A partnership agreement between the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) and the University of Exeter is expected to ensure that substantial new investments in Africa address climate change effectively.

The agreement would shape research and ensure the best outcomes for African communities in addressing climate change and also assist communities in seizing opportunities in the global green economy. 

The PIDG and University of Exeter partnership was launched at a roundtable event in London on Tuesday, June 27th, during London Climate Action Week, bringing together global voices representing various stakeholder groups from Africa and major investors.

A partnership of scientists, investors, and local communities will provide a unique assessment of climate change risks and opportunities for African communities to make a difference in the lives of hundreds of millions of people over the next decade by ensuring funds are directed to areas with the greatest impact.

The University of Exeter's 'African Investment Tipping Points Report' is expected to be published in time for the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP28 in the United Arab Emirates in December, providing investors with a comprehensive understanding of future climate risks based on a range of global warming scenarios with the potential for increased heatwaves, drought, heavy rain, flooding, and strong winds.

Together with partners such as the University of Pretoria and the UK Met Office, the University will clarify how climate change affects African regions differently than the worldwide averages that currently dominate international discourse.

Based on current climate policy, Nigeria is expected to have the second-largest population exposed to dangerously high average temperatures of 2.7°C global warming, affecting more than 300 million people. Nearly 100% of some countries, including Burkina Faso and Mali, will be extremely hot for humans at 2.7°C.

The study will look into how infrastructure investors can assist climate-resilient and clean socioeconomic development while taking specific climate risks and possibilities into account. The Exeter academic experts will identify the best strategies to mobilize infrastructure investment to empower African communities in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Professor Lisa Roberts, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter, is pleased to announce the commencement of collaboration with the Private Infrastructure Development Group and African institutions to make a real and long-term change in the lives of millions of people across Africa.

“The climate and ecological crisis is the defining challenge of our generation and we know that the impacts will be greater across the African continent than many places on Earth and we must act together in the critical decade ahead.”

Professor Roberts says the University is a global leader on environment and climate research and home According to Professor Roberts, the University is a global leader in environment and climate research, with more top climate experts than any other university on the planet.

“The University’s work leading international programmes such as the Global Carbon Budget, Global Tipping Points Report and Oppenheimer Generations Research Programme in African Landscape Systems mean that we are well placed to collaborate on this vital project to make effective and life-changing investments.”

The Private Infrastructure Development Group, according to Marco Serena, Chief Sustainable Impact Officer, has a clear focus in the coming decade on mobilizing finance to support climate adaptation and accelerate sustainable development for all in Africa and Asia.

According to Marco, the organization has a proven track record of providing life-changing infrastructure where it is most needed, from first-time access to electricity and water to new business prospects through logistics, transportation, and digital connectivity.

“With this new research, we want to ensure that we – and others make investments in infrastructure based on the best available science so that we make the biggest difference to African communities. Climate change poses both huge risks and opportunities and through our work with the University of Exeter, African and global partners we want to make sure that we not only protect and save lives but also that we enable people across Africa to lead and thrive in the global green economy.”