British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor, on October 13 announced the launch of an online platform, the African Climate Conversation.

Ahead of COP27 next month, the African Climate Conversation brings together leading African voices to explore, evaluate and debate the greatest challenge facing the continent, the institution says.

It adds that the platform showcases the work of pioneering business leaders and entrepreneurs who are developing and scaling new models for climate-smart development – from energy to food security and infrastructure to affordable housing.

The African Climate Conversation contributors highlight the leadership role that the continent is playing in certain areas of climate change mitigation and adaptation and shine a light on the quality of climate innovation in Africa.

The platform will feature webinars, videos, podcasts, op-eds, questions and answers, and data insights from a geographically diverse range of business leaders, policy influencers, academics, scientists, youth activists, civil society and ordinary people making everyday decisions about activities such as cooking and transport that impact climate change. 

By exploring the nuance and complexity inherent in both climate emergency challenges and potential solutions, the platform aims to make a meaningful contribution to the single greatest issue facing Africa and the rest of the world.

“Our rapidly expanding portfolio of climate-related investments in Africa is a reflection of the scale and quality of climate innovation across the continent.

“Through the African Climate Conversation, we want to draw global attention to the expertise and knowledge being applied by African scientists, academics, entrepreneurs and civil society to solve the climate challenge with imagination and urgency,” comments BII CE Nick O’Donohoe.

BII has made a commitment to allocate up to 30% of new funding to climate financing. It expects to invest about £9-billion over the five years from 2022 to 2026.