Date: 30/01/2025
Time: 12:00 – 13:00 (UK time)
Location: Online
Mobilising private investments for climate adaptation for African countries
In this webinar, Commonwealth Alumnus, Derek Apell showcase the innovative strategies employed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) to attract private climate finance for adaptation efforts in African countries.
According to the 2022 climate vulnerability index, nine of the worlds ten most vulnerable countries to climate change are from the African continent. Yet, African countries realise only a fraction of the $277 annual climate adaptation needs, leaving a huge financing gap. In a context of constrained public resources, the African Development Bank is pioneering innovative mechanisms to crowd in private investment to compliment public investment for adaptation.
The webinar will highlight the role of AfDB initiatives such as the Climate Action Window, Adaptation Acceleration Program and the African Financial Alliance on Climate Change in mobilising private finance for adaptation.
This webinar will address the CSC development theme, Strengthening resilience and response to crises. The webinar will last for approximately one hour, including a Q&A session.
The CSC’s Development in Action webinar series provides an opportunity for Commonwealth Scholars and Alumni to present on their work and contribution to development across a range of contemporary global challenges and provide insight into ongoing research and action.
Open to all Commonwealth Scholars and Alumni, the monthly webinars will address one of the CSC’s six development themes and provide an opportunity for attendees to engage in real-time Q&A discussion on the topic presented.
You can watch previous webinars on the CSC’s YouTube channel.
Derek Apell is the Lead Coordinator of the African Financial Alliance on Climate Change (AFAC), which is an initiative launched by the African Development Bank. AFAC is a voluntary network of financial institutions working together to tackle the challenges posed by climate change.
Derek is an environmental economist with over 10 years of experience in economic policy analysis related to natural resources and the extractive sectors in East Africa. In his current role, he focuses on financial regulation aimed at improving the management of climate risks and collaborates with financial institutions on quantitative assessments of climate risks and opportunities. He also possesses expertise in macroeconomic modelling, particularly with a focus on climate change and environmental economics.
Derek Apell is a 2014 Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholar from Uganda. He completed an MSc in Poverty Reduction Policy and Practice at SOAS, University of London.
