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Multilateral Development Banks Unite at 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to Accelerate Climate-Smart Development
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- New report showcases best practices for delivering resilience and innovative approaches to scale up adaptation results
- MDBs publish metrics and methodologies to unlock financing for nature and biodiversity
Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) reaffirm, on Monday at COP30, their commitment (https://apo-opa.co/49N1Fn1) to respond to their clients' priorities to improve livelihoods and create jobs for the resilience of communities and businesses in the face of intensified climate shocks and ecosystem degradation.
Working together as a system, they call for a climate-smart development — resilient, economically sound, rooted in trust, and built to last, focusing on stable institutions, reliable infrastructure, employment opportunities, adaptation to the impacts of climate shocks, and the capacity to grow within each country's context. Their efforts to better support clients include:
- Improving the risk profile of investments and expanding resources through innovating in private sector mobilization instruments
- Strengthening results measurement frameworks to capture and track impact better
- Harmonizing their work to simplify financing processes and deliver greater adaptation and mitigation impact
- Advancing the implementation of the Joint MDB Long-Term Strategy Program to support clients in climate planning and design and implementation of country-led, country-driven platforms.
Delivering at Scale
In 2024, MDBs provided $137 billion in climate finance for adaptation and mitigation and mobilized an additional $134 billion from private capital. Of these amounts, $85 billion and $33 billion, respectively, were directed to low- and middle-income economies, putting MDBs on pace to reach $120 billion from their own account and $65 billion in private capital mobilization by 2030.
Accelerating action for adaptation and resilience
Since 2019, MDBs have doubled support for adaptation and resilience, delivering over $26 billion to low- and middle-income economies in 2024. Based on this experience, not only financing programs and policies, but also by linking finance with policy dialogue, strategic planning, and institutional capacity-building, they have launched at COP30 a technical paper From Innovation to Impact: Building Resilience for People and Planet.
This new report showcases more than 100 best practices for delivering resilience, including several pioneering instruments that are expanding resources, mobilizing private capital, and strengthening systemic resilience.
Enhancing action on nature
The MDBs are supporting clients to scale up nature-positive investments by improving metrics, methodologies, and financial product design. In Belém, they will launch a new framework for nature financing that includes the Common Principles for Tracking Nature Finance and A Practitioner's Guide to Results Metrics Selection, both designed to support the development of high-quality financial products and attract greater private capital for nature.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).Media contact:
Communication and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org
Africa Tech Festival Awards 2025 honour Africa’s trailblazers in technology and innovation
The Africa Tech Festival Awards 2025 (https://AfricaTechFestival.com/), held on Wednesday, 12 November 2025 in Cape Town, brought together technology leaders, innovators, and changemakers from across the continent to celebrate excellence in African innovation and digital transformation.
Recognising the people and organisations driving meaningful impact across the tech ecosystem, the awards ceremony honoured those who are shaping Africa's digital future. Finalists and winners were selected through a rigorous three-stage process, including a public vote and final adjudication by an expert panel of judges representing leading voices in business, technology, and finance.
2025 award winners
- Connectivity for All: Orange
- AI Leader of the Year: Jean-Francois Arnod, CMO, Orange
- Telco of the Year: Vodacom
- Innovation for Impact: Mastercard Community Pass
- CXO of the Year: Dejan Kastelic, CTO, Vodacom
- Changing Lives: SES and the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI)
- Female Innovator of the Year: Ms Ennaifer Asma, Senior VP CSR, Orange Middle East & Africa
- Fintech Innovation of the Year: Vodacom
- Startup of the Year: Booi Industries (Pty) Ltd
- Cybersecurity Leader of the Year: Tim Theuri, CISO, M-Pesa Africa
Pictures for the winners can be found here: https://apo-opa.co/48aH8Yh
The judging panel consisted of Vukosi Sambo, Group CIO, PHA STM Healthcare & Marara Group; John Bosco Arends, Group Head: Information and Network Technology Operations, City of Johannesburg; Sithembile Songo, Group Head: Information Security, Eskom Holdings; Nina Triantis, Global Head Telecoms, Media and Technology, Client Coverage, Corporate and Investment Banking, Standard Bank; Bas Wijne, CEO, APO Group; Bunmi Adeleye, Chief Strategy Officer, Retail Supermarkets Nigeria (Shoprite Nigeria); and Robert Aouad, CEO, ISOCEL Telecom.
