Ibrahim Rashid, MPP

Check out this blog on climate finance from Ameer Chughtai https://lnkd.in/eZgpcc6f

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Why Museveni decries Bujagali Bujagali was $0.138/kWh. It's down to $0.083/kWh. That's still expensive. Museveni decries the project. But we have a deeper challenge with infrastructure: We underestimate the thrust of technology both in the delivery and management control of infrastructure. So, be surgical in investment. Avoid 'constipation'. That's Museveni's language. #infrastructure #africa #sustainability #complexity https://lnkd.in/e283w3Mm

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#analysis: Environmentalists warn of catastrophic effects from Ruto’s housing programme January 30, 2024 The National Environment Civil Society Alliance of Kenya is warning that the disputed affordable housing programme could have major effects on the environment. The alliance that brings together over 100 civil societies noted that the project would lead to mass displacement of Kenyans in areas earmarked for the project. This came as the alliance noted that the government was keen on job and revenue creation in the project while disregarding environmental effects. This emerged when the alliance in collaboration with WWF-Kenya presented its memorandum in Naivasha on the affordable housing bill of 2023. https://lnkd.in/dzgYuUPM #perspective Collective West wants Kenya to impoverish its citizens, so that the West can protect the white saviour industrial complex. When the West is busy engaging in white supremacist agenda, the world is moving away from western controlled financial systems. The West is heavily invested in Elite Capture and Corrupt media. The mistake the Presidency of William Ruto did, was to bring the West back into Kenya's governance and development policies in the name of shared values and climate action. Americans are now in Kenya scaring off the Chinese, pushing the country into poverty and political unrest. In every $100 USD the U.S invest in the market, the country hemorrhage $10,000 USD; 10 July 2024 US Govt Urges Ruto to Screen Chinese Workers in Kenya https://lnkd.in/dD6jHBHs Chinese support Kenya is propagadized as China debt trap, China has shifted else to allow Kenya choose it partners. Kenyan data show that between 2020 and 2022, Chinese expenditures in Kenya's construction sector, which is China's leading area of foreign investment in the country, dropped more than 34%. Investments over the same period from the U.S. increased slightly, to 7.4% from 7.1%. To the West Good Leaders are those that pursue an anti China agenda, and all western corporations to plunder and impoverish Kenya. The country has sacrificed 34% high quality investment for 7.4%. NGO funding; Aug. 7, 2017 ‘China has conquered Kenya’: Inside Beijing’s new strategy to win African hearts and minds https://lnkd.in/d8ua8nRa Kenya was be set-up to fight the Chinese, unsure of Kenya's policies the Chinese cooled down investment, while the West doubled down on anti China propaganda, resulting in unprecedented unrest as the youth could feel the country was broken; May 25, 2023 Chinese hackers attacked Kenyan government as debt strains grew https://lnkd.in/dE5f8jaq Everything good about Kenya has the Chinese involvement, whereas all that is ugly and evil has a western agencies heavily invested into. Kenya will go nowhere, as long as we continue to play both ends, Chinese build the West destroys through propaganda; Oct. 1, 2018 Rebirth of colonialism through partnerships with Chinese companies https://lnkd.in/dHNPFd8F

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📢 New Publication Alert! 📢 As climate change, globalization, and shifting diets reshape agriculture, traditional productivity gains alone are no longer enough for fostering resilient and inclusive rural transformation in sub-Saharan Africa. 🌍 In our latest paper with Kate Schneider, Benjamin Davis and Romina Cavatassi, we explore evidence-based policy strategies focused on expanding labor opportunities and boosting incomes while promoting greater inclusion. Key takeaways include: 🔹 Labor Market Efficiency: Expanding demand for labor and increasing formalization within agrifood systems are crucial steps, but efficiency must go hand-in-hand with equity. Achieving true inclusion requires intentional resource redistribution and targeted interventions. 🔹 Strengthening Foundations for Inclusion: While essential strategies remain underfunded, initial endowments—enhancing human capital, productive assets, and women’s empowerment—are essential for inclusive growth. 🔹 Emerging Solutions: We highlight promising tools to support labor market inclusivity and resilience: job creation through the green transition and strengthening labor markets via social protection. These strategies represent a roadmap for inclusive rural transformation, addressing today’s critical challenges. Read the full publication to dive into these insights and recommendations! #RuralTransformation #LaborMarkets #InclusiveDevelopment #Agriculture #SubSaharanAfrica #GreenTransition #SocialProtection https://lnkd.in/etViFdiw

