaging, reducing post-harvest losses, and creating jobs.
• Agri-Waste Recycling: Turning agricultural waste into bioenergy, organic fertilisers, or other value-added products is a growing market.

These innovations not only enhance food security and resilience to climate change but also generate employment in rural areas, creating inclusive growth.

iii. Electric Mobility and Sustainable Transport

The transport sector is a major contributor to emissions, and green entrepreneurs are introducing innovative solutions to transform the sector.

• Electric Vehicles (EVs): From electric motorcycles in East Africa to solar-powered buses in South Africa, EVs are gaining ground.
• Shared Mobility: Ride-sharing and carpooling platforms focused on sustainability are growing in urban areas.
• Sustainable Logistics: Green logistics solutions, including electric delivery fleets, offer opportunities in Africa’s booming e-commerce sector.

Why Exciting? With increasing urbanisation and global climate goals, the transport sector represents a high-growth market with significant environmental and economic benefits

1. Waste Management and Circular Economy

Waste management remains a pressing issue in many African cities, and green entrepreneurs are pioneering solutions in this space.

• Recycling and Upcycling: Startups like Wecyclers (Nigeria) and Gjenge Makers (Kenya) are transforming waste into valuable products such as building materials and consumer goods.
• Composting and Biogas Production: Turning organic waste into biofertilisers and biogas presents opportunities for addressing energy and agricultural challenges simultaneously.
• E-Waste Management: Africa’s growing reliance on electronics creates a market for the safe disposal and recycling of e-waste.

Why Exciting? The circular economy has immense potential to reduce environmental pollution while creating value from waste, attracting investors and supporting sustainability goals.

1. Clean Water and Sanitation Technologies

Access to clean water and sanitation is a critical challenge in many parts of Africa, creating opportunities for green innovations.

• Water Purification and Recycling: Solutions for decentralised water purification, rainwater harvesting, and wastewater recycling are gaining traction.
• Sanitation Innovations: Affordable, sustainable toilets and sewage treatment technologies are being developed to address sanitation gaps in urban and rural areas.

Why Exciting? These technologies have a profound impact on public health, environmental protection, and economic development, with strong backing from impact investors and donor agencies.

The opportunities in green entrepreneurship across Africa are vast, ranging from renewable energy to sustainable agriculture and transportation. These sectors not only present attractive returns for investors but also address critical challenges facing the continent, aligning with global sustainability goals. As financing for green projects expands, Africa is uniquely positioned to become a global leader in green innovation. The intersection of impact and profit in these ventures makes them particularly exciting for stakeholders committed to a sustainable future.

Q: YOU ARE AN ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER OF AFRICA’S GREEN ECONOMY SUMMIT IN CAPE TOWN. HOW WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE AT AGES LAST YEAR?
African Green Economy Summit (AGES) 2024 was a transformative experience that underscored the immense potential of collaborative platforms in accelerating Africa’s transition to a sustainable green economy. As a Managing Partner at AP3 Advisory and an advisory board member for the summit, I had the privilege of contributing to an event that truly embodied the convergence of innovation, finance, and impact.

Key Highlights from AGES:

1. Structured and Effective Deal Room Engagements: One of the most rewarding aspects of AGES was leading AP3 Advisory’s efforts in structuring and managing the Deal Room, which served as the summit’s centerpiece for high-stakes engagements. The carefully curated environment provided project sponsors with a platform to showcase over $1 billion worth of green economy projects to a targeted audience of 41 institutional investors. By ensuring a seamless flow of investor roundtables and live pitch sessions, we created a space that facilitated meaningful dialogues, fostering investor confidence in Africa’s green projects.
2. Curating and Refining a Robust Project Pipeline: AP3 Advisory played a pivotal role in screening and preparing a pipeline of green economy projects across renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and water infrastructure sectors. These projects, with a collective capital requirement exceeding $1 billion, were rigorously evaluated for financial viability, alignment with investor priorities, and potential for impact. Working closely with project sponsors to refine their pitches was particularly fulfilling, as it ensured they could communicate their value propositions effectively and secure investor interest.

• Fostering Business Matchmaking and Collaboration: The business matchmaking sessions were another standout feature of the summit. These one-on-one interactions provided project sponsors and investors with the opportunity to explore strategic partnerships tailored to their specific objectives. Our team leveraged its deep understanding of both the project landscape and investor expectations to facilitate matches that resulted in tangible outcomes. Notably, four projects representing over $600 million in capital expenditure advanced to detailed due diligence by the close of the summit.

