The UK – Cameroon Green Economy Roadshow – January 29th to February 2nd, 2024.
In collaboration with the HM Government, the week-long decarbonization programme brought together ten high-level public and private sector individuals for meetings with the UK’s foremost businesses, academics, and thought leaders leading the modernization and transition to a zero-carbon economy. The programme included company presentations, participation in the London Sustainability Forum, site visits. There were information sharing by experts on renewables, decarbonisation, transport/logistics, agriculture, and sustainable/smart infrastructure sectors.
Speakers were from diverse backgrounds. Bola Mosuro, a former BBC News anchor provided an overview of decarbonisation potential in sub-Saharan Africa with a focus on Cameroon; Janet Rogan, Chief Executive, Royal African Society and former COP Ambassador contextualized the COP 28 outcomes and how private and public sectors could best access instruments to help with decarbonization. Lucy Slack, the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Local government forum focused on subnational decarbonisation and re-employable business models from across the Commonwealth.
Participants at the meetings
Both UK and Cameroonian companies also shared their expertise. Aqua Africa a UK-based company focused on tackling water poverty in Africa through sustainable and impactful projects was present. They specialize in developing climate-smart solutions that utilize solar power to deliver safe drinking water to communities in greatest need. Their projects aimed to provide long-term access to clean water and sanitation for millions of people across the continent.
Beko Capital Advisory, a Cameroonian firm offering large of financial services and specialising in structured and project finance was present. The company excels in supporting entrepreneurs by developing business plans and implementing restructuring strategies, utilising expertise in financial engineering and analysis. Beko Capital Advisory also excels in fundraising, mobilising financing from both local and international investors on behalf of their clients.
ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP) specializes in designing, financing, and operating industrial ecosystems throughout Africa. The company addresses industrial gaps in African nations by creating customized solutions that facilitate sustainable and local transformation of raw materials, enhance exports, and stimulate trade, contributing to economic development across the continent.
Ninety-One is a global asset manager built upon emerging market expertise, positions itself in the UK as a champion of active and sustainable investing. They boast specialist investment teams with a distinct perspective, aiming to generate long-term returns for clients while fostering a positive impact on the planet and society. This commitment to sustainability runs deep, woven into their investment strategies and actively pursued through various initiatives.
The World Resources Institute (WRI) is a global research and policy organization dedicated to promoting sustainability. They work to move society towards ways of living that protect the earth’s environment and ensure its ability to provide for current and future generations. WRI focuses on areas like climate change, sustainable cities, forests, food, water, and ocean health.
UK Export Finance UK Export Finance (UKEF) is the United Kingdom’s export credit agency, a government department that provides financial support to UK businesses involved in international trade. UKEF’s primary role is to help UK companies by offering a range of financial products and services to mitigate the risks associated with exporting, thus encouraging, and supporting overseas business ventures.
NLA International champions the implementation of Blue Economy solutions through the utilisation of innovative technologies, tools, and processes to create sustainable ocean environments for the people and economies that depend upon them.
There were round table conversations on financing sustainable projects, the blue economy, renewable energy; sustainable property development and government policies on sustainable projects. Speakers were drawn from different companies.
The group also had the opportunity to visit The British International Investment (BII), Cygnum Capital; the ERG International Group, Empower New Energy; Aquama Renewables
