Africa Public-Private Partnerships forum on developing climate resilient PPPs
Economic Planning Principal Secretary, James Muhati delivered a keynote address on behalf of the National Treasury Principal Secretary Dr. Chris Kiptoo at the Inaugural Africa Public- Private Partnership (PPPs) Units Forum on 17th September, 2024 at a Nairobi Hotel.
The two-day forum themed, “Developing and Implementing Climate Resilient PPPs” organized by African Legal Support Facility (ALSF) is aimed at supporting the Government in developing bankable and sustainable PPP projects through the acquisition of the stipulated skill sets.
PS Kiptoo reiterated that the theme was timely and crucial and that Africa needs to develop PPP Frameworks that effectively facilitate the structuring and implementation of viable and sustainable projects. He added that PPPs should endeavor to develop projects which are not only bankable but also climate resilient, ensuring they withstand the climate related challenges of our times.
“Over the recent decades, our nations have made remarkable strides in establishing PPP frameworks to support infrastructural growth. Yet, while we have laid solid foundations, the challenge now lies in ensuring that these frameworks effectively facilitate the structuring and implementation of viable and sustainable projects that are not only bankable but also climate resilient, ensuring they withstand the climate related challenges of our times,” said Dr. Kiptoo.
Further, the PS noted that PPPs have a vital role to play in mobilizing the private sectors expertise and capital to address Africa’s infrastructure needs while promoting sustainable development. He emphasized that PPPs in a bid to create climate-resilient Public-Private Partnerships should pay attention to critical areas including feasibility, risk and regulatory support. He affirmed that there was need to bridge the financial gap by unlocking resources from both the public and private sectors in order to address the climate change adaptation in Africa.
PS Kiptoo acknowledged that Kenya has made strides in mobilizing innovative financing solutions that support climate adaptation efforts such as the Sosian and Globeleq Geothermal Menengai Power Plants which has contributed to Kenya’s renewable energy goals and the Public-Private Partnerships for Climate Resilient Infrastructure.
In conclusion, he highlighted that the way forward for Africa as pertains Climate Resilience is to focus on key areas including: Innovative Financial Mechanisms, Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing and Leveraging Multilateral Finance.
In attendance were; The Director and Chief Executive Officer ALSF, Olivier Pognon, PPP Unit Heads for Africa among other dignitaries.