1. Sustained Post-Summit Engagement: Our engagement did not end with the summit. Post-event, AP3 continued to work with project sponsors and investors to advance projects through due diligence and project preparation phases. This sustained involvement exemplifies our commitment to ensuring that initiatives discussed at AGES translate into actionable, high-impact outcomes.

Reflecting on the experience, AGES demonstrated the value of platforms that bring together diverse stakeholders, project developers, institutional investors, and technical partners to catalyse investments in Africa’s green economy. The summit highlighted the growing appetite among global financiers to invest in sustainable infrastructure and the critical role of transaction advisors like AP3 in bridging gaps between opportunity and execution.

As a Managing Partner of AP3 Advisory, I was particularly inspired by the collective energy and vision shared by participants. It was a testament to Africa’s capacity to lead in the green economy, provided we continue fostering collaboration, innovation, and investment. AGES reinforced my belief that with the right support structures, Africa can unlock significant capital to drive its green transition while delivering sustainable, inclusive growth.

Looking ahead, I am excited about the opportunities to further deepen our contributions to initiatives like AGES, leveraging our expertise to shape a resilient and impactful green economy for the continent.

Q: WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS OF THIS YEAR’S EVENT?
As AP3 Advisory returns to the AGES as the transaction advisor, our primary objective is to build on last year’s successes and strengthen our role as a catalyst for impactful green investments across the continent. This year, our expectations are focused on securing tangible outcomes in the Deal Room and positioning AP3 as the trusted transaction advisor for at least one high-impact project.

1. Success in the Deal Room: Securing Commitments

The Deal Room remains the cornerstone of AGES, and we expect it to drive meaningful outcomes this year. Our goal is to facilitate robust engagements that result in investment commitments for at least one high-impact project. This includes:

• Supporting project sponsors in refining their pitches and structuring their deals to align with investor priorities.
• Leveraging our expertise to create seamless interactions between project sponsors and institutional investors, ensuring clarity and confidence in the value proposition of each project.
• Curating a pipeline of bankable projects across sectors like renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and circular economy solutions, tailored to attract significant investor interest.

1. Strengthened Focus on Project Bankability

This year, we aim to ensure that projects presented in the Deal Room are highly refined and investment-ready. Our efforts will include:

• Providing pre-summit advisory support to project sponsors, helping them enhance their financial and technical viability.
• Structuring projects to address common investor concerns, such as risk allocation, scalability, and return on investment.
• Guiding sponsors in aligning their projects with emerging trends like blended finance and sustainability-linked investments to attract diverse funding sources.

iii. Maximising Engagement with Institutional Investors

We expect the summit to host an even broader array of institutional investors, from development finance institutions (DFIs) to private equity funds. Our goal is to:

• Strengthen relationships with existing investors while establishing new connections.
• Highlight AP3’s role as a transaction advisory leader capable of bridging the gap between investors and project sponsors.
• Foster long-term partnerships that extend beyond the summit, positioning AP3 as a trusted partner for future green economy initiatives.

1. Driving Post-Summit Action

The outcomes of AGES must extend beyond the event itself, and we are committed to ensuring this happens. We expect to:

• Work with project sponsors and investors on detailed due diligence and project preparation for any commitments made in the Deal Room.
• Maintain momentum through structured post-summit follow-ups, ensuring that projects continue to progress toward financial close.
• Cement AP3’s role as a strategic advisor by offering ongoing support to ensure successful project execution.

1. Contributing to Africa’s Green Transition

At a broader level, we see AGES as a platform to further align green investment opportunities with Africa’s development goals. This year, we aim to contribute by:

• Advocating for innovative financing mechanisms, such as blended finance and green bonds, to unlock additional capital.
• Highlighting AP3’s thought leadership in shaping resilient, sustainable infrastructure projects.
• Strengthening the ecosystem of green entrepreneurship, ensuring inclusivity and scalability for projects across the continent.

Q: HOW IMPORTANT IS SUCH AN EVENT FOR THE CONTINENT IN YOUR VIEW?
Events like the AGES are pivotal for the continent’s transition to a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive economy. By bringing together stakeholders from diverse sectors, including policymakers, project developers, institutional investors, and technical experts, these platforms serve as catalysts for unlocking the immense potential of Africa’s green economy.