The Africa Tech Festival 2025 takes place from 11 to 13 November at the Cape Town International Conference Centre.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Tech Festival.Egyptian companies mark continued participation at Big 5 Global, strengthening resilient supply chains for construction and infrastructure growth
- Over 65 countries exhibit, with 70% of solutions being international, connecting Egypt's construction stakeholders to global suppliers and technology providers
- Over 2,800 exhibitors showcase low-carbon solutions, modular builds, energy-efficient systems and prefabrication methods that reduce waste and improve resource use
Across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, urbanization is reshaping economies at unprecedented speed. With more than half the world's population now living in cities, a figure expected to reach nearly 68% by 2050, according to the United Nations (https://apo-opa.co/4oHeBj9), developing regions such as Egypt are accelerating urban transformation through ambitious construction goals, including the development of fourth-generation cities (https://apo-opa.co/4oHeDHN), sustainable infrastructure and inclusive housing to accommodate rapid urbanization and economic growth. As project volumes grow, industry leaders are turning to Big 5 Global (www.Big5Global.com) to explore technologies and solutions that strengthen construction supply chains, improve technological efficiency and advance sustainability.
Bringing together participants from over 165 countries, with 70% solutions from international companies, Big 5 Global connects Egypt's construction and urban development ecosystem to a global network of suppliers, manufacturers and technology providers.
“Egypt continues to expand its construction, infrastructure and urban development ambitions and Big 5 Global provides a great opportunity for local and international stakeholders to connect, explore solutions and enhance project delivery,” said Ahmed Abdel Fattah, Executive Director, Export Council for Building Materials, Refractory & Metallurgy Industries. “Our continued participation highlights the growing role of Egyptian companies in delivering tailored, sustainable and technologically advanced construction solutions that meet the country's modernization goals.”
Strengthening global supply chains for project efficiency
Big 5 Global brings together 2,800 exhibitors and over 60,000 products, services, systems and solutions from around the world, supporting efficient, reliable project delivery.
International pavilions from Germany and Italy return with expertise in advanced materials, including high-performance concrete, cement, marble and stone systems, while India expands its footprint with advanced MEP and smart construction solutions for large-scale projects across the Middle East and Africa. Returning pavilions, Austria and Pakistan, showcase export-ready innovations in modular builds, interiors and MEP systems designed to reduce costs and streamline delivery. Additionally, exhibitors from Armenia, Croatia, Hungary, Jersey, New Zealand, Norway and Serbia further broaden sourcing options for buyers seeking diversified and reliable supply routes.
As supply networks evolve to meet regional demand, technology is driving the next phase of efficiency in project delivery and procurement.
Technology transforming procurement and project delivery
Digitalization is transforming how projects are procured, managed and executed. At Digital Construction World, global exhibitors including Autodesk, Nemetschek Group, Odoo, Premier Construction Software, Procore Technologies, RIB Software and Trimble showcase technologies that enhance visibility and efficiency across the supply chain. Odoo integrates procurement, HR and operations into a single suite, reducing redundancies; Premier Construction Software simplifies cost tracking and project management; Trimble leverages automation to cut site rework by up to 25%, directly improving delivery times and project profitability; and Meter Technology demonstrates its fully integrated digital solution that transforms surveying and engineering, eliminating decades-old inefficiencies.
Eng. Ahmed Al-Ansary, Chairman, Founder & CEO of Meter Technology, commented: “Meter transforms surveying and engineering from traditional to tech-driven. As the world's first fully integrated digital platform, we've eliminated decades-old inefficiencies. Our AI-powered system completes complex projects within 48 hours with exceptional precision across nine countries. Big 5 Global offers the opportunity to connect with industry leaders and explore sector development worldwide under ‘From the UAE to the World', where geospatial and engineering digital innovation forms the foundation of real estate sustainability.”
Sustainable manufacturing and smarter material supply
International exhibitors are also rethinking how materials are produced, transported and reused to reduce environmental impact while improving long-term value.
China's new Eco-Friendly Zone is built entirely from recyclable materials and features solutions for low-carbon construction, showcasing how sustainability can be integrated throughout the supply chain.
