Accra Hosts First-Ever Regional Climate Finance and Leadership Masterclass
Accra, Ghana – 30 September to 2 October 2025
The City of Accra has successfully hosted the inaugural Climate Finance and Regional Leadership Masterclass, convening high level political leaders and senior decision makers from across Ghana from 30 Sept – 2 Oct 2025.
This Public-Private Dialogue on climate-reailient infrastructure marks a milestone in building stronger institutional coordination and capacity for climate governance, unlocking finance, and accelerating the implementation of ambitious climate action at the city level.
The Masterclass was organized by the FCDO funded C40 Cities’ Urban Climate Action Programme (UCAP) Climate Action Implementation (CAI) Programme, with technical support support AP3 Advisory Services.
The three-day event gathered council members, national representatives, private sector partners, and development finance institutions for robust dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaborative strategy development. Participants explored practical solutions to address urgent urban climate challenges, such as rising temperatures, frequent flooding, and the financing gap for climate-resilient infrastructure.
Hon. Alfred Asiedu Adjei, President of the National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG), alongside Theresa Attobrah-Okine, FCDO Programme and Policy Manager, and Zarina Moolla, Head of Implementation for UCAP CAI Programme in Africa, joined the opening session, underscoring the political and institutional importance of this initiative.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, Mayor of Accra, highlighted the city’s vulnerabilities and the urgency of mobilizing finance:
“Accra faces serious vulnerabilities, including rising temperatures, frequent flooding, and pressure from rapid urban growth. While we have pursued critical projects in waste management, flood control, and clean energy, the scale of climate risks demands more coordinated action and greater access to finance. This masterclass provides a vital platform to break down barriers, strengthen governance, and mobilize the resources our communities urgently need.”
Accra’s climate agenda is already visible through flagship initiatives such as the City Hall Goes Green campaign, launched with C40 Cities and DTT Energy Ghana Limited to cut energy use and carbon emissions. At the same time, the city is scaling up recycling and circular economy strategies, reducing landfill reliance, and expanding sustainable transport and renewable energy programs.
Anthony Okoth, C40’s Regional Director for Africa, added:
“African cities face intensifying risks from climate change. Political leadership is essential to not only protect vulnerable communities but also unlock inclusive, green economic growth. Accra is setting a powerful example by combining policy innovation with tangible projects that improve energy efficiency, enhance waste management, and create a greener, healthier city.”
The Regional Leadership Masterclasses focus on four core themes:
• Policy Integration: Mainstreaming climate into city governance and decisions.
• Public Engagement: Building political and citizen support for solutions.
• Climate Finance: Strengthening municipal systems to attract investment.
• Coalition Building: Driving collaboration across sectors and levels of government.
AP3 Advisory’s Contribution
As Transaction Specialists and Institutional Capacity Building Advisors, AP3 supported the C40 Cities team with the design and delivery of the curriculum. Drawing on its extensive experience in infrastructure fiance and public-private partnerships, AP3 ensured participants left with a reconceptualisation of climate finance as a catalyst for transforming cities and delivering effective public services, as well as practical guidance and tools to imptoge institutional coordination and make climate projects more bankable, scalable, and attractive to investors.
The outcomes from Accra will feed into subsequent convenings in Dar es Salaam, Lagos, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, and Tshwane, laying the foundation for a sustained network of African leaders committed to climate resilience and sustainable urban development.
About AP3
AP3 is a leading African transaction and strategy advisory firm specializing in infrastructure, climate finance, and PPPs. With experience spanning multiple countries and sectors, AP3 works with governments, development partners, and the private sector to design, finance, and implement sustainable projects that drive inclusive economic growth.
The C40 Cities Climate Action Implementation Programme supports cities in the Global South by helping them develop finance-ready climate infrastructure projects. It is a key initiative of the global C40 Cities network, working to ensure that urban centres are equipped to lead in the global response to climate change.
To keep up with progress on the C40 Cities Africa Programme and this project, click the link below:
https://lnkd.in/djMaVAFs