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🌍 At COP29 in Baku: Building Partnerships for Climate Justice 🌍 As I participate in COP29 in Baku, I am reminded of the immense power that collaboration holds in addressing the climate crisis. The challenges we face are global, but the solutions must be deeply rooted in local and regional efforts—particularly in Africa. That’s why I’m reaching out to like-minded individuals, organizations, and advocates to explore partnerships and collaboration opportunities with the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA). PACJA is a key driver in advocating for climate justice across Africa, pushing for policies that prioritize vulnerable communities and promoting sustainable development across the continent. 🔑 Why Partner with PACJA? Collective Action: Collaborating with a network of over 1,000 civil society organizations across Africa. Policy Influence: Working together to advocate for equitable climate policies at local, national, and international levels. Grassroots Impact: Ensuring that the voices of marginalized communities are heard and that climate solutions are inclusive. Whether you’re working in policy, innovation, or community-driven climate solutions, there is a place for collaboration within the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance. By joining forces, we can strengthen Africa’s voice at global climate negotiations and drive transformative change on the ground. Let’s work together to create a sustainable, resilient future for all. If you’re interested in exploring opportunities for partnership or collaboration, feel free to reach out via [email protected] or connect here. Together, we can amplify the fight for climate justice! #COP29 #ClimateJustice #PanAfricanClimateJustice #Collaboration #Partnerships #Sustainability #ClimateAction #Africa

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🌍💡 Excited to gear up for next week’s event: “3.3 Million Jobs by 2030: How workforce and human capital investments can grow Africa’s green economy.” I’m thrilled to join Katie Hill, Nyamolo Abagi, Sarah Kanda PRINCE2® and Carolina Inés Pan, PhD as we delve into the strategies and innovations that can unlock the full potential of Africa’s green economy. We’ll be sharing insights from the Forecasting Green Jobs in Africa report and the Powering Jobs Census, exploring how workforce development can fuel sustainable growth and create millions of jobs across key sectors like off-grid solar and climate-smart agriculture. 🚀 Looking forward to engaging with policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators to tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities for green job creation. Together, we can build a thriving, inclusive ecosystem that aligns skills training with the needs of the future workforce. Shortlist Futures, Power for All, CLASP, The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) 💼💚 #GreenJobs #Sustainability #Africa #WorkforceDevelopment #HumanCapital #RenewableEnergy #SDG7

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Happy New Week 🌱 𝑇ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛 𝑢𝑠𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝐼 ℎ𝑜𝑝𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑑 𝑖𝑡 𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑓𝑢𝑙  💭 Your weekly recap of what made the news last week as it relates to Sustainability and Climate related matters. #InCaseYouMissedIt 📝Zambia seeks new IMF loan under sustainability terms and is considering a debt-for-nature swap. https://lnkd.in/d3kV-GZh 📝UN report says planet to warm by 3.1°C without greater action. https://lnkd.in/dPne4xic 📝Hong Kong will require all banks to target Net Zero Financed Emissions by 2050. https://lnkd.in/dd8jiE9C

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More than 90% of Kenya's electricity comes from renewable sources, and entrepreneurs like Linda Davis, PhD, CEO of Giraffe Bioenergy - A venture in residence at Delta40 Studio and a Clean Cooking Alliance (CCA) Venture Catalyst company - are betting that Kenya will reach similarly high numbers when it comes to #CleanCooking. Read more from the The Washington Post's article by KATHARINE HOURELD on Kenya's booming cookstove industry.

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🌱 Green Taxonomies: Building Bridges for Sustainable Finance 🌱 The UK and Kenya are championing sustainable finance through their respective green taxonomies. The UK just launched its consultation process (https://lnkd.in/daVheRNi), while Kenya is finalizing its draft taxonomy in alignment with IMF public sector reform benchmarks. 🔗 Shared Foundations: 1️⃣ Alignment with global frameworks like the Paris Agreement. 2️⃣ Principles ensuring environmental and social safeguards. 3️⃣ Technical screening criteria, defining and classifying green activities, boosting investor confidence. 🌍 Unique Features: UK Green Taxonomy: Phased implementation, starting with core sectors, focusing on mitigation and adaptation. Kenya Green Finance Taxonomy (KGFT): Targets 2024 rollout, prioritizing banks before broader adoption, tailored to local climate priorities. 💡 Interoperability Matters: Both taxonomies leverage global standards, including EU and South African models, for international compatibility. As members of the EU-led International Platform on Sustainable Finance, they demonstrate a shared commitment to global harmonization. 🌟 Why This Matters: Green taxonomies are essential tools to mobilize #ClimateFinance, direct capital toward sustainable development goals, but also aligning with #TransitionFinance requirements for proper #ClimateRisk disclosure frameworks, setting a global precedent for integrating climate action into financial systems. How can we ensure quicker implementation and interoperability of green taxonomies worldwide? 🤝🌍 #SustainableFinance #GreenTaxonomy #ClimateAction