Among key participants, Grundfos Gulf Distribution leads with energy-efficient pumping systems that reduce water and energy use in commercial and industrial facilities. Deewan Equipment Trading LLC introduces modular and precast manufacturing plants that cut onsite waste and shorten construction schedules through prefabrication. Hitech Concrete Products showcases precast hollow-core and insulated wall systems designed for thermal efficiency and reduced raw material consumption, advancing sustainable construction practices across the region.
GF, a leading provider of MEP solutions and sustainable building technologies, returns to Big 5 Global to showcase its advanced systems that support efficient construction workflows and environmentally responsible project delivery. "The region is pursuing one of the world's most ambitious development programs, where sustainable water management is key to realizing this vision. GF is uniquely positioned to support this progress through its comprehensive solutions portfolio, our local presence including manufacturing, offsite-manufacturing and customer experience facilities, long-standing regional partnerships and dedicated teams who understand the market's unique challenges," said Michael Rauterkus, Executive Committee member of GF and President of GF Building Flow Solutions.
These contributions highlight how collaboration with global manufacturers helps the UAE advance smart cities and net-zero goals.
“Big 5 Global continues to connect international manufacturers and regional stakeholders, helping strengthen construction supply chains and advance sustainable growth across the built environment,” said Josine Heijmans, Vice President, dmg events. “As the UAE accelerates towards its smart city and net-zero goals, these international partnerships bring practical, scalable solutions that support project efficiency, quality and delivery.”
Big 5 Global is supported by leading sponsors and partners, including Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure, Dubai Civil Defense, Ministry of Economy and Tourism, Dubai Municipality, Department of Municipalities and Transport, Ras Al Khaima Municipality, Riyadh Region Municipality, Meter Technology, Schüco, Alumil, Italian Trade Agency, Arabian Gulf Steel Industries (AGSI), GF, Dubai Investments Park, Würth Professional Solutions, MIE Groups, Daikin, Hisense, TCL, Gulf-O-Flex, DAC Group, DeWalt, Nassar Stone and Nemetschek Group.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Big 5 Global.For media inquiries, please contact:
Deepra Ahluwalia
Action PR
deepra.a@actionprgroup.com
971 56 477 0995
Nour Ibrahim
Action PR
nour.i@actionprgroup.com
971 54 425 0187
Khushie Mallya
PR Executive
Construction, dmg events
khushiemallya@dmgevents.com
Ranju Warrier
Head of PR & Communications
Construction, dmg events
ranjuwarrier@dmgevents.com
About Big 5 Global:
With a 45-year legacy, Big 5 Global is the largest and most influential building and construction event in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia and the annual meeting hub for the global construction industry. Taking place from 24 – 27 November 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Big 5 Global attracts more than 85,000 global attendees from over 165 countries and 2,800 exhibitors to UAE covering the full construction and urban development cycle across dedicated sectors and nine specialized events enabling industry professionals to source worldwide building solutions for every stage of construction: Heavy, Totally Concrete, Marble & Stone World, Urban Design & Landscape, Windows, Doors & Facades, HVACR World, LiveableCitiesX, GeoWorld and Future FM.
For more information and to register, visit: www.Big5Global.com
Africa Day at 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30): Advancing Sustainable Financing for a Green and Resilient Future
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Africa marked Africa Day at COP30 under the theme “At the Forefront of Climate Action: Sustainable Financing for Inclusive and Resilient Green Growth,” reaffirming the continent's united call for a new era of climate finance that delivers for people, planet, and prosperity.
The event, held in Belém, brought together ministers, development partners, and representatives from the African Union Commission (AUC), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), and Afreximbank, alongside civil society and youth representatives.
Ten years after the signing of the Paris Agreement, the global community faces a critical reckoning: climate pledges have yet to match reality. Global warming targets remain off-track, financing falls short, and the gap between promise and delivery continues to widen. For Africa — home to 20 percent of the world's carbon sinks, responsible for less than four percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet receiving under 10 percent of adaptation finance and only three percent of total climate funding—the consequences are existential.
Building on the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) and the Addis Ababa Declaration on Climate Change and Call to Action, Africa Day at COP30 amplified the continent's message: climate finance must work for Africa.
H.E. Moses Vilakati, AUC Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment at Africa Day, gave a message reaffirming Africa's united negotiating stance and leadership on climate justice.