1. Driving Sustainable Investment

Africa faces a significant financing gap for sustainable infrastructure, estimated at over $2 trillion annually to meet global climate and development goals. Events like AGES directly address this challenge by:

• Facilitating Investment Opportunities: By connecting project developers with institutional investors, AGES enables the flow of capital into impactful green projects across sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and water infrastructure.
• Showcasing Bankable Projects: The event curates a pipeline of high-quality, investment-ready projects, ensuring that financiers can identify opportunities with a clear path to returns.

1. Catalysing Collaboration and Partnerships

The complexity of transitioning to a green economy requires collaboration across sectors and borders. AGES fosters this by:

• Encouraging Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue: The summit provides a platform for governments, private investors, and development institutions to align on priorities and co-develop solutions.
• Promoting Regional Cooperation: By attracting participants from across the continent, the event facilitates knowledge exchange and cross-border partnerships essential for scaling green initiatives.

iii. Enhancing Capacity and Knowledge Sharing

Many African countries face challenges related to project development, financing, and implementation due to capacity gaps. AGES addresses these issues by:

• Providing Technical Insights: Sessions on financing models, policy frameworks, and emerging trends equip stakeholders with the knowledge needed to drive green projects.
• Showcasing Best Practices: Successful case studies from across the continent inspire and guide participants in overcoming challenges.

1. Creating Visibility for Africa’s Green Economy Potential

AGES serves as a platform to position Africa as a global leader in the green economy by:

• Highlighting Innovation: Showcasing groundbreaking projects and technologies demonstrates Africa’s capability to lead in areas such as renewable energy and circular economy.
• Attracting Global Attention: The summit draws international investors and stakeholders, showcasing Africa as a promising destination for sustainable investment.

1. Accelerating Climate Action and Economic Transformation

With Africa disproportionately affected by climate change, events like AGES are essential for advancing climate resilience and sustainable development. The summit supports this by:

• Aligning with Climate Goals: Encouraging investments and policies that align with the Paris Agreement and the SDGs.
• Driving Job Creation and Economic Growth: Green economy initiatives generate employment and spur economic diversification, addressing socio-economic challenges such as unemployment and inequality.

The African Green Economy Summit is more than just an event, it is a strategic platform for shaping the continent’s sustainable future. By driving investment, fostering collaboration, building capacity, and creating visibility, it plays a critical role in accelerating Africa’s green transition. Such gatherings are not merely important; they are indispensable for ensuring that Africa not only meets its climate and development goals but also emerges as a global leader in the green economy.

Q: ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD?
As we reflect on the opportunities, challenges, and milestones discussed, I would like to emphasise a few key points that are central to advancing Africa’s green economy agenda:

1. Bridging the Financing Gap: While significant strides are being made in mobilising climate finance, much more needs to be done to bridge the gap between available resources and the continent’s needs. Collaborative efforts from governments, private sector players, and multilateral institutions will be crucial in innovating financial instruments, streamlining access to funding, and ensuring equitable distribution.
2. Empowering Local Actors: Green entrepreneurship, especially at the grassroots level, has the power to transform Africa’s economy. Beyond funding, there is a pressing need to invest in capacity building, mentorship, and infrastructure to enable local innovators to thrive and scale their solutions.

• Strengthening Regional Collaboration: Africa’s transition to a green economy cannot happen in silos. Regional collaboration through platforms like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) can foster shared learning, unlock cross-border projects, and drive economies of scale for green initiatives.

1. Sustained Post-Summit Engagement: Events like the African Green Economy Summit must go beyond discussions to deliver tangible outcomes. Structured follow-ups, ongoing capacity-building efforts, and the establishment of implementation frameworks are essential to ensure that the momentum generated translates into actionable results.
2. A Call for Leadership and Commitment: Lastly, achieving the green economy vision for Africa requires strong leadership and unwavering commitment from all stakeholders. Policymakers must create enabling environments, investors must take calculated risks, and entrepreneurs must rise to the challenge of innovating for a sustainable future.

I remain optimistic about Africa’s ability to lead in the global green economy. With the right strategies, partnerships, and determination, we have the opportunity to address climate challenges and create a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable future for the continent.

www.ap3advisory.com/our-team/
www.ap3advisory.com/
www.reuters.com/sustainability/sustainable-finance-reporting/wealthy-countries-back-raising-cop29-climate-deal-300-billion-sources-say-2024-11-23/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/nov/24/cop29-climate-finance-deal-criticised-travesty-justice-stage-managed?utm_source=chatgpt.com
www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/reports/2022/06/policies-to-support-green-entrepreneurship_36400317/e92b1946-en.pdf

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