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COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, brings climate finance to the fore at a time when credibility and urgency are stretched thin. As global leaders gather, the contrast between lofty commitments and sluggish action remains stark. The shortfall in promised funds has left developing nations—particularly Africa—bearing a disproportionate share of climate impacts without the resources to respond. For Africa, a continent acutely vulnerable to climate shocks yet rich in untapped potential for green growth, #COP29 is an opportunity to push hard for fairer and faster financial support. The need for substantial funding is plain. The $100 billion per year pledged to developing nations remains largely unfulfilled, casting doubt on richer nations' willingness to bridge that gap. Africa, which contributes less than 4% of global emissions yet bears the brunt of extreme weather, finds itself scrambling for resources to both adapt to climate impacts and finance a sustainable development path. Without stronger commitments and faster disbursement, adaptation projects—from coastal defenses to drought-resistant agriculture—are at risk. Africa’s strategy at COP29 must be clear-eyed and assertive. The continent should press for two key principles: equitable finance and accountability. This means ensuring that climate finance is accessible, predictable, and not weighted down by conditions that favor donor economies. Africa has experience with restrictive loans and delayed disbursements—mistakes that must not be repeated. Recent estimates suggest that Africa needs as much as $2.8 trillion by 2030 to achieve its climate goals. COP29 is a chance to argue for that scale of investment without resorting to new debt traps. But Africa’s demands should not stop at adaptation and loss compensation. It must leverage COP29 to spotlight the need for green infrastructure, energy transition, and technology transfer. The debate over natural gas use is particularly sensitive. Some see it as a bridge fuel; others argue it risks locking African countries into high-emissions pathways. The numbers support the latter view: renewables are now cheaper than gas in many African markets, and solar potential alone could power the continent 250 times over. A rapid pivot to renewables is not only feasible but also economically rational. At Baku, African leaders have an opportunity to steer the climate finance conversation toward results. To achieve this, they must set hard benchmarks for finance delivery and demand transparency in how funds are deployed. Africa’s climate future—and, by extension, its economic prospects—cannot be left to vague promises. For Africa, COP29 is not merely another summit; it is a moment to reshape the climate finance paradigm and ensure a future that aligns with its own needs and aspirations. Pan African Climate Justice Alliance PACJA African Development Bank Group Africa Adaptation Initiative African Union

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The need for Inclusive socio-economic development keeps manifesting in various ways. It requires a set of systematic strategies that take into consideration carefully defining the anticipated positive change at the beginning of any development intervention. Inclusive socio-economic development binds mathematics and English together and requires that the numbers speak to people's daily lives. Economists argue that Uganda's economic growth must triple the population growth rate to spur real development. Source: Monitor https://lnkd.in/dS-ih7Mt

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Our latest publication is a must-read! Titled "Generational Shifts?" Civic Tech in Kenya's Anti-Finance Bill Protests" emphasises the transformative impact of technology in mobilising youth action against the contentious #FinanceBill2024. The report highlights how a major segment of Kenya's population, particularly Generation Z, used digital platforms to organise rallies and express their dissatisfaction with new tax policies that threatened to raise the cost of living. Innovative techniques like #AI-generated material and chatbots were used to broadcast information about the bill and engage citizens, demonstrating a new style of #civic engagement that mixes online activism with traditional protest approaches. The report also discusses the issues created by #misinformation and government reactions, such as attempts to suppress #dissent with force. Overall, the report underscores the importance of #digital literacy and #civictech in allowing young Kenyans to question government policies, highlighting a watershed moment in #Kenya's political environment. Catch up with the report here! https://lnkd.in/d9sfKYqs Ali Hussein Kassim John Walubengo, CISA, CDPSE, (OGW)Rosemary Koech-Kimwatu Elizabeth Orembo Ronald Ojino, PhD Grace Mutung'u KICTANet

