The inaugural Africa Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) Units Forum, organized by the African Legal Support Facility (ALSF), took place in Nairobi from September 17-18, 2024.

The event focused on developing climate-resilient infrastructure across Africa, addressing a pressing need as the continent faces increasing climate-related challenges.

The forum gathered key stakeholders to discuss innovative approaches to enhance resilience against climate change impacts.

Africa has been experiencing a rise in severe climate events such as floods, droughts, and desertification.

These natural disasters threaten lives and also severely impact the continent’s already vulnerable infrastructure.

For instance, inadequate drainage systems exacerbate flooding in urban areas, while agricultural regions suffer from prolonged droughts that undermine food security.

The fragility of this infrastructure highlights the urgent need for effective solutions that can withstand these growing threats.

The forum aimed to facilitate discussions on how to integrate climate resilience into PPP projects effectively.

Participants explored innovative and sustainable solutions for infrastructure development that could withstand the impacts of climate change.

By focusing on resilience, the forum sought to ensure that new projects would address current needs and also be adaptable to future challenges.

The event brought together representatives from over thirty PPP units across Africa, along with international organizations such as the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).

This diverse group aims to share knowledge and strategies for improving infrastructure resilience.

Collaboration among these entities is crucial for pooling the resources and expertise necessary for tackling complex climate issues.

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During the discussions, participants examined current methodologies for implementing climate resilience in PPP projects.

The report highlighted various challenges faced by PPP units in applying these principles effectively.

For example, many units struggle with limited funding and lack of technical expertise in designing resilient infrastructure.

A focus was placed on the need for collaboration between the public and private sectors to address these challenges and create viable solutions that benefit all stakeholders.

One of the key topics was exploring creative financing solutions for climate-resilient projects.

Development partners discussed their roles in providing financial support, which is essential for overcoming the financial barriers associated with implementing such projects.

Innovative financing mechanisms, such as green bonds and blended finance models, were identified as potential tools to attract investment into climate adaptation initiatives.

The forum identified several recommendations for enhancing sustainability in PPP frameworks.

Emphasis was placed on the importance of capacity building and knowledge sharing among stakeholders to ensure successful project implementation.

By equipping local governments and private entities with the necessary skills and information, they can better design and execute projects that meet resilience goals.

Participants acknowledged the need for updated national development agendas and regulatory frameworks that align with climate resilience objectives.

They stressed the importance of leveraging multilateral finance to support climate adaptation efforts across Africa, ensuring that countries can access the resources needed to implement effective solutions.

The ALSF’s inaugural PPPs Units Forum underscored the critical role of public-private partnerships in strengthening Africa’s climate resilience.

As countries face escalating climate threats, continued collaboration and investment in sustainable infrastructure will be essential for building a more resilient future for the continent.

The forum served as a call to action for all stakeholders to engage actively in developing solutions that not only address immediate needs but also promote long-term sustainability.