“Africa speaks with one voice bold, united, and leading on climate justice. From Africa to Belém, Africa stands united in purpose and action reaffirming its leadership on climate justice, grounded in equity and the principles of common but differentiated responsibilities,” he declared, adding:
“We are not passive recipients of the global transition but active architects of fair, inclusive, and African led climate solutions that shall shape a fair and green global future.”
Discussions focused on mobilising sustainable, equitable, and innovative finance to accelerate Africa's green industrialization. Leaders highlighted that the continent's future lies in leveraging its abundant natural resources for value addition and local manufacturing — from processing critical minerals to scaling renewable energy solutions.
“Africa already stands at the forefront of global climate action, shaping solutions that are both locally grounded and globally relevant,” said Dr Kevin Kariuki, Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth of the African Development Bank Group.
He added: “Currently, we are driven by a new vision articulated by our President Dr Sidi Ould Tah, to sharpen the Bank's focus around four strategic priorities – referred to as the Four Cardinal Points to unlock Africa's Capital Power; enhance the continent's financial sovereignty; turn demographics into a dividend; and build resilient infrastructure, while adding real value.
Addressing climate change is central to this bold and ambitious agenda. We are therefore taking decisive steps to close Africa's sustainable financing gap, strengthen Africa's adaptive capacity, and to generally accelerate climate action through innovation, partnerships, and financial leadership.”
Africa is among the world's leading producers of key minerals such as cobalt, manganese, and other critical raw materials, yet it captures only a small share of their final value. By investing in local beneficiation, battery manufacturing, and regional value chains, the continent aims to shift from exporting raw materials to becoming a global hub for innovation and green industrial production.
Africa also holds immense untapped carbon market potential, yet captures less than 1 percent of global revenue. With reforms and African-led governance, the market could generate up to $100 billion annually and create five million green jobs by 2030.
Participants emphasised the urgency of reforming the global financial system to shift from debt-based models to direct, grant-based, and Africa-owned solutions. Despite promises at COP29, only a fraction of global climate funds reaches African communities. Africa Day reiterated the continent's call for a new collective quantified goal on climate finance that meets the scale and urgency of its needs.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Secretary of the ECA, Cosmas Milton Ochieng, Director of the Climate Change, Food Security and Natural Resources Division, said: “Reshaping the global financial architecture is not just a matter of fairness but a prerequisite for survival.”
He added: “Africa needs a predictable, transparent, and equitable climate finance system that channels resources directly to where they are needed most: in the hands of African countries and communities driving transformative climate action.”
The call for sustainable domestic financing was equally strong. Africa holds over $350 billion in sovereign and pension funds that could be redirected toward green infrastructure, resilience, and innovation. Mobilising these domestic resources alongside external partnerships will be key to achieving the continent's Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Africa Day at COP30 was not merely a commemoration — it was a declaration of intent.
Leaders called for fair carbon pricing, direct access to climate finance, and a just transition that ensures no African is left behind. African countries are calling for full implementation of the commitments made in Baku, particularly the mobilisation of $300 billion in climate finance for Africa.
COP29 in Baku fell short of delivering the resources needed to address the continent's climate crisis. Despite calls for a global annual goal of $1.3 trillion by 2030, including $300 billion earmarked for Africa, systemic challenges remained unresolved. African leaders had urged for debt-free grants and direct access to funds through African institutions such as the AfDB.
However, the final agreement favoured loan-based financing and reliance on external intermediaries, leaving nearly 60 percent of climate funds as debt obligations for African economies.
As the world looks to Belém for delivery, Africa's message is clear: the continent is not seeking charity but partnership—a new global climate compact that recognis>es Africa's leadership, rewards its environmental stewardship, and invests in its people.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).Media contact:
Communications and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org
About Africa Day at COP30:
Africa Day at COP30 serves as the continent's flagship event at the UN Climate Change Conference, offering a platform to highlight Africa's leadership in climate action and advocate for equitable access to climate finance. The event embodies the shared vision of Africa's institutions to build a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for all Africans.