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The Finance Bill 2024 in Kenya has garnered mixed reactions, with some provisions potentially impacting women both positively and negatively. Here's a summary of the potential effects: Potential Positive Impacts: Improved Infrastructure: The bill emphasizes funding for public infrastructure, which can enhance women's mobility and safety. Better infrastructure means safer transportation options, reduced risks of gender-based violence, and increased access to economic and educational opportunities. Increased Healthcare Funding: The proposed increase in funding for healthcare services could improve women's access to essential health services, including maternal healthcare, leading to better health outcomes. Removal of Discriminatory Tax Provisions: The bill proposes to remove outdated tax provisions that discriminated against married women, recognizing their financial independence. Potential Negative Impacts: Increased Cost of Living: The proposed taxes on basic commodities like fuel and bread could disproportionately affect women, who often bear the burden of household expenses. This may further strain their budgets and limit their ability to invest in education or businesses. VAT on Sanitary Products: While not explicitly mentioned in the Finance Bill 2024, previous discussions around imposing VAT on sanitary products have raised concerns about period poverty. This would make menstrual hygiene products less affordable, affecting girls' and women's health and well-being. Overall: The Finance Bill 2024 has the potential to both improve and worsen the lives of women in Kenya. While the focus on infrastructure and healthcare could bring positive changes, the increased cost of living and potential impact on menstrual hygiene are major concerns. It is crucial to monitor the implementation of the bill and advocate for policies that prioritize women's needs and economic empowerment. Additional Considerations: The information provided here is a summary based on available sources. For a more detailed understanding, it is recommended to consult the following resources: What's in the Finance Bill for women? - Daily Nation: https://lnkd.in/dJQhz4Gm Analysis of the Finance Bill, 2024 13th May 2024 | Bowmans: https://lnkd.in/dJQYTTbZ Tax Legal Analysis of the Kenya 2024/2025 Budget and Finance Bill, 2024: https://lnkd.in/dVn6qaMm It is important for us as the women of Kenya to stay informed about the ongoing discussions and potential amendments to the bill. By actively participating in the conversation, we can advocate for a Finance Bill that truly addresses our needs and contributes to our economic empowerment.

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It's #TechTidesTuesday! 📰 🌊 Climate finance is a giant elephant in the room that few in the financial world seem willing to meaningfully address. This week, Nchedolisa Akuma hijacks my TechTides column to explain why it’s time for Africa to take control of its climate challenges by becoming a competitive player in the global climate finance market. Nchedolisa's insights draw on years of experience navigating Africa’s financial ecosystem and a deep personal commitment to environmental sustainability. Read about her passion for harnessing finance to better steward the planet. Don't miss it! ✅ https://lnkd.in/e_aZKX2b #ClimateFinance #Sustainability #Africa #ClimateTech #GreenFinance #SustainableDevelopment #Innovation

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Social Entrepreneurship: Zambia's Untapped Million-Dollar Opportunity There are 10 million social enterprises worldwide, generating $2 trillion annually and creating 200 million jobs across various sectors. The social enterprise sector is now larger than both the apparel and advertising industries, emphasizing its growing significance (State of Social Enterprise 2024 - The World Economic Forum). Social entrepreneurship is a trillion-dollar industry globally, yet in Zambia, we have barely scratched the surface in terms of investment and marketing. Despite their incredible work in addressing our society's most pressing challenges and driving social change, many social entrepreneurs in Zambia continue to struggle financially. This is a growing field with immense potential, and I firmly believe that with strategic marketing and proper investment, we could solve numerous social issues and transform the lives of countless young changemakers. I foresee a time when schools, colleges, and universities across the country will be clamoring to incorporate social entrepreneurship into their curricula. Institutions will soon realize the immense value of this field and will proudly begin to invest heavily in it. A shift is coming—just as it has become trendy for everyone to aspire to be social media influencers or content creators, so too will social entrepreneurship become a sought-after path. This transformation is on the horizon, and it's happening faster than we might expect. Take, for example, the pioneering work of Ilona, who launched her social enterprise in northwestern Zambia back in 2000. At a time when the region was reeling from the economic fallout of collapsing copper prices and mine closures, leading to widespread unemployment and malnutrition, she saw an opportunity. Ilona’s idea was simple yet revolutionary: reduce the cost of animal feeds, which were previously only affordable to large-scale chicken producers. By doing so, she created an entirely new market for small-scale chicken farmers, enriching the local economy, generating jobs, and combating malnutrition. Her enterprise, Zambia Feeds, stands as a testament to what is possible when social entrepreneurship is harnessed effectively. Ilona's success showed us what could be achieved, and today, I echo her message: Now is the time to embrace social entrepreneurship. The next 5 to 10 years will see this field rise to prominence in Zambia, with young Zambian millionaires emerging from it. The impact investing wave is coming our way, and soon, social entrepreneurs and changemakers will begin to reap the financial rewards of their work. This is our moment to step into social entrepreneurship. It’s now or never. The future of Zambia depends on the visionaries and changemakers of today, who will drive our nation toward sustainable growth and prosperity. Let’s seize this opportunity before it’s too late. Eng. Barrington Chungulo, BBA, MA. 13.08.2024

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