Africa Tech Festival 2025: Ethical Artificial Intelligence (AI), inclusive investment, and a global commitment to Africa’s technology journey
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Tech leaders, policymakers, and innovators took the spotlight on the second day of Africa Tech Festival 2025 (https://AfricaTechFestival.com/), turning discussions on ethical AI, inclusive investment, and human-centred leadership into a blueprint for Africa's digital future. Across the festival's stages, private and public sector stakeholders alike shared a commitment to driving innovation that is responsible, equitable, and rooted in African values.
A key highlight of the day was UN Assistant Secretary-General and Chief Information Technology Officer, Bernardo Mariano Junior, pledging the UN's support for Africa's AI journey. In his virtual keynote titled Governing AI in Africa – Building Trust through Contextual and Ethical Leadership, he underscored the need for African-led frameworks that prioritise transparency, accountability, and inclusion in the development and deployment of AI. Mariano noted that Africa's cultural and linguistic diversity makes it a proving ground for ethical and inclusive technology, and called for Africa to shape, not merely adopt, global AI norms and develop technology that serves humanity in the spirit of ubuntu.
Entrepreneurship and financial inclusion took centre stage at AfricaIgnite, where Odunayo Eweniyi, Co-Founder of PiggyVest and General Partner at FirstCheck Africa, shared tips on building sustainable ventures during the Lessons from a Top Founder on Building Success session. She reflected on PiggyVest's decade-long journey to democratise savings and investment for millions of Nigerians, emphasising that user trust, transparency, and regulatory collaboration are the cornerstones of long-term success in fintech. The session highlighted how responsible innovation can expand access and foster financial resilience across Africa's rapidly growing digital economy.
The festival's focus on youth and leadership was highlighted at Tech, Talent and the African Youth Dividend, featuring rugby legend and philanthropist Tendai “The Beast” Mtawarira in discussion with Marcia Mahlalela (Ascendants Media Group). Drawing parallels between sport and entrepreneurship, the conversation highlighted discipline, resilience, and mentorship as key ingredients in shaping Africa's next generation of leaders. Reflecting on his journey from sport to social impact through the Beast Foundation, Mtawarira noted that leadership also means investing in others, empowering youth, and leaving organisations stronger for the future, including using technology to advance careers and improve social circumstances.
Addressing a key issue affecting many African countries, the AfricaCom fireside chat Connectivity Empowering Africa's Future – Why Rural Matters focused on the transformative power of digital infrastructure in underserved areas. Tumi Chamayou-Sekhukhune (MTN South Africa) and Dion Jerling (Connect Earth) examined how expanded connectivity continues to unlock economic potential and drive social inclusion across rural communities.
Continuing the discussions on the key role of women in Africa's tech ecosystem, panellists Nirvani Dhevcharran (The Foschini Group), Zandile Mposelwa (Zandile Mposelwa Consulting), and Nikita Thakrar (Included VC) discussed the need for sustained investment in women-led ventures and equitable representation in decision-making roles. The session, titled Leading from the Front - Women Shaping Africa's Tech Future, underscored that inclusive leadership is essential for sustainable growth, while highlighting successful women-designed tech innovations.
Reflecting on the day's programme, Kadi Diallo, Portfolio Manager for Africa Tech Festival, said, “Day Two showcased the power of inclusive investment in people, diversity, and potential. Whether through ethical AI governance, connectivity, or leadership, Africa's innovation story continues to be defined by those building a digital future that leaves no one behind.”
Framed by the festival's central themes of responsible innovation, inclusive investment, connectivity for development, and policy harmonisation, Africa Tech Festival 2025 continues to celebrate the strength and creativity of the continent's digital ecosystem across its four flagship programmes: AfricaCom, AfricaTech, The AI Summit Cape Town, and AfricaIgnite.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Tech Festival.About Africa Tech Festival:
Now in its 28th edition, Africa Tech Festival 2025 will take place from 11 to 13 November 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), bringing together more than 15,000 technology leaders, policymakers, investors, startups, and visionaries. The Festival encompasses four anchor events:
- AfricaCom – The continent's largest telecoms and connectivity event
- AfricaTech – The hub for technology, innovation, and enterprise growth
- AfricaIgnite – Driving growth and impact in Africa's startup ecosystem
- The AI Summit Cape Town – Where commercial AI comes to life
With over 500 speakers, 300 exhibitors, and extensive networking opportunities, Africa Tech Festival remains the continent's most influential gathering for those shaping Africa's connected future.
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